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° “93 a)" 93 WILLIAM sTREET. N. Y.. December 21, um.

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THE FOUL  WAY BAUK.

\
BY W. R. EYSTER,
AUTHOR OF “mums UI‘,” “PISTOL mums,”
“THREE HANDSOME SPORTS." “ SOFT
HAND SHARP," ETC., ETC.

CHAPTER I.
THE MAN-HUNTERS TAKE THE TRAIL.

“ N0, the poor boy never had a chance. and I
cannot blame him. In his younger dnvs he was
the gentlest Chlld fYou could imagine. I remem-
ber him yet, Wit his blue eyes, golden hair,
hanging in a mass of curls over his shoulders.
and a gentle smile on his delicate face. That
was before mother’s death. Alas! when he came
into the hands of Uncle “'illium all that was
changed.”

The speaker, Theodosia Lmlrlo, was full, wil—
lowy, young, and looked as though the (Work)—
tion of her brother might once have fitted her.
She was an heiress, just come to her majority,
and she spoke to Serena Wild, her com Ianion.

“ Uncle William didn’t understand him. and
so he bolted. Yes, I understand, if Uncle Wil-

m-.."

 

'2,

liam did not. That sort of boy can’t be driven.
He either dies or runs away if you try it. He
I wants to be led gently, or he won’t move a
" That is it, exactly. For years I heard noth~
1 ing of him; but it was not his fault. I found out
that Uncle William had suppressed the letters
he wrote to me. lint l have heard of him at
last, at some outrageous place in the mines that
goes by the name of ‘ Way Back.’ ”
“Classical location. I have heard of it also.
I think they said it was where they cut throats
for a dollar and throw in a coflin.”
“ I am afraid you describe it only too aptly.
I wrote hiiii, begging him to return; but the
poor boy is in the toils. He is deluded with the
_ idea of making a fortune ‘ soon,’ and I am sure
A i that he is bein influenced by the gi'aceless gang
around him. e says they all seem to love and
/ respect him, where he is; that he has a mis-
‘ sion there; and that he would only be lost in the
.5 conventionalities he would find in the East. As
fw'; ' for my money, that I offer to share with him,
* he says he would sooner starve than touch a
cent that was ever in Uncle William’s hands; and
that while he has a pan and rocker, and the
. sand yields gold, he is not likely to come to such
,. extremities.”
“ I am not sure,” murmured Serena, “ but
what I respect him for the sentiment."
“ Don't be V foolish. He has lost too much of
g ‘ his life already. I have decided. He must lis-
, . 2 ten to reason. I will save him. One cannot put
on paper the shades of reasnniug that one must
_ , use with a willful boy. I am going to find him,
" and brin him back, nolens oolens.”
, ,  Miss ild looked up with a twinkle in her
‘u . . brown eyes.
9., J c You probably remember that this willful
: - boy is some years your senior; that you have
 i not seen him since he was fourteen. Perhaps
 .. when you find him he will be as obstinate as
I. ever, and refuse to come. It strikes me that I
‘. r' wouldn’t attempt to do more than my duty."
“He will come the moment I step between
. him and the influences that are at work upon
?. , him. I have decided that I will 0'0.”
‘. “ And I have decided that I wiIl go alon .”
“ No; Serena. It is duty that takes me t ere;
«’but you would have no excuse for thrusting

nger. I would dearly love to have you with
me, but I must go alone.” '

‘ “ Indeed you will not, if ’I have to bring you
before the courts as a fit subject for a Lunatic
Asylum. Of course you will have some one to
protect you, and that some one can protect me
too. Oh, it will be grundl It is the region of
(all others that I wish to visit I”

,The sudden notion of her companion almost
staggered Theodosia, y when it was more fully
discussed, she was gra ually won over to give
her consent. When two rsons resolutely set
themselves to view only t e pleasant side of a
question it is not so hard to forget the dangers.
_, A journey. even across the continent, is no
Egan hardship in these days of Pullmans and

ough tickets. It was so quickly made that
the young ladies had hardly time to realize that
'there’, was something of an entirely different
nature at the other end before they were face to
face with its uncertainties and dangers.
“If your man is ever going to come, now is
, the time for him to put in his appearance,” said
Serena. looking disconsolately out of the window
of the station, taking in as much as she could of
the stragglin little town.

- “ I think would have arrangedto‘havemy
guide_meet me somewhere Within the limits of
civilization. We have started now, and can’t
go back. Just supposing he fails , turns
, out to be some one impossible to accep. You
are sure th there was no mistake about place
and date? can tell you, Theodosia, in the lan-
gag]: of the little darky, ‘ the furder I goes

9 a eerder I git.’ ”

‘. “There will be no mistake. For reasons of
my own. after looking up the matter pretty
s ' iboroughly, it seemed best to me to start from
‘ ere.
liable guide here to take us in charge; and they
, kee their promises, when there is money to be
’ma‘ e. We discussed the unpleasant features of
the trip very thoroughly before we started, and
new there is nothing for us to do but to ignore
' 1 them. I am not at all alarmed, and if I was,
it would be too late to turn back. Everything
is provided for, and in a. day or so you will be
laughing at your fears.” ,
' “ Oh. as for that, I have no fears, nor the least
idea of turning back; but I confess it does not
seem so much of a frolic as it did at a distance.
80. your detective turns,out to be ‘an elderly
7 gentleman, with a family of say nine. I care
, not for the rest. When do you expect him?”
“ He Was to be here- by four o’clock.”
/ “ It is after that time new.”
, “And here is your detective, ladies. I have
been watching you for some moments, though
'thout a doubt that you were the individuals I
’ ' Here is my letter of introduc-

hon.

1
If he heavens had tumbled, Theodosia could
‘ have felt more overwhelmed. .
» The inactive guide was a woman 1

Good heavenslg what do they mean?" was

 

  
 
   
      
  
   
    
   
   
  
   
   
  
    
    
   
     
   
   
   
    
   
  
  
   
   
 

  

   
  

   
 
  
       
 

our-self into what I cannot but admit will be.

The Association promised to have a re— 1 ,
' I “That depends. Ifhochooses he can disap-

 

0
Pinnacle Pete.
the instinctive exclamation of Miss Wild. “ Is
this a jest, or are they all lunatics at head-
quarters .4” "

“ Neither! You see, the gentleman who was
to accompany this ex )edition fell suddenly sick.
He was the only stai , sober, middle~aged, mar-
ried man on the force who would suit your pur-
pose. As I have some little acquaintance near
'Way Back, and have a straightforward, suc-
ceszul way of doing business, they elected me
to till his place; subject, of course, to your de-
cision. ‘Vhat do you say? Are you afraid to
trust me?”

“ Are you alone?”

“ Perhaps—perhaps not. As I understand it,
you are paying well, and the company can
afford to look after my safety as well as yours.
There may be wheels within wheels. Trust us
or don’t trust us, just as you choose: but, make
up your mind at once! ’

It was an important question to decide on such‘

brief notice; but Theodosia. was equal to the
occaSiou. .

“ Your people have a reputation to sustain,
and are not in the habit of practical jokes on
customeis from whom they can contingently ex-
pect a large fee. Your letter is perfectly cor-
rect, and without further uestion I will accept
your services. I am glad to meet you, Miss
'Vundcleur, and hope that our journey will be
both pleasant and profitable. You are ac-
quainted at lVay Back?”

“Hardly. It is beyond the range of my ex-
ploration. Yet I know some persons who are
not far from there. 1f I can meet them now
our success will be almost secured.”

“ You know something of the place?”

“ A little.” ‘

“And perhaps you know Rolland Lande—or
at least have heard of him.” _

The lady detective smiled.

And when she smiled she had a very leasant
face, for the su gestive firmness of her 'ps was
relieved, and t ere was a twinkle in her eyes

. which told that her profession had not entirely

destroyed a natural taste for the ludicrous.

“If that was the name he carried back East
a dozen years ago, and he has since been living
in such places as Way Back, I am afraid there
will be some difficulty in finding any traces of
it now.” , ,

“But, he is there; Ihave been. corresponding
with him. How else could he get my letters?”

“ An arrangement could be easily made, and
even the postmaster not know who was the cor-
respondent. As I said I have a. friend near
therPPinnacle Pete. If any one can tell about
your Rolland; it will be he. He has known the
country for a long time, and everything goes
that he says.” '

“ Pinnacle Pete? A strangename.” '

“Yes, but just right for the man that hears
it. He is ’way up, in accordance with the [lan—
gnage of the mines.”

“ And-of what sort is he, anyhow?”

“ Don’t ask me, for I can hard] do justice to
him in any description that I mig t give, if you
have not understood what I have already said.
He may not be the kind of acquaintance that
you would care to make; but he is of value to
me, and I hope to beable to see him. 'Probably
I am indebted a great deal to my knowledge of
him; without it I would hardly have been sent
on this ex ition.” :

“ Good- coking, is he?” asked Miss Serena,
with a pronounced smile.

“ More than goal—looking; he is the hand-
somest man in the mines."

“ And is a miner, I suppose?”

“ Yes, with cards and revolver. Whether he
does anything else than use them he has forgot-
ten to mention. Some say he is a detective.’

_" Good-lookin a prominent citizen, a. man of
worth—" said ise Serena, reflectively. “I
think I will cultivate him.” i .

“ When you find him.”

There was a touch of sarcasm in the tone of
the lady detective that made Miss Wild look up
quickly and ask:

"‘ Is he so hard to find?”

pear, bodily and com lately, with more celerity
than any man I ever new. And when he wants
to be seen he is anywhere and all over. If I had
a case against him I suppose I could hunt him
down, because I could use extraordinary means;
but I wouldn’t like to guarantee success in seek—
ipg an ordinary interview that he wished to
avoid.” '

While she spoke the young ladies were examl
ini‘pg her features more closely than they had
ye one.

They were regular. delicately cutami refined.
There was a rich bloom of health on her face,
and her figpre, a little below the medium hight,
was perfection itself. Altogether, she was a
handsome, self-possessed little blonde, tastefully
dressed in a plain, serviceable suit, and looked
as though she might have plenty of courage, in-
telligence and endurance. I
From the letter of introduction that both had
read, they understood that her name was Millie
Vandeleur. ‘
Yet Miss Lands did' not care to grow- too fa-
miliar on‘snch a brief-acquaintance; and now
she Spoke somewhat with ’ *

 
 
   

 

   
  

.rangements that were necessar . I

.been feeling as though I wanted to embrace my "

 

lgld par

\

“ Pinnacle Pete is only a means to an end, and
it is not necessary to discuss too closely his pri- ‘
vate character and qualities. I asked. for some
one to guide us safely to Way Back, and if
necessary find my brother for me—”

“ Then, you think it possible that he may seek
to avoid an interview?” ,

The innocence with which Miss Vandeleur
spoke could not be offensive; but there wasa
little thrust about it, nevertheless.

“ I think—I know—that he is willing to meet
me; but there are others who may desire that
he should not. I do not want to disguise the
truth. He was a weak, willful boy, who ran
away from home because he would not brook the
restraint of our uncle, who desired to keep him
out of bad company. Some years have elapsed
since then, but I fear he is just as easily led
away. He intimated to me that he could not
see me, and I- know no other reason for it. I
have come to rescue him from his surroundings
and take him home with me. If these men hide
him away I want him hunted out.”

“ If things are as you say, it is only too likely ,
that these men desire you to come. A rich
heiress would be worth more to them than a
simple-minded youth, who has nothing in his
plain, right. We will havo to be doubly care-

u .

“ By the stage, We are bound to attract some
attention, of course; but if we went on horse-
back it would be offering a premium to the
agents to hold us up. You will be safer, and I
think more comfortable; though, for myself,‘
it makes little difference to me which way we

0. >

“ And the stage starts—when?”

“To-morrow morning. 1 havelalready had
three places reserved, and made all other ar-
would
adVise that you retire early an get a,good
night’s rest. Don’t trouble ourself with idle
ipeculations, that will only eep ou awake.

lent of time for them on the r .” '

“ ery well, Miss Vandcleui'. We~commit our-
selves to your guidance.”

CHAPTER II.
A B A n r L U s n .

WHILE Miss Lande and her' friend were
slumbei-ing quietly, four men were. sitting t0-~
gather in a. tiny little room, not much over a.
hundred yards away, and these men had, or in-
genged to have, something to do with her

es in . ,

Each in his way was at least ordinarily good-
looking; yet here, when the mask was 0 , their
faces had a wicked, hardened look.

They hud_been sitting there for half an hour,
cgglversmg in a low tone and drinking moder-
a y.

“ I don’t believe the old man’ is coming,” said
one at length, and abruptly. ,“ He’s way he—
hind his time; and that means somethin in the
road, unless Dave, you didn't t it straight.”

The speaker was the smal‘Igst man/of the
party, with a straight sharp nose, cold gra
eyes, and thin i 3, who was known to be
friends as Specter in, probably from his habit
of suddenly appearing or disap caring. He
was dressed the most precisely of all, in a suit of
black, a. ‘boiled’ shirt, neatly-fitting boots of
fine leather, and wore/on his variegated silk
necktie a blazing diamond of tempting value. .

“Don‘t werry yourself about Dave. When
he don’t carry such things straight it will be
after to-rlay. Ask Dan the Dale what Lucifer
said to him. If he" don’t say is s was the hour
I’ll cave and ‘go down to the Comet. There’s}-
tenderfoot there. in soak that is just rolling m
coin, and bursting with the idea that he knows
how to play draw. I’m not wasting a chance
like that for ant other man on this fOOtStOOI-
Lucifer talks, it means business.
I‘m waiting and the old man will be along in
due time. It’s no use to tr to hurry, the
funeral procession; it‘ll get to t e graveyard all
the same.” ‘ , '

“ Thanks, Revolver Rube,” said another
voice, at the sound of which they all turned
with a start. . ,

“ The old man is here now. Ididn’t want to
B21: any of you to any inconvenience, but it has.

 

But, when

en some time since We all got together; this  ; ‘

movement suited‘ me; and .a little thing  5

turned up, in which we are all somewhat, in-
terested. I thou ht, perhaps, it would» be as,
well that you barf pointers, and thatwe talked
the matter over. I can‘t say thatput here there
is any likelihood of trouble; but in some places
there might be.” . < ~
Specter Sam glpt his answer in first.
i “ It looks mig _
got an eye on the same thing. If it hadn’t been
that I wantedto make sure I would have 15ft
my card and one off' about my business, How
you knew it- can’t say—but then you know

  
 
   
   

the matter in hand. for now there will be a
div all around and no danger of a fight. '33-,
volv r Rube has been itching to pull and open
out on us: Durango DaVe has been thoughtful] ‘
feeling that knife of his; Dan the Daisy wan .
to hold us all up, while I’ll confess I havcnlt ,

  
 

ds. Take the chair
' I  is.

ceptem‘ and,

 

\‘/

 

ty much as though we had all _ ‘

everything. lt’sa good thing you have taken 

 

 

    
        
        
   
       
     
      
   

   

      
 
  

 

   
     
   
      
  
 
 
 
    
   
 

 

 
  
  
 

   

 

\

. ter will be saved.

Pinnacle Pete.

 

 

 

 

 

.What on Want. Then we’ll come up to the

rack, odder or no fodder, and a heap of slaugh-
We didn’t all part very good
friends the last time we met, and it will take a
hand like yours to straighten us up.”

“ I’ve thought of all that, Sam—of course you
understand. I have been keeping an eye on you.
That’s not to stop. Now—business.

“ You remember a. little job with a teiiderl‘oot
some years ago?"

“ Dozens of bin,” said Dali the Daisy, inter—
rupting. “ All our jobs Were with teuderl‘eet.
If you run your finger down the ledger, you’ll
find a pretty long account opened, and for any
particular items we’ll have to go to the index.”

“ Correct, Daniel! “'e have done a heap of
work together, and may do more. I thought
perhaps you understood matters better than
you seem to. Maybe you’ll remember a fair-
faced young follow that we met in Hard Luck,
who had made a strike and felt as large as all
outdoors. His name was Rolland Lande.”

Specter Sam chuckled softly, and in one way
or another all showed that the name was not un—
familiar.

“ Well, my impression was that he died shortly
after our last interview; and I was very well
satisfied to retain that impression, and ask no
(piestions as long as the rest of the world didn’t.
The time seems to have come when those ques-
tions are going to he asked.” I

“ Let them ask,” growled Revolver Rube.
“ Nobody else knows anything about him, and I
guess we won’t talk.” -

“ I’m not so sure of that; and what I wanted
to talk about was what we were all going to
sa '’1

“ If it’s my chip, l’d remark—say nothing at
all. It’s the silent pig, you know, that gets the
broth. Of course, there’s two words that I have
to shout now and then, but I’m trying to edu-
cate my tax-payers up to sparing me even that.
‘ Hands up 1’ you understand?”

“ In most cases that is just the thing—if we
want to look after our interests and gather in
the coin it won’t do in this. There’s a heap of
coin yet to be made; and we didn’t, do so badly
in the pool on the first heat. I’ve been working
the case up on my own hook, but when 1 foam
you were all gathering in hereI thought per.-

aps it would be better for me to open up down
to bed-rock, and take you all in on the ground
floor. You understand? I’m giving my game
clean away; and I’ve got to take my chances of
your coming in.”

" We’re all read to buy land,” whispered
Specter Sam, and his sibilant tones were barely
yet distinctly audible.

“ I understand the hint. Talk is cheap. Well,
the clearer you understand my platform the bet-
ter it will be for all of us. I’ll tell you just what
I have been doing. I didn't think much of .the
matter at the time, but I don’t forget names and
dates when I assist at the obsequies, spiritual or
financial, of a victim.”

“Nice thing to lie awake rainy nights and
think over ” muttered Durango Dave.

“ My lookout and my way of doing business.
It comes in handy just now. Some time ago I
came in possession of a. letter to one Rolland
Lande, written by his sister. She had fallen
heir to their uncle’s estate, and wanted him to
come back and share it with her.

“ I drppped to the whole inwardness in no
time; an as I had very great fears that Rolland
would never be able to respond I answered the
letter fer him. The result is that she has come
on to clear up his indebtedness, and take him
back to the land flowing with milk and honey.
She has a. large amount of money and available
collateral. There is a fortune in it for one man;
there are big stakes in it fer five. What are you
all doing?” . .

“ That’s a. good hand to draw to; but it 18 go-
ing‘ totake good cards to fill. You don’t sup-
pose she will come out here all alone, and put
herself in our hands? You enjoyed the pleasures
of the correspondence; (lid she write as though
she was a. natural-born idiot?”

“ Don’t be desponde'nt, Sam. There have
been big er fools than all that, and yet the
world di n’t know it. You forget that I have
been at the other end of the string. She started
with another young lady who has been her com-

anion for some years; and they traveled alone.

be are in town, and are going down to Way
Bac: like lambs to the slaughter. Now, hands
on the board, how many of you had eyes on
them?”
I “ I had a hint that they were on the road,”
answered Den the Daisy, speaking up promptly,
“and I came here to keep an eye out, as you
say. The boys will expect to hold up the caval-
cade. and make a little fortune out of it. I‘m
gatisfied to take my share out on the road

0

“ And what you leave won’t make heavy
carrying,” put in Re'volver Rube. “ If you

‘ want to see it, here’s a. letter from a side pard of,
v ' mine, telling me that such game was afloat.”

“I came a hundred miles to get my eyes on

' , the sister of Rolland Lands,” added Durango

Dave, gloomily. “Like as not she’ll prove bad

g medicine fer some of us;but I wanted to be

around.”
. ,_“I'fe1t‘it~ in my bones that there was somes

\ , l

 

T If I’m not you can amuse yourselves trying

thing going to happen. Ididn’t know what it
was; but it seems ave had my eye on her and
her pard ever since they left New York City.
If anybody has the claim fer a big share‘Spocter
Sam is the man.”

The leader listened quietly.

“You are all us keen scented as ever after
game; but from all that has been said, ten thou—
suid would cover all any one expects to make.
That, divided by five, don’t leave very much
for each I’ll guarautee that, and a fair share
of the plunder. How many are willing to cap
in for the old man?”

“ You needn’t put it that way,” retorted
Specter Sam. “ All you have to do is wsay the
word, and the hand is full-five of a suit, and
hard to beat. I don’t guess we want to buck
against each other. so there’s nothing left but to
pull together. Read us the orders, and you
know what you can depend on. We pulled to-
gether ten years ago.”

“ I knew I could rely on you. It makes a
little change in my programme; but that will
be all the better in the long run. All I shall ask
is that in the future, when you meet Mrs. Eric
Rivers, you tell no tales out of school that might
suggest a clew to the truth. I don’t Want the
lady to hear a lecture on the advantages by
which her liege lord raked in the pot, you under-
stand; I’m going in for keeps."

“ I guess that’s plain enough for us to sabbe.
What cards are you going to throw on the first
deal?”

“I don’t know anything better than to let
Daisy Dan go on with his game. Hold ’em all
up, take everything that is available, and set a
stiff price on their ears. Give them to under-
stand that they can go and welcome; but if they
want to take their ears with them they have to
pay a. price that is ’way up.”

“ And where do we come in?” asked Durango
Dave, somewhat anxiously. “ Dan is square
enough, but don’t you forget that there is a.
gang behind him that will want thein whack at
the proceeds. Dan might turn over his share,
but when yer get any current funds or negot'-
able securities out of the paws of those daisies of
his, on can just tell me all about it.”

‘ an alive! Haven’t I been trying to tell

on all about it? Let Dan have the skimmings.

hat ought to set me solid with you all. Im
not worrying about a. little pocket in the hors-
ing. I’m after all the or that is in the lead,
and mean to make a. clan -up all the way down
to bed-rock. You four divide it to suit your-
selves, and I’ll help fyou to make your stakes.
All I ask is what is e t—if it’s only the girl her-
self. Dan can manage his men. As a general
thin , they only take what the can get their
han s on, and if they are paid or their trouble
they won’t object to go a little further—if they
know they are working for Lucifer Lightning,
as he used to be called.’ ‘

“And how much is there going to be in this
play?” asked Durango Dave.

“I said there was from ten to twenty thou-
sand in cash and collaterals. That I am willing
to let go to the men who make it. I’m playing
for a round, cool million. The pile may bea.
good deal smaller than I think i is; I may be
badly fooled; but I’m willing to guarantee ten
thousand each, if on stand by me through
thick and thin till t e riffle is made.”

“ And suppose the damsel won’t have any of
you in hers; how you going to come out
square?”

An ominous smile wrinkled Lucifer’s hand-
some face. ,

“ Did you ever hear of my making a failure?
When you do will be time enough to ask such
qliliestions. I would sooner she would bend; if
s e won’t she must break, and you can bet your
bottom dollar I’ll be there, gathering up the
ends. If I’m out of pocket on the spec, ou
fellows won’t have any occasion to bowl. fly
bank account is good for more than forty thou-
sand.” _

“Good enough, old man. That’s all we need
to know, and we’re with you all the way and
back again. It’s just as well to have a. clear
understanding at the begining of a job; now
that we have that all we want is our orders. If
Dan is to hold them up on the road where do
the rest of us come in at? You hardly want to
mix us ii with his gang.” ‘

“Iiet an run that part 'ust as he intended
to. One of you come wit me, I don’t care
much which one, but Sam might suit, a little
the best for the work, I can give him his in-
structions in five minutes. The rest can oon
to Way Back and seek amusement till am
heard from. There’s plenty of fun there and
you on ht to be able to make it pay. , You
know th camp.” _

“And the camp knows us. But, if you drop
03 the trail we’ll be taking up the running on our
own book. Don’t tarry long; you don’t want
‘to see our hands i the game. , ,

“ [’11 be there a. ut the time the damsel is.

yo‘i‘iiAhagids tili l ariiive:t , i h

n spos n — ju say spcsin t areal,
identicle Rollan Lande shows up? ‘ he lived
through the starter we give him there won’t be
much of the tenderfoot about him by this time.

 

 

‘ I donrt figure on it much, but ymi’vpgut’to keep
i ll

      

 

an eye on what’s most unlikely to happen. Of
course I know what I’d do, but I want to catch
on to what will suit your hand.”

And Durango Dave eyed the captain anxious-.
ly as he spoke.

“ N 0 need to ask that question,” gritted back
Lucifer; “ cut his throat without delay or re-
morse.”

“ That’s our platform then. A wedding and
g funeral, and curse the difference which comes

rst.

 

CHAPTER III.
URIAH TAKES THE WAR-PATH.

“ URIAH, I can’t tell whether you’re not
worth your salt; or whether you’re keen as a
file. How is it? Do you think you’re fit to trust
on important business?”

Uriah hesitated,.rolled up his eyes until noth- -
ing but the whites were visible and after a mo—
ment of silence, that might have been spent in
deep thought, slowly stuttered: .

” Asa-a- I d-d-d—dunno.”

“ No—and no one else knows! It wasn’t
worth while to take so lonf,r to find an answer.
With you the only course is to shut oue’s eyes
and go it blind. So far you’ve come out at the
top of the heap; but, hang me if I wouldn’t like
to know why! Is it all dumb luck; or is there
something in you that the um‘egeiierate can’t
see?

“ A-a-a-I d-d-d-dunno.” ‘

“There it is again. Of course you don’t
know! Since I first stumbled across you—or
you over me, which is the sure correct way to
put it—you never were dead open and shut sure
of tithing that was worth the knowing. Ifi'some-
body was to ask you who; was you’d give just
the same answer." . ,i . .

This time there was a slight change in the
programme. Uriah shut one eybnne would I
almost have sworn with a. twinkle of slyness;
the other he rolled up as before, while his lips
dropped the same‘ cific answer. g

“Probably you on’t—there’s the truth—for
once in a. while. N 0w, let me give you your in-
structions. I’ll make them short enough, lie—'-
cause there don’t seem to be a bit of use to
to tell you how to do a thing. The only plan is
to tell you a. con la dozen times over what is to
be done, and cave the ways and means to
Providence, and your own lack of understand-e
ing. Somehow. in spite of everything, Uriah
generally gets there.”

5‘ Wi-wi-with b-b-b-both feet l”

Sidney Compton laughed. The interruption
was a ropos: and a mine of truth to boot. He,
look at the fellow aggreciatively, and Uriah,
in turn, grinned idiotic 

“I don’t dispute the act," continued Cam
ton, “or I wouldn’t say another word.
give you the pointers and turn on 10086.”

“ L—l-let her p—p—p’int,” said rich amiably. .

“In brief, here is your cue. Take the next

stage for Coronado: say nothing to anybody, go _ .. 

quietly, keep your eyes open to see if there is
any one else on the same errand. If so, avoid
him. When you get to the station keep cpol
and in the shade. Watch the trains from the
East. If they are on time on Thursday, tvgo
young ladies should get off and make in uirieo
about Way Back. Don’t bother them, bu kee ,
ypur eyes on them. See that the get throng
safet . As soon as they arrive at me know.”

“ Is t -th-that all?”

“That’s about all; but if you wereabetter
man, I’d say that you had just about as In a
contract as you would want to carry, on v
around the time you were reaching the end. II I ;
it was any one else, I’d have a thousand words, 3
of advice; for Uriah, the man of luck I need ‘
only mark the lines, and an , ‘ Go in and Win)”

“ K-k-kerrect,” stutte Uriah, extending:
his hand—to draw it back again as the other

. that f—fofool p—p—pluy.

offered to grasp i " A
It’s
kuk—koin thet I want.” ‘

“ N-n-none 0v

“Oh! yes. I forgot. There’s a hundred for
yourself. Pay your way. And, Uriah, an ex- -.
case may be needed for t e journey. Save it _ ’
till the last minute; but I’ll ‘ve you a thouaags 
to send to Barr Brothers, in Frisco, to be planed v
to my credit. Send by express, and bring me a’
receipt—if they let you get through.” .

On such brief notice, and with such indefinite
instructions, Sidney Campton started Uriah «
out-on what was undoubtedlynn important l ,
misswn. .

At Way Back Sidney Cam ton was a well-- ; w «
known gentleman; and no y said any evil of
him, in spite of the fact that he was a com-
paratively new man. Respectable clothes, well-_  :

ept person, untamed skin; these guvehim the,
appearance of being strangely out of lace when
seen amen the brigandish citizens o the classic .
town of ay Bock. , . 1 ,

It is true that he had a foreni for his mine;
who_claimed a. good record, an was knownto ,
be dizzy on the shoot, behind whom was a g , ’
both rough and tough. But, however mu
their moral influence, they had never actunlb’ ,
been called .on to interfere; and perhapsgiig, '
were of less 1m tance than oneon theou ,

would guess. 0 far, at least, no one had even

thrown any doubts upon the «1qu of Sidney“:
u sandy . ~ 1

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

   
   
  
 
 

’ s.

' 4

r . i \

Pinnacle Pete. I \‘

 

There was one other reason why Sidney Camp-
ton should be looked at with some reverence if
not respect. He was the brother of Belle. Camp-
'ton; and Belle Camptor. was a young lady pos-
sessed of the spirit and cod looks that were
better than coin at Way ack. While she did
not have any intimate friends she had such a

‘ cordial way about her that no one accused her
of being proud or exclusive. though there was no
one else there quite so particular about making
acquaintances. She had some excuse for not
bein seen abroad so often, since she was her
brot er’s housekeeper, and looked after the
physical comfort of him and Uriah.

As for the latter, there was not much known
about him, except that he was Sidney Campton’s
man of all work, who attended strictly to busi-
ness and for the rest left the balance of the
world alone. He had been an inmate of the
little stone house, just out at the edge of town,
for some months, and had shown no signs of set-
tilig the nearest river on fire by his brilliancy.

1 course, it. some months at Way Back a
man could hardly expect to go among its aver-
age citlzens without meeting some sort of adven-
tures. Uria ’s were not of the sort to impress
themselves strongly on the populace. He had
been shot at two or three times accidentally or
otherwise, had been found occasionally in the
heart of a skrimmage at fisticutfs; was dug out
unwounded, from a caVe-in; but Sidney seemed
the only one who recognized the remarkable

/ luck that protected him in all these places, when

other and better men were killed. He watched
the young man with amazed curiosity, and had
arrived at the frame of mind concerning him in-
dicatod by the conversation just detailed.

Miss Belle did not- usually take much stock in
fellows of his stamp, and was not particularly
interested in him; but his neral appearance,
as a dependent of the ampton ousehold,
shocked her taste when she did notice him; and
she suggested either some changes, or dispensing

’ with him altogether.

The result was—neither.

Sidney Cam ton laughed, and said that Uriah
was good med cine 'ust as he was, and that to
change his coat mig t chan hir luck. When
the innocentdarling stoodbe 'nd his chair in the
thick ofthe heaviest game of draw of the season
his luck changed to the good, right away, and
saved a little fortune. Be on ged Uriah on the
spot, and intended to keep him as long as he
would stay content with his work and wages.

Still, Uriah was not an elegant ob‘ect to con-
template. He was clad in a suit 0 Kentucky
jeans that fitted as though it had grown on him,
except a void of about six inches around the
ankles, where a pair of very dirty cotton stock-
ings bridged the chasm between the antaloons
and the cowhide shoes that were a mi 9 too big.
His flaxen hair was worn long and plastered
behind his ears. and the already wonderful

,/ length of his thin face was made almost preter-

natural by the long goatee that adorned his
chin, while his big. shy blue eyes never seemed
to seeanything nearer than a mile away. He
was not much given to conversation, and stutr
tered when he talked.

Where Uriah came from was uncertain. He
gave very indefinite answers when questioned
on the In ject, the substance of them being that
he was from back East. The supposition was
that he once lived on a farm somewhere up in
New England, but in what State or section
Caman had not been able to find out. That,
howsver, was of little importance, so long as
New land shrewdness, or a heavy run of
good In , brought the factotum through all
Sieght in the undertakings placed on his shoul-

rs.
These, so for, had not been particularly im~
rtant: but this trip to Coronado was of a dif-
’ erect nature from anything he had yet been
intrusted with, and Camgtfn’s udgment was
either very good or very d w en he started
him OR in such a haphazard way; but Uriah,
with the usual blundering haste that character-
ized his operations, climbed into the stage, that
. . through exactly on time, and set out on
is ourney.

e was not the only passenger; and at Hard
Luck several more got on, so that there was
quite a stage full; an of rather sociable people,
too, though the dozen-haired youth seemed tobe
acarcel noticed, as he sat in silence, with his
hands olded in front of him and his big blue
eyes staring straight forwa .

‘ . The journey was long and tiresome, but it

finally came to an end, and Uriah found himself

‘ ‘at Coronado, looking neither the worse not the

better for his lon ride. He went at once to the
dinner-table, an afterward washed the sleep
and dust out of his eyes and strolled around
» town, inquiring the price of things so persist-
ent] that several of the business men began to
thin the had ot hold of 5. pr 've store-
keeper, w 0 he come down to the nearest rail-

: road int to lay in a stock of nods, and would
have as g

n willinghto pay him attention accord-

‘ingl if hehad owna dis ition to ac t.
.l He  not seem inclined to  shookcefiis

headat all invitations, and stu out a re-
fusal. ' ‘

 There was adaytospare, acoordingtoSidney

 

Camptpns instructions, but when the

 

.3,

end of the building

 

 

came in Uriah stopped incidentally as he was
passing the station, and his great go gle eyes
roved up and down the platform unti
satisfied that there were no two ladies inquiring
the road to Way Back. Then he moved on.
After supper he azed refiectively up and down
the street, and t en turned around, re-entered
the hotel and sought his bed. That he got there,
no one could have doubted who took the trouble
to listen. In a short time his snoring could be
heard all over the house.

The following afternoon he was again inci-
dentally at the station, and saw the two young
ladies alight.

As they looked around in an inquiring way,
it was not hard to guess that they were the
travelers for Way Back. Even Uriah, had he
been dumber than he looked, would not be likely
to guess much less than that.

Having located them, he told the fact 03' on
his fingers as the first point; and after scratch-
ing.r his head, rubhin his eyes, and otherwise
brushing up his intel ect he found the second
point, and looked aroun to see if there was
any one with an eye on them, for either good or
evil.

Specter Sam had slipped jauntin out of the
Pullman and had gone airily about his business.
1Ill: would have taken a wise head to suspect

im.

Several men who had been lounging around,
much after the manner of Uriah, had gone
about their business, 'if they had any; and he
felt no call to follow them.

But there was one person, a handsome though
plainly—dressed young lady, who had already at-
tracted .his attention, and seemingly puzzled
him greatly.

Uriah had been. watching her, anyhow—
when he saw that she was taking an interest in
the arrivals, he became more vigilant; and
when the three went awa together he shook
his head and followed at a istance. Unfortun-
ately he saw no way to overhear an thing of
their conversation; but he was not a to ther
without his resources. When he made is in-
quiries about the stage he found that three
ladies were booked throu h to Way Back; and
he immediame secured is own place and ap-
peared to feel relieved. They were on the right
track without any meddling on his part, which
wash. good augury for the total success of his
human. .

This night, after supper, his bed did not have
so many attractions. Instead of wooing slum-
ber, he went off with a firmness that he did not
often show, and this lasted at least until he had
reached the White Star gambling saloon.

By that time something of this firmness had
disappeared. He hesitated, turned away once
or tw 09, as thou h he intended to depart with-
out enterin , an when he did pass through the
doors, he si ed along the wall to a seat in a re-
tired corner, where for some time he sat watch-
ing‘ the ghoceedings. '

he ite Star was a place where if one
wanted a choice of amusements, he could find a
pretty wide range toselect from. Most any-
thing went there, if it required skill to play
it, and coin to back it up. The proprietor ran
faro and sometimes Mexican monte, with no ob~
jections to short cards. ~ ,

Although it was still early in the evening, the
royal game begun, and there was Mexican
monte, r e at noir, and half a dozen games
of draw, w ile around the bar at the further
stood a crowd of the thirsty
ones, who were drinking according to their
means or their opportunity.

It was a room of good size, and though not
very stylish, was fitted u well for the pugoses
for which it was used. t the end where riah
had taken his seat, were two or' three little
stalls, each ust about large enough to seat four
men aroun a narrow board table covered with
common oil-cloth. The partitions of these ns
ran up some seven feet, and as there was al ttle
door in front, that could be secured by a bolt,
they were quite private, and were in some de-
mand. There were men who did not care about
all Coronado looking over their backs when they

were playing for keeps.
The partitions were thin, though carefully
put up. It would have been hardto seeinto

the rooms; if their occupants did not want their
conversation overheard, it was understood that
the could talk in a low tone.

metimes this was done, and sometimes not.
The five men who were crowded into one of
them probably thought they were doing so—
certainly the were not aware that Uriah, sit,
fin crowdl upflanther the most Ilznobtrizosive-
oo' styewi iseyeseager exp ring
thevista of the long room before Kim, was al-
most at their elbows, and could, if he chose,
overhear almost every word that was said.

He neither W nor looked conscious when
the conference ended as detailed in the previous
cha tar, but sat there unmoved and unmoving
wh the five filed out and moved away tow
the other end of the hall.

It was a long room—as has “been stated—the
five had cgone some distance before Duraugo

Dave sud only halted, seizing Rube by the arm
whflshepointedatalarge- '
_ Theinfernnl

“WWI.

   
 

he was -

‘ “ Plant him, then.

 
 
 
 
  

l
every word, keep an eye on him. Before we
leave the Star he must go over the range.”
Rube, lookin up into the glass, saw the
limpsy figure 0 Uriah, whose goggle eyes still
roved around the hall.

CHAPTER IV.
MILLIE VANDELEUR’S COOL PLAY.

“BY heavens!” said Rube, in the same in—
tense undertone, “ it’s that fool of Campton's,
from ‘ Way Back.’ What‘s he doing here?"

“Catchin’ on to our game, of course. What
he don’t know ain’t worth knowing, and his
boss is a bad man to have posted against us if
he chooses to come in. Curse him! Sid Comp—
ton’s a man that don’t say much—butter don’t
melt in his month if you believe his looks—but
I’ll bet hi b that when he holds a full band he
knows w at to do with it. But he couldn’t
know anything about our game, and maybe the
billy-doodle won’t have sense enough to putztwo
and two together. He has the points—if he
knows what they mean: and if it was all my
say I’d plant him to make sure. I’ll plant him
right now. If it’s to be done at all we don’t
wantto let him carry the news to Way Back.”
Maybe it won’t be so safe
to try it on here, when Daisy Dan could do it
along the road without any trouble; but there’s
the risk of his leaking before he starts, or Sid
Campton turning up and getting the whole
give-away. It’s an awkward job, but it’s got
to bedone. Eh? Curses on it! Just when a
fellow turns over a new leaf and makes up
his mind to reform! Did you ever see suc
luck?”

“Tough it is; but how you going to get at
him—where’s the best place to finish it up? A
trick of that kind I’d always sooner work with
acrowd looking on to see fair play. It saves
afterclaps."

“ Correct you are, again. Maybe it won’t be
so hard if he stays stuck up there. He must be
'ustd ing to be plugged or he wouldn’t prop

imse f for such a good mark. If we cantdo
better we’ll go down there and start a racket.
You pull your knife on me, and I’ll draw and
plug—him.”

“ And afterward! If I don’t lift the hair of a
man that takes a shot at me the boys will all
think I’ve lost my sand, and I’ll have to killa
down before they understand there has been a
mistake”:

“ Don’t be so bashful. l’ll fix that. It’s the
only wayto work the riflle. He won‘t fight.

on see, and you’ll have to. They won’t hov 1
if a man makes a misshot; but there would to
merry Hade if we stepped hard on the toes of
the flat from Way Bac ”

“ You’re talkin sense with a flat foot, and
yet—I’m not sure ow it will work. The signs
ain’t right for 8. ob of that kind, and I had a
baddream the rst night I struck the town.
I’ll take four to one that something happens to
somebody. There’s no luck bucking against a.
man without brains. Still—let her went! It
all goes, and you’ll find me right behind you.”

Duranfo Dave looked down moodin as he
spoke. r t was clear that he had some supersti-
tious repugnance to the proposed deed. ,Cer—
tainly it was not from any conscientious scruples
since, with him, to remove an obstacle in the
way, even though it was a human life, was onl
a matter of course. But, as he put it, Uria
was destined to prove “bad medicme ” for him,
and if there had been any other we to do he
would have avoided the necessity o seeing his

rtner draw irons on him.

 

Just at that time

3 would have rather met half a dozen better
man all bound for slaughter, than to have med-
dled with the one goggleeyed tenderfoot in
Kentucky jeans. Yet— ave would not llow
his su rstitions to interfere with busine , and
he fol owed Rube down the hall with the inten-
tion of doing his best to remove the dangerous
Uriah before he had op rtunity to do damage
with the knowledge he ad obtained. /

They had been speaking low, and they thought
they had not been over card: but again they
were mistaken. There was a beardless listener,
who looked like a lad of fourteen or fifteen
whose eyes twmkled, and whose little han
went toward the kirts of the blouse that migh

I.

generally told were somewhere within reach.

As the two moved on the lad moved as silent-
ly in their wake—a smile on his handsome face
as the desperadoes began to talk earnestly, and
put on the looks of men who were laboring un-
der some excitement. ‘ ‘

“ Very neat] worked. In five minutes more
the flat from ay Back would be the rettiest
kind of a corpse if our humble servan wasn’t
here to take a ban in. Not such a bad stroke

them switched off of the track”,
Uriah, sitting by himself ,in the corner,
offered 3. ve
stran that ,
fore t '5.
generally be found, who cannot resist the op-
rtuni tobadger an innocent, who looks as
though 1: e operation
thandanger. ,\
Something of the kind may have. :

re

 

 

conceal the weapons that such a movement‘

for me. if it don’t take too much shooting to get '

fair mark; and it seemed a. little fl ‘7
had not attracted attention he- ,  ' ' '

In such a promiscuous crowd as ‘ was .

gathered at the White Star a ruman or two can v

would furnish more fun,

 

 

 

in

 

, km~$(fiw'hvy«fl < In

W .

  

 

 
 
  
   
 
 

 

 
 
  

Pinnacle Pete.

v

 

itself to him, as he slowly arose, and began to
Walk forward with a heSItating step. Unfortu-
nately, as it seemed, he chose a line that took
him directly toward Revolver Rube and his
pard. The floor was comparatively open in
that direction; but, if it offered such a chance
for a collision, it also left an unobstructed line
for Rube to carry out his programme. At
that distance there was no danger that he would
miss his mark.

Uriah‘s eyes were fixed on the bar; his
mouth worked nervously, as though he was
anxious for fluid refreshment, yet not altogether
sure that it was safe for him to appear so openly
at the front. When he had traversed half the
distance be halted suddenly, his head bent for-
ward, his hands hidden in his pantaloons
pockets, 3. look of dismay on his face.

Two men hadsuddeuly burst into a fury.

The cause was not so apparent, but doubtless
the excited conversation they had been carrying
on in an attempted, undertone Whllld have (:x«
plained it. There Were a dozen or so words of
wrath on either side, and then they fell apart a
pace or two further: Durungo Dave flushed
forth a knife and crouched as if for a spring;
While Revolver Rube’s hand swung around to
the weapon at his hip. It was all goinglike
clockwork, and a few seconds would have
finished the game.

But, just then, when the eyes of every one
near turned to them, and the crisis appeared to
be at hand, there was a new element intro-
duced.

“ Hold on there, just one moment, pards!
You hear me?“

The listener bud sprung between the two with
outstretched arms, and in either hand he held a
cocked derringer, the muule of which almost
touched a face. '

“You, Revolver Rube, listen to me warble;
and you, Durango Dave, go slow with that knife
till I’m done my shout. I’m not caring 3. Con-
tinental which olf you gets killed; but you’re
both too mad just now to do straight work.
Cool off a little, and there‘ll be twice the chance
to wing the right man.

“ And that’s what bothers me.

“You, Dave, can‘t go Very far wrong; but
.s’pose Rube shoots wild? You listen to me,
Rube, and then go on with your cattle-killing!
If you get away With Dave, all right! But I’m
standing here, and I swear. if you hit anybody
else, or get away with that fool from Way
Back, I’ll have you (lead before he hits the floor!
I mean business, chuck-up, and I’ll keep you
both covered. Now, drive on!”

At the sudden interruption the belligerents
fell back a pace each, and there was a wicked
glitter in the eyes of Durango Dave, that seldom
‘came there save when he meant something like
murder. '

h_A warning gesture from Rube restrained
1m.

It was just a slight motion of the left hand,
but Dave saw it, and waited. It might be that
this fresh young lad was one of those it would
be more than unsafe to drop on sight; and Rube
was running things, anyhow.

The taco of the man of the revolver changed
to a sickly white, et otherwise he stood un-

, moved, while he he ned to the threatening ad-

dress.

It was clear that this lad understood the game
that had been set up; and that he intended to
balk it. After that warning, openly given, and

lainly heard by nearly every man in the sa-
oon, it would not be ealthy for anything to
happen to Uriah, unless the were willing to risk
havmg to fight the town. here was no doubt
but want the lad meant just what he said, and
the most probable reason was, that having ever-
heard the scheme he interfered because he had
an interest in either Uriah or the two young
ladies. If the latter, then the chances were the.
the unlucky conversation had given away their
purposes even more complete] than they had
cared, still, something had to e. done—and it
was left to Revolver Rube to decide what it
was to be.

He did not hesitate. A man he mi ht have
shot—probably would—but a boyl e could
aficid to let him go, and treat the insinuation as
a 0'e.

4‘I hear you, little one, and I guess maybe
you’ve done more good than you counted on.
don‘t want to plug Dave,‘here; and if he’ll listen
to reason, perhaps he won’t be so anxious to
knife me. But all the same, you are crowing en'-
tireiy too loud fer a spring chicken that hardly
has the signs of his own heels, let alone biting at
a _man to coax him to try the gafl’s. Aman
With a. record can .nfford to laugh at it; but if
you keep on at such games there’ll be aman
some day that will go through you just too
quiekfor an fun.”

“That’s a right, Reuben, if you think so;
I’m running the chances. Call it square, and
I’ll pocket my shooters. I’m not trying to get
into a row myself, and/I was just laying it
down straight what would happen if those that
were made any mistakes. It was better all
round to do it now than wait till you had put
somebody’s chunk out, and then have a Lynch
court and a. hangin about the time it ad-

' . journed. Look a lit 9 out, and see that good

 

 

advice and sound doctrine are not thrown away
on ou.”
volver Rube turned to the crowd.
“ Gentlemen, as I said before, I am not spoil-
ing for a fight. I’ve no quarrel with any one

but Dave here, and not much with him. I don’t I h-h-h-hear nothin‘, an' I w—w-wasn’t settin’ thar‘

‘take water for any man, or any ten men, but
you can see I can’t take up a racket with a boy
like this. If there is any one who has anything
to say, now is the time to talk it. I’ll let ,it go
as part of the circus and free show we’ve just
been having. But after this, when you talk, you
want to keep cool and see that neither of us is
around before you mention this little piece of
Work. If not, somebody drops, and Revolver
Rube is the boy that is barking. How is it?
Are you all done? And if you’re done you want‘

to stay done—and don’t you forget it. How is
it, Dave!"
“ I’m feeling your way prezactly. Two old

purds are blame fools to fall out about such a
little matter, and the boy was just right. If he
hadn’t talked then we couldn’t have heard him
now, and that’s what’s the matter. Shake, old
pard. IVhat will you drink?”

Durango Dave understood his one at once. 1

The scoivl had left his face, and his hand was
extended toward Revolver lube, while he
glanced at the led with a smile and a nod.

“ (llud to hear you talking sense; and the man
in the crowd that says it ain’t can just settle
with me. But it would have raised merry
Hades if you’d dropped an outsider. Coronado
don’t like to lose a citizen, and it has a mortgage
on the strangers inside the gates as long as they
have a dime to bless themselves with. Good-by,
my friends, if the frolic. is over. I hardly had
time to stay as long as I did, but I couldn’t leave
until things were straight. If there‘s any more

trouble. I’ll hear of it sure, and I’ll see you all i

later.”

His derringers were in his pockets, and so were
his hands. He struttcd away like a victorious
game-cock, and without the least show of con-
cern, though he knew, if no one else did, that he
had made two deadly enemies, and that his
chances of hearing from them soon were very
good. They looked after him in a cool, medita-
tive way‘ that presaged evil.

“Two of ’em now,” whispered Dave, as they
ranged themselves alongside of the bar. “ He’s
a cool youn
about time his toes turned  Hades! He’s a
side-parcl of the Flat from ay Back. Both of
them must go!” .

“Right you are; and it’s all the better. If
the youngster caps for him he won’t be apt to
tell any one else. So he’s killed at the right
time there’s not much danger of the news
spreading."

While they talked low at one end of the bar,
the youngster talked slow with Uriah at the
other—for the Fool from Way Back had finally
slouched forward into position, without seeming
to understand what the racket was about, at
which he had stared in his usual way.

“ Say, pard, I’m dry
going to call them up; but I don’t like to guzzle
alone. What will you have?”

“ Wh—wh-whiskyl” .

Uriah showed signs of animation, cut short
his stammering. and blew out the word with ex-
plosive force. He could not have made a more
cordial response, and he proceeded to demon-
strate his earnestness by pouring out a tumbler-
ful of the liquid lightning kept on hand at the
White Star.

He wasted no time in remarks but just giving
a roll of his eyes and a nod of his head, threw
it down, smocked his lips, gave another nod,
and then turned as though he‘ considered the
performance over. '

The lad smiled. Perhaps it was provoking as
well as amusing, but then there was a consoling
side to the performance. If Uriah showed little
gratitude and no desire to extend the circle of
his acquaintance, he evinced a disposition to get
out of the range of the optics of Revolver Rube
and his pard; and that was what the youth
would have suggested. He moved forward as
Uriah moved away. » Without any a cement
they walked out of the White Star toge heri

The action had its danger, yet neither showed
that he cared for it. As they went out Revolver
Rube measured the distance mentally. If there
had been nothing on hand he might have done
more, but there were risks connected with it.
He preferred to hide his time.

“And now, sport,” said the lad, clapping his
hand on Uriah’s shoulder, when they had passed
out of sight of those in the saloon, “ you were in
a heap of danger, and if I hadn‘t dropped to
their ame you would have been dead meat be-
fore t is. They’ll lay for both of us now, but
that’s all ri ht. We can stand them off. At
least, I’m W] ing to run‘my chances; and I’ll

uarantee to look after yours if you play me

air, and open up down to bed-rock. You
sabbei”

“ W-w-w-what y-ywyou talkin’ ’bout?”

“You, my friend. You heard what these
men had to say whenyou were propped up
there alongside of. that little private room over
yonder. You know what their game is; and
the man that knows that dies, if they can at

around ,to it. ,I’ve payed \ycu. once just as ‘ ‘

 
 
  

 

   

daisy, and it‘strikes me that it’s ‘

as a fish, and was just i

 .. vf'g;i;i  3;, 2'

I volver Rube was pulling on you, and I’ll have
another chance before we get through- If you
want to have me chip give me the whole truth.
now. What’s their game?”

1 “ l d—d-d-diinno what you mean. I d-d-didn‘t

more nor a minnit 'f—f—fore they come out.
Y-y- ou m-m-must be foolin’.”

“ very serious kind of fooling you’ll find it.

If you’re telling the truth you’re the most on-
lucky fellow I know of; and if you’re telling a.
lie, it’s a lie that will cost on your life. Last
chance—what were those oys talking about?
1 [don’t mind telling you that I‘m a. detective.
1 Your safety lies in getting your secret into the
1 hands of some one else."
“ ’F-f—f you was for t-t-talk till the Jed ment
1' Day, I k-k—k—couldn‘t tell yer any more. dun-
! no w’ot they said, an’ I d—d-d—duon’t wanter.
~ G-gr-g-go an’ a—a—a-ax ’em, b—h-but don’t b—b—
z bother me. I-I—I-l’m g—g-goin’ ter bed."

“ Go, then!” exclaimed the other, in atom of
’deep disgust. “But 1 0k out for Revolver
Rube and his pards. hey’ll have on for a
corpse before you leave town if you on’t keep
both eyes wide Open’."

In some disgust the detective turned away,
i while Uriah ploddcd on to his stopping-place,

 

 

‘ his face and actions showing no more concern '

i about the late affair at the White Star than if
i, he had not been an interested party.

CHAPTER V.
REVOLVER Runn’s TENDEBFOOT.

“ WHO is that young rooster?” asked Revolver
Rube of the barkeeper officiating at his end.
“He’s a fly kid. and no mistake. He got the
drop on us old hands like a little major. It’s
tough to take water; but when there ain’t too
much benzine on board. and a man can see that
it fits his hand, he’s willing once in a while to
cave. I Wouldn’t have plugged Dave here, for
g a fortune. and I guess he’s just as well satisfied

he didn’t let daylight into me.” .

“ You bet I am, pard. It was all a mistake.
i It kint’ler r’iled me afore I thought who was say-
i in it. '
l EYou see,” continued Rube, “he’s a leetle
tetchy about some things. But the youngster
gave us time to think who was talkin ,and a
fellow can’t be blamed for taking go advice
from a little kid like that. Does he belong
about herei", .
1' “Don’t know much about him,” responded
the tumbler-juggler.
fore. but I guess he hangs out around the Comet.
He’s little, but he‘s tough. A man don’t want
to smack him; and I don‘t know of any kid

 

l
and get away.

! him either.”

; “ unny I never stumbled across him before.

i He knew me, straight along, and maybe I’ve

' seen him without knowing it.

4 to his name at?”

“ Johnny ynch, they call him; and began-

hind when he was laying down the law, or
he wouldn’t have been quite so brash.” w

“ The boy’s all right, but if you hear any of
those friends shootin off their li just send
them around where live. But w at’s beget
with that galoot he has in towr’

“ Can’t prove it by me.
fore. He don’t belong around here. They’re
going off together, and may be pards. You
got anything in for tow-head i” .

“ Never saw him before, either; but some 01137

sgid h: was from Way Back. He’d better stay
t ere. ’

Uriah and his newly-found friend were just
leaving.
threw after them; but by chance the female de-
tective cau ht it; and though expecting it be—
be followed. While eng ed in the unsuccessful
her, and after leaving for the night, proceeded
with caution.

Comet as her headquarters, though he spoke
almost at random. Toward the Comet
turned her ste and reached the place without
molestation. hen she entered Rube was en-
ga ed'in a game of draw, while Durango Dave
100 ed over his shoulder.

Though Revolver Rube and his
White Star buta minute or so a the two,
they failed to get on their track; since they
turned to the left instead of the right, andpro-

Durango Dave had a chance to queen?
pard. ’ ,

“ ’Pears ter me, Rube, yer going a heap : ,-
I’ve known the time when .two men s.  ’t

that the flat would be bad medicine fer v.

I thought by this time we’d either beib » ‘ '
against the rest of Coronado. or Coronado i v
be taking water. There ain’t much time. ‘
ten ’em up fer slaughter; and :n.‘

  
 

on coolin boards. by this time. ,
pity that e was in such on internal:

 

 

“He’s been in here be-L

around here that I’d like to backme the job i .
And I haven’t seen much of‘ I _ -

Did you drop an ‘ ‘ ‘

erally answers, so they can’t be so very far, .
wrong: I guess, maybe, he had some friend be-' = i
m

 

1)

It was only acasual glance that Rube \

fore, from t at moment knew that they were to.
attempt to bribe Uriah s e kept her eyes about "

The bartender at the White Star had not gone
' so far from the truth when he mentioned the '

rd left the v

ceeded immediately to the Comet.\ 0n the way,

have had both of ’em laid out, and h .~ '  M ‘ '

 

Never saw bimbo- . ‘7

  
  
   
 
 
  
   
   
 
 
 
  
    
  
   
  

A

6‘ _ 

.u _ .
,».. v.

Pinnacle Pete.

 

ting away with Sam, and fur one it strikes me ’
it wouldn’t be a. bad idea to try and hunt him ‘
up and ask for orders.”

“Hunt fire and brimstonel If the old boss
knew how we had botched the job he’d be hunt-
ing its—with a six in each hand. I’ve no use
fer Lucifer Lightning till I’ve got a brace of ‘
scalps to show him; and if you remember as
much about the old man as you ought to, you’ll
say you haven’t either.”

“ here’s a heap in that, too. It’s no odds to
him if we go out of the damp right now. It
leaves 'ust so much bigger divvy fer the rest of -
’emw ut if you’d kept your hands down, I’d
have cleaned up the. youngster at aventure.
What in blazes made you get so white about
the gills when you looked him in the face? It
beat me 1” ,

“ Maybe I’m a fool, and maybe I’ve lost my
sand; but fer just about five minutes I had an ,
idea we'were both elected. Johnny Lynch don’t
bluff so heavy without a side-pard holding a.
cold deck all ready to fill his hand from, and l
the first letter of that pard’s name is Pinnacle !
Pete!”

“Whewl” ,
J» Durango Dave recognized that name at .east, I
<3, ' and uttered a prolonged whistle.

‘ “But where was I’ete when the bluflin was
oin on? He don’t generally stand bac and I
at his pard do all the chin-chin. And who was

the whiffet, anyhow? A plucky little bantam,
as I could see by his eye; yet, all the same, I
could have dropped and fired before he got his
hammers back."
“ The hammers would have come back when
‘he crooked his fingers. The youngster bad self-
’ cookers; and Pete was somewhere in the crowd
' with both hands in his side-pockets. He’s a bad
man to have trouble with when you can see him ;:
but if he took a square shot at you from behind,
' it would be certain death. The youngster is a
r. boy with a craw full of sand, and both hands
3 ‘ full of tools. But he don’t happen to be a boy
’ at all, but the nerviest little woman that ever
handled a six or sent lead home lamb-center!
Maybe, you’ve heard of her. e’s a female
sleuth, that has run in more than one of the
boys that it paid to trail down, and her right
name—or the name she gees by when she’s at
home—is Millie Vandeleur. I tell you. we want ;
to pitch it a little careful. The town would \
string us up, sure, for killing a woman—and
we’ve got three had cases on our hands instead
of one.”
, “And the rest of the boys have sloped and
left the whole job to us?”

“ That’s the size of it. Now you know what’s
what, you can see into the game. 01! course, if
we can at a chance to down ’em here we’ll do
it; but f we haven’t a good show, we’ll have to
follow ’em out and down ’em on the road. Come
' on! We’ll see what's going on at the Comet.
, If I can find my tenderfoot I’ll make it pay, if
'1 (an fgoyvd the game along before the night
go o .

. ‘ They had so far seen nothing of their quarry,
3.: - and with the most innocent air in the world,
is." ‘ thle)y pushed through the door of the saloon.
"  urango Dave might have asked a few ques-
;: , ., Mom in regard to matters as his partner saw,
them, but he followed Rube’s lead without hesi-
. tatirm. They had worked together many a time
in the past, and Rube had never been known to
go veiV far wrong in his actions, or fail to look
. after his partners. ‘

As they stood at the berth? were carefully
examining the crowd; but con see nothing of
Uriah, or the snpposititious Johnn

“ There’s my man,” whispered
set their glasses down.

“ You look out, and I’ll slaughter the innocent
if he is willing to come my way ' .”

He gave an almost imperceptible nod at a man
who was seated at one of the tables looking im-
patiently in their direction.

, “’Ile’s got become for me if he wants to see

me.

‘ The stranger evident] was interested in Re-
volver Rube, for. when e saw him throw him-
‘ self into a lounging position, with no appearance
a a ‘ of ‘havin any desire to engage in a game, he
» . warrant y decided that he would have to push
‘ «g . ngs himself. ‘

‘ First he beckoned; but, as he did not catch
the eye of either man, he rose from his seat and
hastily came over.

“I’ve been lookin’ fur yer all evenin’,” he
“grumbled. “Yer fifty good dollars ahead ov
.. her game, an’ you said, when yer jumped it,

that you’d give me a chanCP ter git even. You
ain‘t a-hurryin‘, nohow. Money’s waitin’ on
.. yerter say yer can’t do it no more.”

. “Don’t be in such a hurry, my friend. The
longer you put “the game off, the longer you’ll
rich. I’ve get other things to look after
that I can’t leave for your little tin-pot games at
the Comet. I’m here now, though. and if you
want to blow in the balancs of your pile I’m

mad .”

,“lhebbe you won’t want a w on ter kerry
may yer boodle this time. Hyars yer chance
 it on.‘ I’ve bed chances ter wrestle at
 with half ther boys in Karrynader, but
1?” a-waitin’ for you, an’ I’m a—comin’ down
like a'doublepbarr’l cyclone, an’ clean y ‘

.

 

 

      
   
   
  
  
   

V .

Lynch.
ube, as they

l

    

  

  

   

    

  
  
   

5‘

   
     
 

 

up, root an‘ branch. When J ehu Jones tackles
a man at poke he hez ter wrestle fur his life
with ther ole war—boss or ther Allegennys, ther
boss 0v all outdoors, ther bad man from way
up ther krick. He may git winged in ther send~
oil"; but he cuts to ther rattles afore he gits
through. You ole sinner! I bin waitiu’ fur you;
an’ I mean ter warp it to yer bad.”

Revolver Rube had called this man a tender—
foot and perhaps he was; but he had the slang
of the slums pretty well at his finger-ends, and
looked as though he might be a tough customer
to crawl over, if he had the nerve to "back up
his blowing. There was a fair sprinkle of gray
in his shaggy heard, his hair was thick and
stubby, there was a weather-beaten look about
his face and his clothing was coarse and none
too well kept. His hands were brown and
deeply veined, and his walk, as he led the way
in triumph was between a slouch and\ a swag-

g

while lounging around the Comet; but after an
hour’s experimenting left him with regret,
Jehu had shown at least a hundred dollars
more, and as Rube had decided that he had a
percentage of two to one, even in a square
game, he considered that be held a mortgage on
that amount.

He knew very well that ifJehu, was what he
seemed no amount of blufling would shake him
off until the game was played to the end; and
as it was possible that there might be trouble
before they got through he wanted to be able to
disclaim any charge of having roped the man
in at the start, Rube had a great respect for
appearances when in a strange place: and Coro-
nado was not exactly one of his stamping-
grounds.

The two sat down to play, and the cards had
been dealt and the game was going on 'by the
time Johnny Lynch entered. ,

Revolver Rube saw the arrival at once, and
by a slight nod indicated it to Durango Dave——
who responded in the same way. After that he
kept his attention centered on his game. There
was money in that, and he left his partner to
look out for the other side of the house.

At the beginning the play was not very rapid.
Rube held no cards, and Jehu was cautious:
yet by the time a couple of hands were played
it was evident that the latter had whatever luck
was going—and knew what to do with it,
Rube was not going to have the walk-over he
had before supper, though to do that was part
of weigh tililat he had hastily sketched, to dis-

c . . .
seemed to be at home here.

He nodded to more than one of the loungers;
and looked around him with the air of one who
had slept under the tables. Durango Dave kept
a stealthy eye on him as he moved around the
saloon, and scowled as he saw him approach the
table by which he was standing. ,

The lad may have caught the frown; but was
by no means abashed.

“ Got around here, have you, old sport? It’s
a good place to be, if you. walk uare on the
line. Couldn’t you have wrigg ed into the
game with the stranger? There s fat pickin’s
there, and it’s a. shame for Rube to have all
the gravy.”

Dave responded, with a row] that had no
Earticular meaning except (1 humor. If be

ad been nearer he would have followed it up
by smacking at the youn ster’s mouth.

“Yes, I see,” oontinu Johnny, airily.

“ Rube’s a ood man but selfish—most
blamed selfish. e' wants the whole loaf, and

ou can sit in this corner and chew wind.

e won’t divvy worth a cent after it’s over, and
the best thing on can do is tosit down and
play seven-up w th me till he‘s done. I know

he cards 'by name, and they say you’re a
hustler at that game. .There would be big
sport: and here’s rocks to‘ make it interesting.”

A fierce light glittered in Durango Dave’s
e es. Half a dozen had heard, and if evil for
t 6 little sport should happen to come of it there
was fair evidence that it was none of his brew-

.ing.

Had he been alone he would have been down
and at work in no time; but tacitly he had
agreed to follow the lead of another man, and
toward him he looked, half hoping that Rube
had not heard the challenge.

IlBut though it was interfering with his game
the man of the revolvers was keeping an e e on
Johnny Lynch, and again he :gave an most
imperceptible sign, and then went on with his

It was not- in flesh and blood to allow the
banter to pass without some answer. From
Rube, Durango Dave looked back to the youth’s—
ster, letting his eyes run over his not very s -

Kiiiroportions. ' r

“ d, you’re entime too fresh. I haven’t
any business with you; but if you’ll get your
trainer to talk I’ll give him such an interview
as he’ll remember. .If he don’t want to say
anything ou’d better dry up. As a stranger
here I don want to make hard feeling, spank-
‘ing somebgdjy’s youngest darling; .but you’ll
rustle area till
do‘wnonyou.”

‘ Just shows;

    
  
   
  
  
 

     
   

 I’m not

you strike a boy that will sit,

er. . .
Rube had taken hold of him cautiously,

talkin ; it’s my money that wants to talk for
me. f you can’t see it, all right. I’ll wait till I
strikeaman with more sand in his craw, or
more dust in his buckskin. I’m little, as you
observe, but I guess you know what you’re
doing when you clap on the brakes. I’m mighty
Ol] l.

The lad folded his arms, with an impudent
leer on his face, and moved a little nearer to
J ehu, who just at that moment raked in a good-
sized pot. Rube could not watch both games;
and he had let his run go, though a minute later
he was cursing himself for his folly, since a lit-
tle nerve backed by coin must have brought the
stakes his way to the first betting hand he had
held in the second sitting.

Fortune don’t stand that kind of treatment,
either. For the next few hands the cards ran
more contrary than ever. Jehu was already
about square on the game and the tide just be-

inning to come in. It began to be time to aid
ortune a little.

Rube would have sooner won on a square
game, if there had been any chance to do so in a
reasonable time. But he was afraid to let this
little side ame of his interfere too much with
Captain ucifer’s business, and he believed it
was advisable to run the risks. For several
hands he had been holding out, and had three
queens under his knee.

Johnny Lynch had moved away after watch-
ing keenly for some time, and there seemed no
outsider who would be likely to detect him.

As he looked at his cards on the deal, Jehu’s
eyes glittered, and Rube, covertly watching
him, knew that he had a good hand, even with-
out the evidence in his subsequent discard.

Rube glanced at his own.

He held an ace, king. queen, and two small
cards of no known value at poker.

“ I’ll take three,” he said, as he carelessly push-
ed the deck head nearer to Jehu, and at the
same time threw into the middle his discard.

The three queens, lately under his knee, came
back to him from the top of the deck, and he
knew that he held an invincible hand, since
straight flushes had not been ruled into the
game. Jones only took one card, so that the
chances were that he held four of a kind.

At any rate the bets advanced brisk] , until
:hge was something like four hundre on the
a e.

Then, suddenly, Jehu called; and Revolver
Rube coldly strung his five cards in front of
him. and turned one eye toward the stakes.

“ I see ’em,” said Jehu, holding his cards well
bunched together, and as little expression on
his face as if it had been carved out of a red-
wood knot. -

males; but whar did yer. git three ov ’emi
sw’ar yer didn’t hev e
,wagn't observin’ prezactly how you wrung ’em
in.

Rube kept cool as an icicle. He did not al-
together care to have the question heard by the
room at large. .

“You gave 'em to me, old man, and there
they are. Are they good? That’s what I’m
asking. Show up or shut up.”

“It is kinder cur’us like, fur I kin sw’ar that
jest after I begun ter deal ther three ueens
war under yer knee; .an’ what I want ter now
is, how yer raised ’em. Yer diskeard, are all
right, an’ yer ain’t got no more about yer.”

“ And you mean to say I am cheatin l”

Rube was deadly c001,, There was our hurr-
dred at stake, and his reputation besides.

“ That’s what they call it,” yelled Jehu.

Then he seemed quickened b a galvanic
shock. One arm swept aroun the stakes,
drawing them over to his side of the table,
while with the other hand he shook ontader-
ringer, that stared Revolver Rube full, in the
face. ' - v

And, at the ver same moment, Durango

Dave heard the bars click of a revolver "not at
his back, and the cheerful/voice of
Lync . .
“Really now, David. Slow and sure’s the
word. Don’t think of chipping. It’s asingle—
handed game they’re playing, and if you’re dy-l
ing for s augbter, let’s you and me go oil! some-
wlhere‘in a corner and have our own little game
a one. I '

CHAPTER VL ‘
PINNACLE PETE, TEE MASQUEMDER.
THIS warning was just in time, for Duran 0
Dave was already crouching for a. spring» a
never left his pard in any emergency; and this
was a case in which he would, an ghow, be 
fled in interfering. To bring a c arge of ‘0 eat-

 

   

at any time, war to the death; but to catch the

meditated murder.

If it had not been for the caution Rube had
given him, Dave would probably havo tirade his
_spring' anyhow; but, though Coronado was a.
tough town, it was not beyond the pale of'lawful
courts and .moderately:cei-tain stice. When

   
  
  

 

. cw meant its? what-eh? said

 

“ They’re most durned purty—lookin’ siligi,

m on a squar’ show, an’ I .

ohnny ,

ing, without any evidence to back itup, meant, ,  .

drop in such a way looked very much-like pre- ‘ E

officers spoke then it meant somet ing, and Dave *
' i had an idea that a detective’s canton such

 

  
         
    
    
     
     
     
 
       
      
    
      
        
     
      
   
     
 
   
   
  
  
   
  
 

  

Pinnacle / Pete.

 

 

 

According] he checked his movements; but
he never too his eyes off the two as he growl-

. “ That’s all right. but if he drops my urd I’ll
2 kill him, and don’t you forget it. on can
" shoot now, if you want to; but there’s enough
in the room to see just how the land lays. If
you kill me before another gun is fired your sex
won’t save you. They’ll swing you and that old
fraud there as high as Hamau.”

“That’s all right, little one, that’s all right!
Just so you take time to think Revolver Rube
is able to take care of himself, and I reckon
Jehu knows what to say. Just you listen to ’em
both talk, and I won’t hurt you.”

“You infernal, little, dried-up, small end of
nothing! You couldn’t hurt the hind half of a
dead mosquito. You’re giving us all wind to-
night, and think your pard will get in the fine
work. You look out that we don’t get away
with you both before the night’s over. Some-
thing more than you holds my hands tied. As
soon as they get loose I’ll be going to even up;
and I’ll begin on you, curse you.”

“Thanks for the warning; but I understood
all that before. Your pard’s saying something.
Don’t you want to listen to him shout?”

; Revolver Rube was so quick on the trigger
‘ that they called him in every camp he entered
. after his favorite weapon.

E Unfortunately for him he was not on the shoot
I this evening, unless it was in the last emergency,
g and so instead of having his hand on his pistol,

 

with the hammer back, when John began to
talk, he was simply staring at him in wrath.
Then the dcrringer was shoved into his face,
and the drop was on him. He knew when a
man’s eyes said shoot, and he was sure a motion
‘ meant death. There was no chance left him ex-
5 cept ti talk.

_~ 55 7 7 ' l
{*3 Old man, you re way elf your base, and if

you know what’s good for you you’ll pull in that
piece of iron, shove that coin back again to the
, middle, pass the cards this way, and either

,i, jump the racket or go on with the game. Mean-

1 time, as to what you said,,if you say it over

3 again, I’ll answer that you’re a double-barreled

’ liar from the city of Liarsville, and if on give

: me half a shog' I’ll prove it with car ,knife,

l pistol, or any ther way that a gentleman can

l prove a thing is a lie that only rests on another

?, man’s say-so.”

i , “ Oh, yes. you’ve got nerve—nerve enough ter

‘ tell a lie an’ then sw’ar to it; or shoot when yer

: know ye’r’ got ther dead medicine. But you

i' ain’t got ther nerve ter kick ag’in’ a. dead sure

1 thing. when there’s cold lead comin’ plum’ center

ahind it. I said thar war some kind ov skull—

duggery ’bout ther wa y you got three ov them
queens, an’ I’m \a-stickin’ to it. An’ I ain’t

givin’ away any ov my chances, ner hev a

man tellin’ me I’m a liar. That’s flat-footed an’

strong. You kin jest spend a minnit or so fig-

l gerin’ up what yer goiu’ ter do ’bout it.”

I "I’ll tell you what I’m going to do about it;

'1 I’m going to hold my hands up and walk right

i ' out of the Comet. When such things go on

I then it’s dead sure that I wdn’t have a fair show

here. But the next time I meet on I’ll shoot

I you. You can spend the iuterva saying your

I prayers and getting read for glory. I that
Rigatform don t suit you, 5 Oct quick. before you
your sand allogether, and run away from a

H , man who is a man all over, and who can take a

a dozen such men as you are when he starts with

.' an even chance.”

K! “ Your, even chance means two er three shots
afore ther other chap knows you‘re after him.
I’m good emuf for my man I ketch cheatin’
me—an’ I ketched you. This hvar derrin er
sez I’m tellin’ ther truth. Now. I’m willin’ er
fix this right here, an’ any way yer want it.
But ef it goes over ter ther next time, yer want

, ter walk mighty keerful. I’ll shoot ter kill from
ther fu’st deal.

“If you’re man enough. as you sag, I would
sooner finish now. Put that shooter ack where
it came from, and then pull at the word ‘ go.’

The man that walks away takes the pot with '

him.”
i It was a desperate offer—to fight at signal
across the table, and it meant death to one of
them, but there _was no hesitation about J ehu.
The readiness ‘Wltll which he accepted, confirmed
Rube‘s suspiCion that be wasa bad man—worse
than his looks—who had been playing for more
than coin: and the hasty side glance that
showed how Dnrango Dave had been corralled,
seemed to oint him out for a certainty asa

partner, of t e lad ‘ detective.
' “ All'ri’ght, an’ hanged to yer!

   
 
  
   
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
       
   
  
  
  
  
   
 
 
 
  
 

Hyar, you,

—-’ one, two, three, gol’ I

11 at m o r
, back, an’ you down any p y p ppe

one that tries ter pull
afore ther word go. Ready I be.” 9
_ “Oregon” was a tall, raw-boned, tough—look—
ing man, with a broad scar on his face, and two
six-shooters .at hiawaist, who was a stranger to
every man in the room. He had beenla ing‘
around town, thhout doing much of anything
. :prmd his own glory, ,and shout his own
,He acoe ted the ition wi i
rushng pos choutabt of
“That’s my name—Oregon ares—an’ ‘ that’s
,.n;y‘bpzzum vanity. lvmwan ole boss tar

   
  
 
 

 

 

Oregonl'. Give us ther word 'est 92 we sit hyar :

     
    
  

i give ther word, an’ you don’t want ter furgit it.
Fu’st, I kivcr you.”

He whipped out one revolver after the other.

“ And now, I kiver youl"

He stood some three yards away, and covered
3 them both with experienced ease.

“ Now she are comin‘ sni’ you want ter moove
’cordin’ ter Gunter. Ready! One!
Three! G0!”

He hesitated a moment on the three, and then
shouted the last word so that it rung through
the house.

So far the conditions of the impromptu duel
had been fairly complied with. Neither man
made a movement until the signal: then Revol-
ver Rube’s hand flew back as if worked by a
strong spring. He had his revolver out and ris—
ing,r before John made a move.

“He’s got him!” exclaimed Durango Dave,
in his excitement forgetting the man at his
elbow; and three-fourths of the spectators
joined him in his belief. If there had been
time for betting the current odds would have
, been five to one on Revolver Rube—and few
‘ takers.

But, John had his own methods: and know
exactly what he was about. He moved like a
catamount, and had the strength of a tiger.
Instead of leaning back he flung himself for-
ward, his right hand seizing Rube’s shoulder
before it could swing away, his left hand catch-
: in Rube’s revolver wrist as it rose.
| gor an instant there was a scuflling sound,
I like when a terrier worries a rat; then came the
‘ report of a. pistol followed b a crack as John

twisted the revolver out of ube’s fingers, and
r then threw him back with a broken arm.

“Not that hand, ole hoss—take t’othei' hand;
an’ ef yer tries it I’ll plug that, sure. I didn’t
want ter kill yer, arter all; so I ’est giv’ yer ii.
leetle warnin’ not ter fool ’roun ther big cy-
clone ov ther Allegennies tell yer gits a few more
Brongs on yer horns. Jest say ther word now.

ev won ther pot fair, or must I hev cold
meat for breakfast?”

It was a tremendous fall that Revolver Rube
received, and he struck the floor asheavily as
though he had tumbled ofl? of the house.

Nevertheless his wits were about him—or
perhaps, rather, the dead game 'of a real bad
man who holds on as long as’ there is a chance
and a. living inch. He tried to make a motion
with his broken arm. Then, as he realized that
to be useless, he raised to a sitting posture, his
left hand darting around to his hi .

But he looked up, too—and foun himself star-
ing into the muzzle of John’s weapon. He
might be flaming with wrath; but he could tell
when the drop was on him, and what the chances
were that the holder would work it for what it

Would bring. I

“Curses on-youl I thought this was to be a
game of lead and powder. You’ve doctored
my arm with your foul trick, and I’m not kick-
ing where I have no show for my white alley.
I pass out unless you 'try to make me eat too
much dirt. Four queens ain’t good against the
hand that you’reholding. It‘ you want it said
any better than that you hire a. man. I don’t
know how.” ,

“That’s good ernuf for you. It takes more
nerve fer hold ther edge that way then ter shut
{Is-r eyes, 0 it blind, an’ then lose ther pot sure.

e’r’ a be tsr man than they said an’ I’m glad I
found yer. ‘I’m on’y lookin’ fur chiefs. Are

er talkin’ fur self an pard; er d’yer want me ter

00k arter him? I see, he’s beginnin’ ter wiggle,
an’ at he gits real ‘ranimin’ jammin’ feroxmus
mebbe tbet boy can’t hold him.” i

“This ain’t Duran o Dave’s put: and he’d
’only want too bad to a saving you up for the
time when you settle with me. Take the cake,
stranger, you win it.”

He waved his uniu'ur d arm as he spoke.

. Perhaps it was on y t e esture of an elocu-
tionist who puts in such t ings in season and
out of season.

More likely it was a signal to Dave.

The latter had his hands even fuller than it
i looked. The “ bo ” had kept persistently at his
: back: and had 9.1 the chances. He had to be
‘l (115 osed of before anything could be done for
, Ru c. There was no longer a doubt but that

the two were working together. On rhe bore
1 chance that Johnny Lynch mi ht be, ofl' of his
guard Dave no the risks, and w eeled suddenly.

The boy was ready for him.

As Dave faced him he struck a straight blow,
with the grace and skill of a polished boxer.

It did not look to bea. hard hit, and it was
, done so quickly that even those near did not see
exactly'how it was given, so there was more
than surprise when the burly man went howling
down in a heap. _ ,

“Thet settles two ov ’em,” remarkedJehu,
not at all astonished. “The rest of the gang
has got away, but I reckon we’ll see them later
on. Anybody got anything to sagé Ef so now’s
the time ter say it, ez we got ter
Wal, that’s heartyp So-long,
hevfiter talk fur both tell
we .

 

 

{
f
l

 

Ruse. ‘ You’ll
er 1 s 'aw its
Jest now I reckon it’slliu‘sgead 'widJe opegnl”

the sympathy of ,the crowd, leaned. At first it
,was rather with 1tliqolcl man; ,buli,Wl'lelJ the'two
. we we: 413m " is seam ‘

.
rut

 

   
  
 

      

  

 

Twol— .

I . " All right, pard

movin'. No! ,

_ uliebbe you’d better stay over tell .nexttripet ..
It would have been a little hard. to tell-how- ‘

 

swan-e .

   
  
   

like manner, there was a strong suspicion that 
he was more than he seemed, and that perha s '
sympathy ought to run the other way—especia y
when he just blufl’ed against the whole city, so
to speak. , If J ehu had remained a little Ion er
and traveled on that gait, he would have ad
his hands full as the local chiefs gathered in.

No one followed the two out, howover; and
they vanished unmolested.

“Better luck than I thou ht, little one,” mut-
tered J ehu, as they passed t a. door. \ ’

“For a minute or so I thong/ht all Coronado
was going to pile right in. 0 were betting;
high that none of. their old side pards were about,
and that Lucifer and his friends had left the
town. Fact is, Rube is losincr his sand; and
Dave ain’t worth much unless lie sees a chance J
to ut a knife in from behind. It’s well enough -
to ave them laying off forawhile; but if it  l
was only a game of my own that was to be ‘

iayed I d have hardly gone to all that trouble..

hey will have to lay back for re mils, and then ‘
won’t be worth much. Meanwhi e, we’ll take a.
flip at the balance till they get around again.
I’m not done with them yet.”

“ If Uriah’s ears had been as sound as they
are long, he’d have heard the whole lay-out;
but I 1pumped him dr and didn’t get a bucket-
ful 0 information or the risks I run of his
drop ing to the game—if, indeed, he did not.”

“ t him 0. What we can’t guess at is
hardly worth mowing, and we’ll take them all
into camp, straight as a string. It’s gettin la ,
Turn in now, and if anything important s oul ,
develop I’ll let you know. Otherwise, the game ,1
stands as we set itnp, and play your cards ac~ - >
cordingl .”

It mig t have been worth their while to have
kept an eye on the two men they had just put, . ,
out of the game. ,

Rube, with a broken arm. and Dave with a
cracked jaw, were still thinking machines that.
could be dan erous.

It took an our to get out from under the sur-
eon’s hands and in such shape that Rube could
Ola little talking. V

“ It’s tough. Dave, but if you can’t grin you’ve/V ,
got to bear it, anyhow. It’s a mighty bad lie-
ginning; but I never knew the boss. throw up a -

laid out. He ought to know the latest ,



 
  
   
  
 
  
   
    
 
 
   
     
  
  
    
   
   
   
    
     
              
    

job he‘
wrinkle, and know'it nick.”

Dave gave a growl h e a sick tiger. ’

“I understand you, pard. You needn’t t to ',
talk. We won’t ave to carry the news. an
the Daisy don’t work the road to Way Back
without having a lookout at Coronado. What ‘
I’m in a heap of trouble‘about is how to find . '
him. If he is ii to who we are, he ought to .
have turned up y this time; but maybe he’s
“ aiting for a chance. If he‘showa up we’ll send
him South a-whoo ing, to let them know that
Sid Compton’s man card the whole racket, and
Pinnacle Pete and his girl pard are on the war-
path, and had better be headed off before they

0 .

more damage.” I, .
9 I’ll take that news on fast ‘»
ez hoss kin kerry. I bin hangin’ ’i'ound tor sea .
who on are. an’ I guess I got ther full heft 0v
it b’i ed down. I won't take no more for fear
I’ll lose it. Ther Daisies kin guess at ther rest. .
I’ll tell Dan whar ter flnd yer, an’ he kin send at.
he wants furder pertick’lers. Day-day! It’s a."
long gide, but he pays big‘when yen bring him I ,
news. ‘ \ v , .
In Coronado ever wall seemed to have ears. ' "
They had been ta king in an undertone," but , '
what they said had been overheard-as it-hap— .
Egned, by the right man. In a sharp“ whisper,
sent back these words through the convenient
crack at which he had been listening, and th
without ever having made hims‘el visible, .
parted, leaving the two better satisfied. ‘ ‘ 0,.
“ That’s all right again,” said Rube. "‘If it’s 4 ‘,
not, it’s the best we can do. And now, I tell,
you, when I o to get even I’ll—” 
And then ere was a string of lurid three“, .
and altogether pretty solid, evidence that the;
weather would be exceedingly sultry the next
time they met Pinnacle «Pete, the masquerader. -

CHAPTER VIL. " ' ,

“ HANDS or. AND rmouns nmf’r *
IT was the schedule time for the «amt! ,
the stage, and Theodosia Lande and her friend.
with thrir one small trunk stowed in the boot,
and their sachelsin their hands, climbed into v
the coach with haggard steps, sending backa
heav protest as they went. ‘ I
“ ertainly, it is the most remarkable piece of.
ill-luck that I ever heard of. Our, intended‘a",
companion has disappeared—do you know what"
has become of her? A young lady by the name .
of ,Vandeleur. Her (place is engaged, her‘faro
actual] prepaid, an now the stage is going
withou her. Can’t you wait—you,th wait.

Something may have happened to her,” . ‘j
“Very so , mum; but it don’t hedn ther
wood.” respon ed the driver, Nattie 
“This ,hyer stage ullers startson timers?
them 62 ain’t hve‘r must put up withther ken
serkwinces. P’tickler friend, I sh’d (mine.

)N‘

 

3’

 

,.
thin remain ez the are, an’ yen don"tj "i
ter ose her‘ fur _. Jest twominnits yob-
make up yer min quick”, _ . 
, “lint: can’t stay! This trippftli '

       

 

'8

must go; but if you’ll only promise not to start
without me I Will try and find her. She must

\ be somewhere about the building, and all I
Want is time to go and see.”

“ You’ve got two minnits, marm,” responded
Nettie, totally unmoved by the warmth of the
address and the beauty of the pleader. “ Stage
starts on time—allers."

It did seem a bit cruel; though for the sake
of the general traveling public, it would not do
to have the regulations any other than iron-
clad, and as unalterable as the laws of the Medes
and Persians.

> “ Take it easy, though, marm. Thar’s a heap

big lot of time in two minnits, which ther half
ov those is up; an’ when We start I’ve got ter go
"round fur old Sally Rice, an’ I mout make it
conveinyunt ter slide back this way an’ pick
her up ef she sh’u’d be standin’ at ther door.
Hup, tharl Barney! Pete! G’lang!”

The two minutes had expired, and Wildersin
was leaving on schedule, though to accommo-
date alady he was actually according a few
moments more grace to the missing passenger,
for whom there was a. great calling and a run-
ning to and fro through the house.

hattie drove off with a flourish; but he made
no great haste. If any one had looked closely
to the time he was making, it would have been
seen that it was but little more than an average
walk. As the house at which he was to call for

' Sall Rice lay at the end of the town that was
furl: st- from Hard Luck and the trail the
coach was to follow, there was still a slight

. - chance for Miss Vandeleur. ’

Miss Lands gave scarcely a second glance at
the feminine passenger since she was craning
her neck through the window to look back; but
she heard her voice, and mentally-felt thankful.
Sally Rice was one of the kind that is hard to
hurry, and she did not seem to be quite ready

at

5 I y “ Law-ze, Nat VVildersin! Whatchew chaw-

f» pin’ about! Yew hev made yer start at this
eend on time, an’ yew kin git in at the other
eend on time; what in name ov nashun would
yew worry fer? Jis’ a minnit; Aunt Tilder’s a-

i ‘ doin’ up a passe] ov lunch, an’ I ain’t goin’ ’thout

'5, it—so thar, now i”

 “Mebbe it mout be jest ez well ef the ole

" hearse didn’t go at all,” snorted Wildersin—
/ though not altogether disgusted at this second

" delay. “Fu’st one an’ then t’other! I never

knowed no luck when ther shebang made a bad
i; u start. Betcher a dollar we’s held up by agents,
er pitched inter ther drink, or suthin’. It’ll all
be your fault, an’ ef it warn't thet I’m bound
you shell hev your share I’d drive on an’ leave
yer. Scrabble in, though, of yer ready now;
31’ you kin tell ther rest ov that ez you go

on .71

FOE' Sal] Rice seemed to be a snappish, dried-
in , little 0 d woman, not at all inclined to take
, . attie’s querulousness in good part; but decided-
A’ " 1% anxious to give him back a good deal better
' ‘ , 1: an be sent. .

Nevertheless she did scramble in, since th
driver was quite capable of oing ofl? without
her; and the stage rolled ck once more
ward the hotel, at which it made a temporary

t.
, There was some little confusion in front of the
 building. and Jonas Long, the proprietor, was
' there, looking quite flustered.

“ Stran est thing 1 ever heard ov inmy house.
‘ ' Can’t fin bufl? ner hide ov her; an’ nobody
don‘t seem to guess why er when she’s a—missin .
' M'ehbe she‘ll turn up; an‘ mebbe we’ll find her.
' Ef we don’t, ther’ll be some tall lookin’. Ther’
I ain’t no signs ov her in her room ‘ceptin’ her
. '. baggid e, an’ no one ain’t seen her Sence break-
‘ fast. her’ ain’t no use ter keep ther stage a-
waitin’, an’that’s'my say—so. Ef she turns up
soon, an’ kicks about it, I'll keep her till next
trip fur nothin’. Ef not I’ll send yer word ter

W Back, what’s bin ther racket.’

“ eap ov sense in that; an’ I’d jest ez soon
,-.-kerry her ’nother time ez this. Got a load 0’
‘ shemales ’thout her. Hi! G’lang!”

The whip cracked, the leaders jumped the
.i ' wheelers settled steadily to their work, and the
' . coach rolled away out of Coronado—and with-
‘ out an occupant of the seat paid for by Miss
’ Vandeleur. .

Nettie was not far wrong in his estimate of
his car 0. He had a very fair load even with
out thalady detectiva, who had so mysteriously
disappeared. f Course her absence made a
little easier packing the inside; but the top Was
full and the front and hind boots were piled
with luggage.

Prominent on top was Uriah. He had kelpt
his own counsel, gone OE to his bed, slept t e
sleep of the righteous and started on the return
‘ journey without molestation; while Miss Van-
'. deleur, who had offered him her protection, did
V‘ -not put in an appearance. Positively, consider-
7 dog the nature of the men he had run against
'31; lthhs White Star, his luck was something won-

I

7.
A.
'3.

 

  
  
    
  

 

. “ Kinder seems funny, young woman, for yew
',.- tobe a-goin’ off w’ile yer friend’s behin‘ an’ in
trouble. Maybe she’s -bin a—doin’ sutbin’.

 em perlice fellers beorful sly. Kin kerry a
know where he or she
or

' limiter of! an’nobody .
Wm, A friend ov youn—$1th

 

 

by now-w

Pinnacle Pete. i
aunt er step-mother, er some ’un you’d 'est ez
soon, lose ez not? ’Pears ter me, of. I edn’t
nat’ral effecshun enou h fur my own flesh an’
blood ter stay by ’em w on they’s in deeflkilty, I
wouldn’t say nuthin’ more about ’em.”

Aunt Sally began this as an address; but as
she saw that Theodosia was not paying atten—
tion to her, she snorted out the rest in a tone
that all the world might hear.

“If you please,” said Theodosia, coldly, “I
would just as soon not have you make any re-
marks about anything concerning which. you
know nothing at all. Miss Vaudeleur is a young
lady upon whom I never set eyes before yester-
day. Ve met by chance and found that we
were traveling in the same direction, and to ar-
ranged that we would go together. I know that
it was important for her to go forward, and for
that reason am concerned. Surely something
has happened to her; and it seems to me it was
my duty to have found out about it before
leaving Coronado.”

“Then she ain’t no blood-kin at all? V’Val.
that ain’t so bad. then, an’ of I war you I
wouldn’t worrit. Ef she’s my account she’ll turn
up; ef she ain‘t, it’s good riddance to bad rub-
bidge. I gin’rally find I’ve trouble ’nough ’bout
my own ’count ’thout worritin’ over other
folkses. When she gits back she’ll let you
know.”

“ Excuse me, miss, but did you say that the
young lady’s name was Vandcleur?”

Theodosia looked at the questioner. Trou-
bling herself about the absence of the young
lady detective, she had not yet given much
thought as to who were her companions. She
saw a young man, or what looked like a young
man somewhat under the medium size, fashiona—
bly dressed, in clothes of decidedly Eastern out.
His face was pale, and there was something of a
weary look in his cold gray eyes. The reads-r
has already made his acquaintance under the
title of Specter Sam. At the booking office he
was known as S. R. Armadel.

There was nothinaaabout the appearance of
the speaker to warn iss Lande, though to one
better acquainted with the country his profes-
sion was pretty lainly indicated y nis dress.
To Theodosia he ooked like the average gentle-
man, and she answered him without hesita-
tion.

“That was the name given me, if I remember
aright. Surely you have heard nothing that
would explain the mystery?”

“Nothing at all, yet the name sounds strange-
ly familiar. I must—yes, I am sure I have
heard it before, though some time ago. It must
have been before I went East, and that was a
year ago.”

A smile curved his lips: his eyes twinkled
mirthfully; there was evident] something in
the remembrance that amused him mightily.

Theodosia ‘looked at him inquiringly. She
understood what he meant to imply, and her
eyes asked for further information.

“ Understand me, I may be wrong. This may
not be the same woman at all. I have no per-
sonal acquaintance with her, and I did not see
the party you met yesterday; But the name is
uncommon, and I suspect t t the two are one.
If so, you need be under no apprehension in re-
orard to her fate. I should be more inclined to
ook for my ketbook if I had been as unfor-
tunate as to ave been interviewed b her.”

“ My pocketbook? Indeed, I shdul have sup-

that it was just the other way, and that
if there was a likelihood of dan er to it, that she
would have been the one to pro t it.”

“ Exactly. Without a doubt it was the same
person. Mi Vandeleur has a plausible tongue
and a taking manner. She masqueraded as a
female detective, and created more excitement
than the members of that guild usually do. Pos~
sibly she caught a glimpse of some one who
knew her, and thought it desirable to disappear.
This section of the country is a good deal further
south than she usually operates; but all regions
are alike to her, so that she can steer clear of
the talons of the law. Therefore, rest eas
about her. If she was the well-known con -
deuce woman of whom I have heard, she will
light on her feet wherever she goes."

“Can yoube right? If so, what an escape
we have‘had! The idea of traveling as a friend
with a notorious confidence operator! It makes
me shiver to think of it; and it goes to show
how careful one should be in making acquain-
tances when on a journey.” :

“ That is so, young woman, an’ you ’member
it lon as you live.” -

Sal yRice had been listening with a great

deal of interest, and several times seemed to
make an eflort to restrain herself from inter-
rupting. '
“I never talk to no strangers, nohow. It’s
jist a awful warnin’, an’tI’d keep quiet now, an’
say no more about it—excuss the fur bein’ so
bold ez ter say it.”

“I believe you are more than 'half right; but

1410 wishI knew the truth of the story, and

what became of her.”

Theodosia had the standard affection of her
sex for getting the last word. She made this
effort, and then sunk back in silence. The ad.
vice was good, even though the giver of it was
 refolle it“ For thenext

.4

        

 

thegwind, shot across the . "and

‘
~

hour Miss Lands had nothing to say—not even
to Serena Wild, who had listened in unobtrusive
silence to the conversation.

Specter Sam was discretion itself. He did not
attempt to force a conversation while Theodosia
was in this mood. d as his own reputation
was pretty widely known, he did not know how
soon the subject of his record might be under-
going ventilation.

The road to Way Back was long, rough and
wearisome. After the comparativeigomfort of
a sleeping-car and the flying whe ls of the
Through Express, it seemed doubly so. The day
wore on and the night came down. The little
community in the coach, and the other on top,
each seemed to be getting somewhat acquainted
within itself, though the elements of cordiality
were decidedly wanting among those on the
lower deck. Realizing their unprotected posi-
tion, without feeling specially alarmed, the two
youn ladies from the East were inclined to be
thong tfuJ, and though now and then answ'cr-
ing a stra remark from some fellow—passenger,
and occasxonally saying something to each other
in an undertone, their voices were seldom heard.
At times they tried to read, but the jolting of
the coach rendered that rather unsatisfactory;
and for the most part they dozed the hours
away.

W hen the stage stopped at Hard Luck they
were glad of the chance to stretch their tired
backs; and though the meal in the dining-room
was not particularly appetizing, the air and the
exercise had provided such a remedy for any
defects in the viands that they enjoyed them
keenly.

When leaving Coronado the day had been
sultry and the heat inclined to be oppressive,
but when they rolled out of Hard Luck every
one was sensible of a change, and as night drew
nearer it became certain that they would soon
be overtaken by a storm.

“ It might have been better for us if we had
remained at Coronado until we were certain of
the truth of this story about Miss Vandeleur,”
whis ered Serena.

“ r if I had noticed the signs that I cer-
tainly should have observed then I would have
advised remaining over at fiard Luck. A day
or so can make no such great difierence to us,
and it will be dreadful traveling through the
storm at night. I wonder what sort of roads
these are? It appears to me that I heard they

revls: “worse and worse as one neared Way

ac '. .

“ Excuse me, miss," said Specter Sam, re-
spectqu , “ You need not be alarmed about the
road uu ess the storm should grow too violent
to a! ow us to proceed. No matter how dark
the night the horses will keep the trail, and there
is nothing to be afraid of until we reach Hank
Harper’s shanty. If it’s very bad we can stop
there till morning; but I don’t doubt we will be
able to proceed. If we don’t meet anything
worse than the storm We will do well enough.”

“What else are we likely to meet?” responded
Theodosia, forgetting/ her resolve to say noth-
ing more than could be helped to her compan-
ions.

“ Road-agents, miss. There’s a desperate gang
on this trail; and they work regardless o the
weather. 1 have rather more filthy lucre about
me than is convenient for me to lose. I don’t
want to be obtrusive, but would it be too much
trouble for you to take charge of a. small roll
for me until after the danger is past? A few
thousands on] ; but it would be more than a
fortune to fa back on if the Dacies should
clean us out.” ,

“ But whv put it in my charge? I am sure
that it would be no safer with me eEli-an with
you. Such people generally make a cl sweep,
and if they rob one thfly will rob all.”

“No doubt they w'l take all they can get;
but they will search the men pretty close, while,
if the gentler sex ofleras much as they think
the appearance of things warrants, they will
accept it without much question. Of course, if
you expect to make any great effort to save
your own I’d as soon my coin was in in own
keeping. I can throw it in the boot an let it
run its chances.”

“ I understand. I do not wish to refuse any
such request if you think I will ‘not be running
any further persona! danger by complying Wit
it, and if the desperadoes make their appear.
ance, I shall not attempt to keep, back anythin
that they‘demand. You are better ac unint
with the procedure in such cases, and will be
happy to do whatever you wish. .The storm,
at east, is here; I suppose the road-agents will
come next?” - ‘

"Probably; but
They are rather gen emanly fellows in the
ence of the softer sex. 1 shall feel as thong
had at least thrown an anchor to windward if
you accommodate me.” . ,

“ I f you think the amount will be any safer in
my hands I will take it, then.” "

She received the roll of bills that Specter Sam
held toward her, without, further hesitation;

on need feel no alarm.
re-

and certainly the transfer was made just in , 

time. for amidst the dashing rain and, howling

wind arose a cry. Gleams of light evidently»
’ _ 1mm

from darkLIanterns that were rotected

 

a

 

"a
:-?“‘ (-5: :..
U

9
T_ !

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

 

 

 

 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 

’go mighty slow.

.1“ u  do,” 0.. k3,.  ,3, ,» «I, ,VH A 0 .

»
r

Pinnacle Pete. 

 

   

 

 

voice shouted as Nettie Wildersin rained in his

snorting stee s:
“Steady thar, all.

empty.” ,

CHAPTER VIII.
THE' DAISIES PLAY THE HAND OUT.

WITH the exception of Miss Lande and her
friend every'pussenger understood the warning
cry, and the rules of the cttiquette which was
expected to follow it. The passengers flattened
themselves visibly in trying to look as small as
pOssihlu. while the driver, who considered him-
self to be in no particular danger and who al-
most enjoyed such l'rolics, drew in with wonder-
ful suildenncss, and sat with his hands full of
lines and held high above his head.

“ Right hyar you got it, all jist 92 you want
it. Stop forward an’ gctlier up ther com. Thar
ain’t no one hyar cz kicks. Treat ’em all right
and you’ll find ’em all square.”

“ Don’t blow off so much steam, Nattie VVild-
ei‘sin. W’o ui derstand what you have on
board, and if the cargo treats us right We‘ll see
that tour ain’t no great harm done. But if any
man shows a shooting-iron we’ll out every
throat in the hearse. Now, that’s solid. Get
ready yer huckskins; and yer vallybles, Hyar’s
thcr tuxc’lecter comin’, tcr gather ’em in.”

Above the mutter and roar of the storm the
voice of the road—agent cut, clear and sharp, and
just bolting down 'in the minds of everybody
that he meant exactly what he said.

“ Is it worth while to make a fight against
that?” muttered Specter Sam in an undertone,
his hands filling with pistols as he spoke.

“ I stand to lose as much as any one here; and
I’m willing to go with the crowd. If you say
fight I’m with you all. If you don’t—I’ll look
after the interest of the ladies. I don’t suppose
any harm, unless from a stray shot, would come

Hands up an’ fingers

’ to them, but you can’t most always sometimes

tell.”

There was no direct answer to \this appeal

from those inside, and it was too late to lay
lens with those outside—who composed the
ulk of the male part of the cargo.

There were various, brief litt e exclamations
of surprise and dismay, and the voice of Sally
Rice arose in a prolonged how! of horror.

" All right, then,” added Sam, after an in-
stant’s pauSe. “No time to argue. The cards
are bunched and the game goes on with their
deal. I‘m willing. They would all play against
me fu’st thing anyhow.”

As if in answer, or to confirm his statement,
the leader of the agents 5 oke a sin.

“ Are you all done thin ing‘l f so let us know
if your hands are u]:EV And you, Sam Armadel,

e’ll have an eye on you

from the start; and if your finger makes half a

uarter of a crook clown you go, if everything
6 segoes along with you.”

“ on’t fret yourself, Captain Daisy,” laugh-
ed the gambler. “The cargo inside is all ten-
derfeet and the sex' feminine, and there. won’t
be any shooting from our side of the house un-
less on hop over the line of true business. Then
you’ 1 hear me remark, if it takes the wheels

”

“Don’t shove that platform out too furor we
may have to knock the props out from under
before we begin. We’re not running any risks,
and we know you shoot strai ht and wicked
when you take the notion. Wa k very straight,
Samuel, or have your checks handy to cash in.
You can’t get much of a head on us a night like
this, but we can nt that coach as full of holes
as a skimmer. air and easy. now. You gen-
tlemen step down and out, with your fingers up,
hi h.”

% VVe’re all a-kimin’!” shouted Sally Rice, in

‘ a shrill falsetto, every quiver in it speaking of a

thrill of strong emotion, “ but, fur greshus sake
let us weemin folks kiin fu’st! You kin shoot
him arter we git out!” . \
The door of the coach opened, and _w1th a
squeal of] aflright Sally leaped out, and into the
arms of the man who was doing the talking, but
Who was, up to that moment totally invisible
from within. But, just then, there came out of
the pitchy darkness a sudden flash of light until
everything stood out in glarin distinctness on
the almost black backgroun . The source of
the light was not discernible, but there it was,
bearin down on that one spot only as if to re];-
der it a one visible and all else invisible; It 01'
course came from the great open-and-shut re—

» fiector-lamps for which the road-raiders had fre-

quent use in their night raids and tramps. I
. “ Here, Number One, take charge of this bit
of dry-goods. From the sound of her exhaust
ipe I Judge it’s the old maid. She hasan even
undred ollarslin her pocket. See that you
turn in that amount. That’s two dollars a year.
\If she claims to be any younger roast her. If
the meat turns out tender We’ll own up to a

' mistake. Next! Miss Lande, you and Serena

can step forward. You on top can get down on
the other Side. The porters are waiting for you
there. Ah! Will you? How is that?”

Fifom the top of the coach there came a flash,
and the sharp crack of a pistol. It was undoubt-
edly fired more or less by guess, yet at that dis
tance it seemed a miracle that the road-agentT

 unwounded; and just as much more

7

 

 

   

that his quick answer, fired oint—blank at the
spot where, a few seconds he ore, the flash had
been, was wasted on the air.

The fact was, the instant the passenger pulled
trigger he rolled off the top, over the hind boot,
and crouching low darted away in the darkness.

heard, prevented a volley at the stage thou
two or three scattering shots hurtled vain
after, while a chorus of shouts from above dis-
credited all connection with the one who had
made his escape.

“ Who was it? Number Five and Six, try and
take up the trail. Bring him in dead if you
can’t get him alive; but don’t go too far either.
Such a night as this—”

The captain’s anger cooled as suddenly as it
arose; and though he was willing to make a cast,
he rccognizcd the almost impossibility of finding
a fugitive with a dozen yards the start.

He turned again to the coach.

“ What sort of a man was it that fired that
shot? Speak up, somebody. Anybody know
his name? Here, you. Tell us what you know
about him; and talk loud and straight. The
rest of you needn’t get down unless the cargo
don’t pan out according to test. Just shove the
valuables down, and four of you boys—Eight,
Nine, Ten and Eleven—riddle the deck if there’s
any more foolishness.”

There was a regular little army around the
coach as the latest order developed.’ While it
was being obeyed, the outlaw turned. again sav-
agely and caught by the shoulder the only man
that had so far descended.

“ Last time of asking. Who was the man that
fired that shot? Speak quick, or give your
measure for a wooden overcoat. We’ll fool here
in this storm till the flood comes, and all be
drowned I” '

“ It—t—t-twa’n’t a man at-t—t-tall. It-t-t-twas a
b-b-boy, b-b-bout s-s«sixteen y-y-years rold. I
s-s-seen him l-l-last night, in Coronado, an’ be
s—s—said he w—w-was a deteétive.”

With much stanimering and stuttering Uriah
sputtered out this information, and the answer
was greeted with a howl from the captain.

“You’re the Fool from Way Back, and that
youngster was your pard. He’s got away: but
don’t you forget that we’ve froze onto you. The
boys call you a fool, but, blame me, if I thought
you were stark, staring idiot enough to run your
head into the lion’s mouth after the frolic of last
night. VVe’ll keep , on where the do 5 won’t
bite you, anyhow. on’t you stir, or ’11 pick
trig er.”

‘ N-w—what yer goin’ ter d-d—doi”

“Never mind that, my festive friend. Here,
you boys! Have you got that. luggage all out
of the boot yet?” ,

“ All out hyar!” rumbled a. voice from the
coach.

“Then let her roll! Drive on there, Nattie,
and if we don’t hear those wheels of yours a—
rolling till you pass Turkey Bend, there’fl be a
new driver on this route next trip, and you’ll be
enjoying a hole in the front row in the boneyard.
Let her roll! Do ou hear me?”

And to emphasme his order, Dan the Daisy
fired a shot so close that the bullet cut throng
Wildersin’s bushy whiskers.

That was hint enough. Between the storm
and the hurrah of business that was bein done
quite out of the regular routine, Natt1e was
pretty well abroad. He didn’t know much
about his passengers, and he didn’t know much
about the coach; but he did know that he had a
fist full of lines, with quadrupeds at the other
ends, and that the way was supposed to be open.
lie gave a bowl of encouragement and brought
his whip down in a zig-zag streak of sharp per-
suasion.

After that there was no delay. ‘

The animals that had been restive enough,
sprung away, dragging the vehicle after them
at a breakneck pace, while a. man was swinging
himself head-first through the window of the cor
that had been swung /sharply to as Dan the
Daisy spoke.

“,Stop! stop!” he shouted as he came. “ You
are leaving the ladies behind l” ,

The man was Specter Sam; and  each hand
he held a derringer. ‘ ‘

By daylight and in earnest, Sam‘Armadel
and his pistols would have given a very good
account otthemselves; but under the Circum-
stances a. better man than he could have done
no more, if he had played the limit.

As he touched the ground two men run at
him, saving him, per-ha s, from an ug y fa as
they seized him from at er side.

‘ Let the fool down lightly!” shouted the
ca. tain, as though somewhat ‘ excited by the
su den attack.

“ There’s no danger in him, when you draw
his sting, and he’s too good a little man to la
out cold for doin’ the clean white thing. R01

The sound of his retreating footsteps, faintly '
Y

him up in a blanket if you can—kill him only if'

you must!”

And then, in an undertone:

“Go slow Sami The hearse is out of sight,
and the calico won’t understand the difference.
This kind of weather there isn’t room for much
foolishness; and. it wouldn’t be worth while if
there was.

1

      

Everything, has gone alon strai ht.
' as a string so far and the grimelooks Every .51.:

‘ust now. Put on a little bounce and then drop
ehind if you are bound to see the thing
through.”

“Orders are orders,” responded Sam, in the
same cautious undertone. “Lucifer wants it-
a and what he wants has to go, every time. I
don’t want to throw away any frills, though.
Are they where they can hear me shouting?”

“They’re not very far off, but this cussed
storm hardly lets you hear yourself think. Spit
it out, man, and got the thing over. The boys
may get tired waiting and take hold of you for
keeps. Call me a Villain and a horse-thief, and
be done with you."

“Why, you infernal scoundrel. do you think
I am knucklin because I’m an'aid of you and
your gang? 1 I wasn’t in the dark like that

ull in the china shop, I’d give you something
to remember me by anyhow. Do you want to
raise the whole Territory at you that you are
risking the lives of these ladies out in such a,
storm? Everybody had hands up. and it you
were afraid to go through them, you .shouldn’t' ,
have stopped them, and ought to go out of the
business. ’

“ That’s right, little man! Say your say out.

I know when you talk you generally mean busi-
ness, but this time we have the (load medicine ‘1 .
on you and you ought to know it. Noone want-
ed you; and if you had stuck to the hearse you. _ _
would have been half-Wu y to Turkey Bend by ' ‘
this time, with all your ducuts safe and about
you. Now—first thing, shell out! Look throu h
him, boys; and turn over everything that fie ,
has. Vi e’re that much ahead.”

“ Take it and welcome. There’s fifty I slipped
in my:boot for a starter, and about three hun-
dred in the wallet in my shirt-pocket. Rifle
the~e ladies’ baggage if you please, but for Hea-
ven’s sake let them walk on, since it is too late
to ride. I will escort them to the Bend. Do
you think I could sit still and see such an out-
rage? I ask this—if you don’t grant it, by hea-
vens! I’ll die trying to get it!”

“ Glad you take such an interest in them—-
shows they’re worth all I ask. And ityou value
them so much as to put your own precious throat
in jeopardy you can have a chance to put up or
shut up. T ey’re a precious little gold mine,
and the Daisies propose to work for all the ore
that’s in sight.” ' .»
’ “ What do you mean?" ‘ ,

“ Simply that I’ve had my eyes on these youn ,
ladies for some time, and always hava been glad
to see them working this way. I want just ex- ‘
actly ten thousand dollars out of the outfit be- . '
fore it gets away; and if they can’t raise it,
maybe you can.”

Specter Sam appeared to he gradually recov- .
ering his coolness. It was in quite a different I
tone of voice that he s ke. r' ’

“ I think I am ge ting at your ideas, now,
You mean that you are going to hold them for a .
ransom of ten thousand dollars?” -

:: ghatgt'ust the size oghitt.”b d m"

ver mg ass on a , ag e an a

“Ten thou. is%ur figure. Yougac’in appraise
the amount on hand, and we ,won’t ask you for
more than the balance. You know that Daisy
Dan only says what he means, and if you listen
you’ll hear him talking. We’ll wait a reason-
able time for that amount, and then forward
the corpses C. O. D. to the executor. Those are K
the bed—reek fi ures, you understand, and you ' I.
can’t get aroun them. We didn’t care about ’ . « 
having a hearse full of galoots about to offer
advice when we were stringing our chips, so we ~ -
sent the rest through. Now, what are you go—
ing to do about it? \

‘See here, Captain Daisy—if that is thename
you go b ——you seem to know who I am pretty
well, an ou’d hardly try a blufl! game on me.
This whoe thing is too low down, even fora ~ '
road-agent; but if the game is set, I suppose the
only way to do is to make the best of it and see
that you ring in no advantage on the turn. You
have the percentage on me now, dead, but that
wouldn’t make an difference if it was a. single-n.
handed game. Its only because I am looking .
after the interests of the ladies that on dent 1“ i]
,hear from me in a different shape. I you are ‘
going to run this sort of a lay-out the sooner we’
get under cover the better. Then if you will al-
low me to your prisoners, and they choose to
have m ac as their agent in the matter, I will. ‘
do wha I can for them now—and for you later

a v1 . n... a: mu. Wm uflaknmmww u. Wm“ 

~'i

A,
1

 

 

 

 

  
 
 
 
    
    
  
 

 

on.” -

“In the way of a hemp necktie! Ha,ha!
T113123; have 216121; lotstof meg i313 thoughpighey
,co carry con mot u ey trip up‘
“on it—bad. All right! We’ll start for cover;
and as the ladies have been standing right 119-,
hind you, you can talk to themsasgou go along. ‘
Or—il'. won’t take but a minute. ettle it here.
now., . ‘

:

 

' CHAPTER IX.  N i

run nnxsms sxm THE MARKET.  V

THE Daisies—as the outlaw clan that infested 1‘1
the roads to WayHEack were called—had been/,
in l“plenty of this ‘ dot work since they first i’
-m e their appearance on the trail. I They had
their haunts and their hiding-places, knew ev \
foot and bridle-path and were about as muc ‘
at home on them in lit and storm as by day—.7

'. x ,. ,~\

J

 

 
  
  

10

Pinnacle. Pete.

/"

f

 

With the prisoners—even down to Spector
Sam—it was different. To the outlaws the
storm only seemed like one of the accessories,
and the ‘dark as a convonient cloak; To the
ladies it was Erebus and terror.
nothing, and heard but little more than the gen-
eral outline of the conversation that was going
on but a few yards away.

They understood, however, that they had not
been altogether deserted, and that a fellow-pas-
senger was doing his best in their behalf, and
as Theodosxa knew nothing about the previous
record of b‘am Armadel she swung to him as to
an anchor to the windward, when, by permis-
sion of Captain Dan, he advanced.

Even when he was just at her sideMiss Lande
could scarcely make out the outline of an indis-
tinct frown; but she recognized the voice at
once.

“I am very sorr , miss, that you have fallen
into such a snare; ut under the circumstances
I do not think_y0u will consider any one to
blame. One or‘ two men can hardly fight a

',, dozen, when taken at such a disadvantage; and
though we might have made our escape, that
would have only left you alone in the toils.

. You have heard what has been said: the ques-

t... tion now is, how can I best aid you ?”

l “ I have heard enough to understand the sub-
..stancc of the outrageous demand; must it be

I complied with? I want your advice, for you

n, , seem wise in the ways of such villains as these.”
' “ Unfortunately I - am,” responded Sam,
frankly. “Although I have been absent from

v these regions for some time I have lived a long
while on the frontier, and have come in contact

 .1 with such rascals more than once. I know these
' outlaws and their leader very well, by reputa-
' tion. There have been worse men than Daisy
Dan in the business, since they were men upon
whose Word no de ndence at all could be

I placed. But what an says he always means;

. V if he names a figure. it’s that and nothing more;

" and he is not wicked for the sake of being
lwicked, but strictly in the way of business. Oh,

you could not have fallen into the hands of a

I more honorable thief if you had searched the

 , Territory allover.”

“ A very fair character you have given him;
but not Very reassuring to me. If I do not pay
 " him the ten thousand dollars, then what?”

 ' “ It will be very uncomfortable for all of us,”

' , responded Sam, with a shrug of his shoulders.

‘ I can’t leave you, I don’t think there is the

‘ ghost of a chanceto get you away, and in the

t.» course of three or four days they would proba-

~ bly roast us alive as an awful warning to all

. ,- ple against traveling without suficient coin

meet the contingencies of the road.”

‘ ‘.‘ But ten thousand dollars in cash and within

' that time—I might as well think of deliverin

the moon. Two thousand dollars perhaps
might managezbut ten—I would have to wait

‘ until a letter could cross the continent and the

'answer come back again.” ‘

 , “You mistake the extent of your resources.

If I had no other evidence, the mere fact of

, Dan demanding ten thousand would be sufficient

'to’ convince me that you would have no trouble

in obtaining that amount. Draw for it, and

.take my word your draft will not come back

41 nored.”

’ “Will Dan the Daisy cash the draft? If so,

matters may indeed be simplified.”

F “Scarcely,” lau bed Sam. “ That woul

snake it too simp 9. I’m afraid that draf

,wbuld go to protest. credit or no credit. But

v some one else will. without a doubt.” -

‘, “ For instance?”

“ I would, were I in condition to do so. Un-

' fortunately I am almost stranded myself. You

’ have several thousands of my mone . So far as

4 that goes, it is at your dis osal. he balance-—

well, there is Rivers, of a Back. He would

._  r- be the man to see you throng the riffle.”

“ Rivers?”

wig: (Eric Rivers. He is the ,best

., ‘ 1mm in Way ck; he has the coin to give; and

a j if you bring your case to his notice. it’s as like

1.: fans not be can elp you in other matters. He is

,a power down there, and has the reputation of

being just as honest as they make them.”

3,, “ But. do you think that these men would run

fill. risks? If he or any other honest man

‘ v’ we! this outrage, I should think there would

be no rest, night or day, until the villains’were
hunted down. ’ '

, v“ You to et‘that your resence makes a com-

,plication in he game. util you are fair] out

'0! the hands of the Daisies, not very muc can

 done. A stray bullet might put your valu-
ablelight out;~ and Dan would hang~adozen
gnwomen sooner than lose his me, or allowa

.,prisoner to escape. Dan on erstands all the

chances, and will reason accordingly. He

'ivould sooner deal with Rivers than not, be-

jause he knows him tobe a square man, even

‘. with a road-agent.”

 

 

   
  
  
 
   
   
   
  
  
 
   
  
  
     
  
  
    
   
   
   
    
   
 

 

  

 

 

 Will scarcely come here; and they

,  hardly allow me to go to him.”

 “That the disagreeable duty that is to be

$30!), my shoulders Remember, I am en-
‘ y at your service. If you think'my

machete will. be of an use—if even you im-

odqeycu feel comforted. y it,‘say the word.” "

They saw

.“And how. is this dealing to bedonel The.

,himjas’ a matter of form we

 

 

Then his voice dropped still lower, and in a
brief whisper, that barely reached her ears, he
added: '

“ There is more here than you see, or I would
make a break with you as it is. The trial
would make it had for the rest; and they have
it set up to be almost certain death.”

“Thanks for your disinterested kindness. I
will admit now that I saw your face on the
trains all the way from New York, and that it
was something of a satisfaction when you en—
tered the stage, and I found that you were
going to Way Back. I have no one else to
trust—I trust you. W'hatever you think best I
will do. Do you not think that is best, Serena?”

Since the appearance of the road agents Miss
Wild had maintained a masterly silence.

She did not seem to be any worse frightened
than her companions; she had, indeed, whis~
pered a few words of encouragement to Tth.
When she found that they were not needed,
and that no one was paying any particular at-
tention to her, she kept her lips closed and her
ears open. As for seeing anything—that was
out of the question.

The direct address brought her to the front.

“It’s your money, dear; and you may as
well use it in getting yourself out of a had box,
as any other way. And for that matter, if you
don’t spe d it so it looks very much as though
you would not get to spend it at all. By all
means take the advice of this gentleman. It
seems very reasonable to me; there is nothing,r
else to do; and We must do something. Are we
going to stay here all— all—nigan ~

5‘ I believe you are giving good advice,” suit
Armadel, quickly, for there was a quiver in
Serena’s voice that seemed to indicate that she
was talking herself to the verge of hysterics.

“ Your stay here will only be long enough to
decide what is to bedone. 1f I am to be sent
forward asa. messenger it would naturally be
done from this spot. They would hardly care
to admit me first into the secrets of their re-
cesses. In ten minutes more you will probably
be on the move, and I doubt not that you will
find they have some convenient lurking place,
when you will be in passable comfort for the
night. They are no fender than you of being
exposed to the storm, unless the inducement is
tempting.”

“ Let it be so. then. You can tell this robber
chief that we can place three thousand dollars
in his hands, in cash; and that I will sign a
draft on my banke sin the East, for the balance
-seven thousand dollars. I may as well come
to that conclusion now as to waste several
iiays” considering and then see no other outlet at
set. '

“You have decided wisely,  I firmly be—‘

lieve. We will
next move.”

“Just Bremctly what you explained,” broke
in Dan t 6 Daisy. stepping forward until his
shadow could be seen. just at their sides.

"There’s a little shelter, about half a mile
from here, and we’ll adjourn the meeting to
that spot. Miss Lande can writeadraft in favor
of Rivers for sevon thousand—I know that he’ll
cash it after he hears your story. Then we’ll
put a horse under this gentleman—it’s a. horse
we stole, so that we won’t be out a cent—and he
can take the trail. A blind man couldn’t miss
it, and I am pret sure he won’t.”

“As you will. t us have the matter ad-
justedassoonaspossihle. I shall die if I re-
main here much longer.”

“Not so dead. miss. as you may think. You
are not the kind to suffer too much from fright.
This storm is more make-believe than solid old
business, and an evening out, in this salubrious
climate never hurt any one. There! One of
you boys keep company with this gentleman
and see that he don‘t wander far away, while
we are one. , I’ll be back here inside of an
hour, an attend to the rest mysslf. Close up
here, throw the women up into the saddles, and
move off.”

“rend w-w-what you g-g—goin’ ter do with
me

Uriah’s voice was heard for the first time since
he had tumbled in awheap against a convenient
tree, with his hands and feet securely hound.

“ Cut‘ out throatif I hear another word out
of it. '1‘ at’s what I ought to do now; but I’d
sooner feed a fool for a week if that will do as
well, and then'turn him loose. You under-
stand? All we want is to keep your mouth
shut. If we can’t do it 'one way we’ll take the
dead medicine on another. The first word out
of your mouth and 03 goes your brain-pan.
You go off by yourself arid meditate on the ad-
,vantages of being the Foo from Way Back.”

That seemed to settle it. Uriah had no more
to say, as he was hustled off in' one direction,
while Theodosia, her companion and Sally
Rice were led away in another. The silence of
the old maid could only be accounted for by the
fact that aplaster had been placed over her
 that rendered it' impossible to ‘utter a
5y , 9- ' . .

For something less than an hour Specter, Sam
sat under the shelter of a. tree, the most of the
time smoking composedly. The ard left with
, ‘ have entered
into conversation, butnrmadel answered so

soon know what is to be the

 

 

briefly and in such an undertone that he settled
down subdued, till Captain Dan returned.

“ All right,” was his salutation.

“You understand the situation, and the less
we say until we know what became of the party
that dove into the brush, the better. I guess
the document will stand water. If not, the
money has got to come anyhow. And you just
jot it down, Sam Armadel, that we’re not going
to stand any foolishness. lf you try to get
away witlrthat seven thousand the female dam—
scls will go up the flume fu’st, and then ill] call
in Specter Sam’s checks if I hava to chase him a
year. You know no. I’ll kill you, and I’ll
never give you a chance to know who hurt you.
Here‘s your horse, and there’s the trail to Way
Back. Scatter out and play us fair, I want
this thing settled up before there are too many
fingers in the pie.”

“ Settch it is, my lord. You never heard of
my throwing off—”

“ That’s enough. \Vo understand all that.
I’m waiting for you to start, so that I can go
back to my menagcrie. I expect there will be
heaps of I'un afloat before we got through the
rackpt; but I don’t want to begin here and with

on. ’

“All right, old follow. Tn, ta! I’ll see you
later,” laughed Specter Sam, us he vaulted into
his saddle. “ If I don't turn up in a Week you
can begin looking for my corpse at Way
Back.”

 

CHAPTER X.

GID GIRTON TELLS THE NE‘VS.

TEN minutes after the conversation between
the five conspirators Eric Rivers and Dan' the
Daisy had left the town of Coronado, and were
flying along the road together, heading in the
direction of Way Back. Specter Sam, being
tired from the long journey he had just com-
pleted, and having nothing particular to do for
the present, went to bed the moment after he
had left Lucifer. His directions were few and
brief, for Specter Sam was a man who could be
trusted to do the right thing at the right time
without much telling. "in/that wa he missed
the brace of affairs at the White L‘tar and the
Comet. and by chance heard nothing about
them up to the time of leaving on the coach the
next day. , r

Lucifer dropped Captain Dan between Hard

Luck and Way Back, and entered the latter,

place on foot without attracting any attention.
he animal he had ridden had been taken
charge of by a man who made his appearance at
a sharp whistle given just as he reached a by-
road that branched ofi‘ from the main trail al-
most within sight of the town.

He gave the manwwho was employed about
the Red Rock mine—a few hurried directions
and words of caution. The town knew nothing
of his absence, and he did not intend to call the
attention of any one to the fact that he had but,
lately made a journey. Without discovery he
reached his quarters, and in a short time he was
sound asleep. He needed rest, and intended to
take it while he could.

Of course he knew nothing as yet of the little
racket at the White Star, or the' possibility that
the particulars of his scheme had been over-
heard by at least one unintended listener. Had
he remained but a little longer in Coronado it is
more than likely that Uriah would havehad less
chance for peaceful slumber' and had he cut
the night, or what rtion of it was left at ard
Luck, or halted aw 'le with Dan the baisy, he
might have received the intelligence that even
now was on the way to the latter. As it was, so
far as he knew he had succeeded in getting con-
trol of the different interests that he thought
might work against him, and now he took a
breathing spell before the serious work of the
campaign began. .

A sound sleep removed all traces of his late
journey, and he turned up in Way Back fresh,
smiling, and, best of all,'without any one sus-

ecting the nature of his late absence, or dream-
ing that he had been at Coronado. In the semi-
disguise worn by him at the place it would have
taken an intimate ac uaintance to recognize
him: and it was not like y that he had met any
such. If so it would make no great diflerence.
though that had been carefully guarded
against. , f

And the Eric Rivers of Way Back was a dif-
ferent man, from the Captain Lucifer who, a.
number of years before had first struck that

section with the rush that went down etc Hard'.

Luck. ‘ . .
What he was then his, conversation with his
oldlpards has shown. ' ,

When he returned to the, neighborhood—fa ,
man of some capital, and much nerve, who,

.went with the crowd as though he came to 
—he was apparently all the wanted for a l _ -
in man, and he passed wi out recognition. ~

11 the few years he had spent. there he had, as-
sumed that position and kept it, in spite of all the
shifting of
fortune. e edgrospered, if others, stood still,
or Went away bro
Be Rock Mine was

 

lotion andthe ups and downs of . '

on up root and branch. The, . ‘

. paying, and there were 1309- I ,
sibilities in it that the more hopeful were yearn» ~ ‘
ing to see- developed, cleaning that the reticence'"_

    
  
   
   
    
    
 
  
  
    
  
  
  
      

I ,
f. .,.‘ "

'N

  
 
 
 
 

;'l



about its present prospects, shown by him and ,

_ his employees, had a peculiar meaning, and that i

’ Shall we go and listen to it?”

if he could get rid of u partner—name unknown i
—-who lingered somewhere in the distance, some ‘
wonderful devolopnients might be expected. 1

How the idea got uilout Would have been vrd l
to explain, but it was ventilated at tiincs, nd i
perhaps gave a fictitious value to the lied Rock. ;

l'lrii- ‘s‘tivers nus 0 bold player, and though he i
was always Willing to aid fortune when necos- I
sury, he know how to do it without discovery. ‘
llo believed in lii'nsvll’; and had no Icnr for
uni Lhinxz'. Ho for “My Buck had seen nothing
in his hie ilmt was not just the thing for the
pl:i"c. II it is added that he held his own at the
[hilfl‘l' pal'linnwnts lit the Mint his position and
reputation have been pretty well explained.

The Mint was the saloon of the plucc. Noth-
ing \‘lfl'y gorgeous about it. everything being
snug: and comfortable, but the h'ill” , dozen lead-
ing men of the town dropped in tin-re of an
ovemng to talk over Clll'l't'nt topics, enjoy Paddy
Milligan’s rcully enjoyablewhisky, and occa-
sionally to throw the ,pnstclionrds.

The absence of any of the L’requentors would
not be noticed unh-ss it extended beyond several
evenings, since the attendance was irregular.
Of course there were plenty of other customers,
who came and went, and filled up the house,
and made much coin for the proprietor, but

   

they were not the ones that guvp the tone to -

the establishment or whom Paddy Milligan de-
lighted to honor.

One of these special games was in progress,
and the session hud been prolonged, uLuck had
gone so nearly even that there was no great
loss or gain for any the of the four who sat
around the table in one corner of the room.

“ For three ('(‘lltS l‘d jump the gnme and re—
tire to my virtuous couch,” remarked Colonel
Green. “ This thin”; is getting tiresome. We
want something to ’liven it up;

“ Here it is, then,” laughed ivers, pointing to
the bar, where the crowd was packing around a
single man.

“ That. man has a. story to tell, evidently,

“ Agreed!”

The colonel threw down the deck without

hesitation, and the party adjourned to the bar.
. “ Held up? Yer right, she was held up! An‘
9f yer wait till Grid Girton gets sum more ov the
cobwebs scrubbed out, I'll jest giv yer ther
hull gospel, an” you kin see what Vi ny Back
are comin’ to." . ‘

The speaker was a rough-looking miner, and

a new arrival, who had come in on the stage
which was away behind time. He had mile
off the top, carrying a sack of dunnage in his
hand, and made a. break for the bar the first
thing.
, With strange suddenness the news of the raid
of the road—agents was spread. There were not
half a dozen men around when the coach
stopped. In half a minute there was a score;
and in five it seemed that the whole towu knew
what had hap ened. and was hungry for par-
ticulars. He lied already had-one drink at his
own expense; there was a chance now to have
half a dozen at the expense of the crowd.

The f‘ cobwebs ” went down at a. gulp, and
Gid GiMn began to talk.

“ They wa’n t after coin, mind yer; but Scalps.
Thar wam‘t a. dime took, 92 fur ez I see’d- it;
'but they just hustled three skirtycoats an’ two
brace ov trowserloons out inter the woods, cut
ther harness so ez it would jest hold out with
goin’ slow, an’ started us on a—’hoopin’.”

“Three women l” .

The hearers were indignant.

“ Yes, three ov ’em, an’ two war jest
ez likel -lookin’ heifers ez ever knocked it man
crazy ookin’ at ’em. Ther other wa’n’t much
ter look at, bein’ Miss Sally Rice, ov Coronader;
but she war a female anyhow, ef she was past
tellin’ her age by her mouth.”

“ Who were the other two?" asked Green.
“ By the eternal! this thing must be looked into.
It‘s time to organize.”

“ They war frum ’way East somewhere; on
could tell it by tbe’r talk an’ the’r duds. ut
they war trum every time. Jest ez cool ez
cowcumbers. 1dn’t hear a whimper.”

“ And you men stood back and saw the out-

rage without a kick?"
' “ Wu]. thar war one fellervdid make a how;
b'ut‘I tell yer hlS sand left him jest too quick.
He picked trigger Onc’li, an" tha’n lit out through
ther bushes with a whole regerment a~’hoopm’
artar him. It war ther weemm they war arter,
an’ a. cuss the called the Fool frum Way Back.
Them war a they axed fur an' them wfir 9,11
they took in that fu’s‘t place. Then a. feller that
war inside—8am Armadel they called him—dove
out, a shooter in each hand, an’ they took him.
along fur balance." ‘ ’ ,

Gid Girton’s outline gave a V81 fair state,
nient of the case, and was given wit out much

‘interruption. At its conclusion Rivers invited
ev“ body up. and then looked around.

nts, Colonel Green has hit it about ri ht.
We ought to organize. As 1011 as there 5 a.
coach held u now andthen, an a. few dollan
raked in, we on’t have much call to worry. It

 

makes the lace talked of and'the outside world
Wm: Wadeckis‘u good

N.

99”“?

      
 

maidfi ' ' y’ .L»,

/

Pinhaéle Pete.

go to because it has every evidence of pros»
perity.

“ But this is a littletoo much of the good thing,
and it will tell for Way Back if she stops it.
Green, Compton, there, who has just come in,
and a, couple more of us Will look right into this
thing. ‘We’ll get all the points Mr. Girton can
give us. and if there is anything to be done we’ll
do it. If it takes a regiment to must out the
ruiiians we’ll have the regiment; and it can
draw on mo for the first week’s pny, at full
wages for every man in the outfit. If it takes
longer thun that to hunt them down and wipe
them out, I don’t know anything of the men that
will be behind us."

‘ The announcement of Rivers was greeted with

a cheer. A virtuous spasm had seized the most
hardened, and the regiment of Rivers seemed
already an assured thing. When the committee
of prominent citizens withdrew with Grid Girton
to plan the Course of procedure, there were fiflty
men swaggering around in the Mint, their hands
on their revolvers and talk full of carnage.

The session of the committee lasted for some
time, and us Milligun had sent in at second bottle
of whisky it was evident that their labors were
arduous. About the time the crowd grew anx—
ions for a report, there was a, new sensation.

A man. at the door of the Mint, threw himself
from u hard—ridden horse, and ontercd the saloon.

“ I’m looking for Judge Rivers, of the Red
Rock. Can any one tell me where to find him?
It‘s urgent business, and I must see him right
away.” '

“ ’l‘hnr’s ther teller they called Sum Armudel,
now I" exclaimed Grid irton, who was just
emerging from the little room where the coun—
cil was in session.

“ He kin tell tber balance, an’ you’d better
hustle him in.”

“ VVhar’s ther weemin?” roared half a dozen
voices, taking in the meaning of it all in a mo-
ment.

“The Indies are safe as yet, but something
must be done, and that right quickly. Where is
Judge Rivers?”

 

CHAPTER XI.
SPECTER‘ SAM ON DECK.

Sm CAMPTON’S presence at the Mint was pure-
ly accidental. He had been waiting for the
mail that was to come in on the belated coach—
at least so he explained—and whiled away the
time in Doctor Le Farge’s office, playing sin-
gle—handed eucher for nominal stakes. Luck
seemed so evenly divided that the game ot in-
terestin ,and Just when the stage rolle into
town can ton held the cards to decide a. crit-_
ical game, f carefully played.

In that way it came that he lingered a. mo-
ment till the hands were played; and when they
came out on the street the movement toward
the Mint, which was onlyufew doors away,
had begun.

He heard the story of Gi'd Girton without
evincing much surprise, and he coldly went
into the conference proposed by Eric Rivers,
Le Fargo going with im.

In thecouncil-room there wasafairunani-
mity of opinion when it was proposed to go man-

huntiliag.
Le a: 6 did, suggest that by following too
closely wi 11 their little army they might render
the Daisies desperaw‘and cause seriousdamuge
11(1)] téie prisoners; but Rivers had an answer for
t a. . i ‘
“We don’t know much about Captain Dan,
except that he has been.doing some desperate
work at odd times. Desperate, because he ran
great risks in the doing of it. But everytbin
oes to show that he has a. very level head, an
is not going to miss a. chance. If we begin to
crowd him he’ll take the safe side. He may
bluster and blow, but he’s not goingtomuke
his case worse by any nonsense. And it we
really haye him in a corner he’ll be glad enough
to hand over his prisoners and swear to leave
the coun .” ‘

“We might invite him down to Way Back
for a blow-out. and give him the freedom of the
city,” sneered Le Fargo, who did not seem to
think much of theplan of raisingI troops.

“ Don’t mistake me, doctor. would be the
last man to propose a. compromise unless it was
absolutely necessary. I want to «my ‘all ex-
penses, and I am certain the plan ' 1 work with
more success than putting one or two men, how-
ever shrewd, to work up the case. There is no
time for that; but if we move promptly, 'we
may get on the trail to—night, strike them by
morning, and be all back playing poker at the
Mint by to—morrow evening. I only speakoof
letting the villains of! to show that we need not
be afraid of any such catastrophe as La Fargo

suggests. - _

‘ take it all back, then,” said the doctor,
hastily. “Perhaps you are ri ht. You have
the start of a. fair brigade alre y in your hand.
and, I reckon, when they move out, the rest of
the camp—the real men—won’t; hesitate to
follow. We’re all agreed. Let’s go dnd tell the

b0 ,7
This motion was agreed to, and no the flied
into the ham-com just at the time When Rplecter
fifil‘llan‘ivedmnd begau‘askin ‘forJ‘udge van.
Hem you arel” urchin , Risers, taking a.

I

    

'fldence in human nature myself, so t at I won’t -

'itwon’t be half ashardtomllya gangifthoy

 

showed every anxious disposi

 

‘1 1, 

few steps forward. "If you have anything for
me say it quick. We are deciding on important
matters and your presence may be just the thing
needed to make them sure. as your coming
anything to do with obtaining the release of the
three ladies taken from the stage, between here
and Hard Luck “i”

“ You bet it has, judge! I see you are posted
on the story. I’ve got nothing fresh to tell you
about how they took us in; but I've got a. good'
deal to say nbout how they can be gotten out.
And it’s the only way, too. I’ve been within. .
the lines, and I know what I am talking about.”

“I would suggest that you talk less and say
more ” interjected Rivers. '

“l ere it is, then. Maybe you’ve heard that , « l
I wus willing to chip, but that I didn’t do a '
blamed bit of good. It was the calico Daisy
Dan was after; and he’s scooped them. Now,
what he says is plain, and chuck up to the mark.
He intends to have ten thousand dellan out of
the little trio. and be men' it all. ‘ 3'

“ I’m not very flush my. *lf. but I put my last ‘ ’.
ducnt into the pot; and she had something over
:1 thousand more. T but gives her over three
thousand. I’ve not a draft on the banker of the
Croesus of the outfit; and it’s for seven thousand; , ‘
drawn on New York, you understand; nnd she “_
wants Eric Rivers to cash it for her, as Dan the - . !
Daisy takes nothing but the hard coin You
don’t run much risk in doing it, judge. I’ve put
my little all into the pot—though, of course, it is
only temporary. When the young lady reaches ‘ z '
lVay Back she will make arrangements for-.5. ‘_ ’
further supply of the filthy lucrc, and cash all
the chips that may be lying around.” , v

” Is this business; or is it all fol»de—roli" ex-
claimed Rivprs, sharply. “ How did she come ‘ 
to know an thing about me?” '

“Well, Ill own up that I mentioned\your '
name to her as that of a square man, who would  .

 

A... firm... M "wk-u. .N.

'do his level best for beauty in distress, and the i

chief of the gang winked the same way without v
any hints from anybody. It’s business, though, '
as far as the paper goes. You’ll find it goodns .
gold, and she won’t object to pnying‘ interest on,
1your investmenta—the usual percentage, and per- ‘

tips a. little more.” ‘ a,

“Let up on that. When 1 offer to serves 1
woman I mean it all over, and I don’t take pay
for doing it. By business I mean will Daisy
Dan stand by his bargain? Will the ten thou-
sand get them safel out of his clutches? If it
will the money will 9 forthcoming; and I’ll see x
that he cashes the draft himself, afterward.
It’s time the rascal was hunted down—and we’re ,
goin to do it. If you hadn’t turn'edu when
you ,;d we would have been on the road y this.
time.

“ I can’t guarantee, of course.. I’m a sort of v ‘
paroled prisoner. They took me in as a. sort of "i
go—between, as I understand it. But the wurvf u 
things look I believe it is all on the square. ’ ‘
I thought it wasn’t you can bet about all you’re v ‘
worth that I wouldn’t be running, my precious
neck in the noose again. after I had once got it ‘
clear. Pm to collect the money.” '

“And Who is going to hold you?” asked Sid ‘»
Compton, coolly. “As a stranger and a. pil-

rim you may beall right' but it’s playin a .
oose game to give your wallet to any one at 3,
comes along an offers to hold it.” - i j .

“ I will answer for Mr. Armadal,” into bed...
Rivers. “ It has been some time since saw 7
the gentleman last but I don’t notice much ‘
chan e. and if he’s the Same good little man
that 6 used to be I’d trust him with a. million.
I’m not troubled about his end pf the string.
If nay man livin can hold it he’s the one." ,

“ unit you, vars, I'm not dyin with com ~_

 

    
  
 
 
   
    
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
   
    
    
  
   
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  

- a

 

 

 

taken): 03 even at the remark of the gentle; ‘ :,
man. t’s natural enough to ask such questions " i.
—if you are putting up any coin. But as! -.

you are In ing banker I don’t see whereh
right, to lo comes in. He’s not your locker»
out?’ i ’

“ No, oh no: though I wouldn’t care if be
He knows all the cards by name,” '
lau bed Eric. 9

“ ut enough of that. I take our worded
gospel; and can understand the si nation with-.1
out any more explanation. What do you .all
say, gentlemen? ‘Are you satisfied to run the
chances on the new me, or shall we go ahead
with the old one? on have as much to say '
I have, and I’m willing to o with the 1113;121:325
The young lady seems to ave had some -
deuce in the plan; but as she couldn’t glow
that Way Back was going to be on its me of
course her sayvso don’t count more than so~

much.” . .
"I don’t see that it is goin tic-hurt therestl-

e can
‘ er, and

 

i

of us,” retorted Campton. “,
him just as well when he has the pl

know there’s big money in it somewhere.
agreeable to ufiythin excepting putting: my
own money. owls t,LeFargei W t ya
you tinny?”- » . -'
‘ “ ust as on remark. If We Backwards
to dicker w th the Daisies—let. er go 
gaging? not my money that you run the rid;
o . ' , . > '
The, rest were unanimous, th 11 nom’nfi
tionto ,

 

12

l ’ . f I
I ,  ,
v ,

[Pinnacle] Pete.

 

 

“Good enough! If you’re all done talking
we’ll consider it decided. Some one tell the boys
that the road—agents have made arrangements
with the ladies to pay a ransom, and that we
think, it safest not to move on the enemies’
works until we get them out of their clutches.
I’ll stay here and talk the matter up with
Armadel. This draft seems O. K., but there
are some other considerations, and his advice
ought to go for semething.”

‘ One moment if you please,” again interrupt-
ed Cam pton.

“ I understand, or believe, or have heard, or

. something of the kind, that these condemned
idiots have another prisoner—and I’ve got an

; interest in him. How is it? Is be included

' in this wholesale and retail traffic? My man,
Uriah, you understand? How is that, MIL—ah—
Armadel?”

S ecter Sam gave a short laugh.

.. “ ou’re interested in the Fool from Way
Back? Good enough! Glad to hear some
one has an interest in him; he hasn’t sense
-_‘enongh to take one in himself. He got into
. the snarl by mistake, I should reckon. He
was yanked off to ask questions of, and when
~ the hearse rolled on he was a white elephant on
r hands that nobody wanted, and yet it wouldn’t

, QItOgether do to turn loose! There wasn’t any-

ing said about him; but I’d almost be willing

‘4 it!) guarantee that he will come with the rest; if
. ’he’s not on the road now. But it was the ladies

,first. You could hardly expect me to take
.5  account of him until they were provided
 or .

_“ And it is one of the ladies that is putting up

- the money after all, though I suppose if she is
g as cool as everything seems to indicate, she will
'3, look after him if he needs it. Way Back would
i ’hardly suffer from his absence; but of course I
f Eoglgn’t want to see him left in a. squeeze like
 a . '
(’5' “Way Back might not suffer, but I would,”
‘, said Campton in quick res use. “I never
a, left man or bl'ute in the lure yet, and I’m not
:_going to begin with Uriah. If it takes coin I
V; am ready to put it up; but you can just figure

that my man comes with the rest.”

“ Yes, yes,” Rivers said, soothingly. '

I . “We understand your platform, and it’s a
solid one. If any one gets left it sha’n’t be our
f, fault. But——- lace aux domes. We’ll ,make it
"' ‘ Vn/Foint that riah is to be turned over sound in
T .w nd. limb and bottom—though I don’t exactly

see how we are to~press it. Be reasonable,
~ Compton. What on earth would they want
wi‘thPyolu; hired man?” h u ' . ded h th
1 _ or on are rig t, respon 1: e0 er,
 slowly. ‘PsHye’s not of much importance, and so
 he might be overlooked. Then, if you go to
': hustle the an they might knock him on the
fizhead and p h 'm overboard somewhere, so he
~‘ would beout of the way. I don’t want to be

unreasonableybut Itell you here, and tell you
’-"now, that if anything of that kind happens
7" through negligence I’ll hold every man here—
,_‘ex_cept L‘e Forge, who’s not saying much of any-
,thin'g-responsible. That’s square talk, and I

,' mean. every word of it. Now go on with your
5 rat-catching. There’s nothing can be done he-

” fore morning, anyhow.”

j; . dapparentl in high dudgeon Sid Camp-

‘t n‘swung himse f out of the room, followed by
Le‘Farge.
,1 3 CHAPTER XII.

9 PASSING THE PICKE'I'S.

 “WHAT has‘hecome of Revolver Rube and
H s‘pard?” was the. first query of Eric Rivers,
5 when he and Specter Sam were alone together.
i _ They were to come through; and I left them
"under the im ression that they would get here
before me. don’t more than half-trust those
r. two, though either is a mighty convenient man
to have at our elbow when one wants a good
job done. ’m keeping an eye on them, all the
' same.”
’ "The are both had men, and I needn’t say
 ,ou oughtu’t to say an hing against
them. A pretty snarl they got t emse ves into
5M night filooking after your interests.”
“Why? ow was that?’
 Specter Sam told what had happened
after B vers had taken his departure. After
such a racket they were scarcely in condition to
snake the journey; and it would be lucky if they
would be ,able to come into the racket at all.
, If Sam Armadel expected tosee any ebullition
'of_wrath, he was sad] mistaken. '
,,“ You’re sure you idn’t have a hand in the\
mix!" asked Rivers, eying him keenly .yet 0001-
, .7 , “ There was some had blood between you?”
"‘ Cert, captain. I didn’t know a thing about
if til after I left town or I’d have had a hand
 to’the elbow. Business is business, and
 ' 7 logo pards with a gang, I count on stick-
:to them till the last horn blows. But ou
,  that this sheds a little light on why an
 the Fool from Way Back, and makes it
@8166th doubtful if Sid. Compton will see
éinnin-ofsall-work for a while, if not longei.”
Dan, the Daisy can look out for that part of
, - :u Man alive! don’tzyou seethat I’m
him ten thousand to ho d out? For all
‘hing ways,he’s the very devil to stick
e when he once lays it out.

21"

 

 

.a

    
  
  
  
 
 
   
  
  
 
   
   
    
   
  
    
   

 

 

I

: es".- 1

his eyes on the little damsel he’d follow her to
purgatory, and send a dozen 'old pards to keep
er company, before he would miss making his
pile. I wanted him to finish his game before I
took up mine, knowing that he would pla all
the lighter if he understood that I was 100 ing
on, ready to take a hand in if he cut up too
rough.” ‘

“ All the same, you are‘trusting him with ten
thousand. When he gobbles that down, he
may think the girl is worth as much to him
as to on. And Dan is a mighty good-looking
fellow. ’

“ Do you ever remember a pard that went
back on me?”

Rivers was pleasantly smiling as he asked the
question; but there was some reminiscence
connected with it that made Sam Armadel
shiver.

“ There’s something in that.” he answered.
“ I’m not squeamish myself, but I swear I don’t
care about remembering that. And Dan has
just as good a memory; but he has nerve, and
is on the make.” \

‘f I’ll trust him not to play dirt, anyhow. He
has just as much desire to live long as the n xt
man; and if he runs any risks, that’s pro es-
sional. He takes chances. When there are no
chances, he lavs low. You understand that
what Dan and I say, goes just as you hear it.
You’ll take ten thousand out to him. If he
should talk about holding onto the women, give
him my love, and say that if they’re not here
ten hours later he’ll be a dead man.”

“ All right: you’re the doctor. Run it to suit
yourself. Now, as we’ve got a little tune to
spare, wouldn’t it be a good idea to go over the
programme you’ve got laid out for when they
get here? I don’t care for your part of it, but
if I knew what I was to do, I could be studying
over my lines.” '

“ I don’t see that there is much for you todo
but take in the stamps. You go to bed now,
and I’ll start you early in the morning.”

“ Better start me now. As we knew What we
were doing, there wasn’t any use to put up any
frills about how things were to be turned over,
and all that‘ but we don’t count on haying half
of Way Back coming out to see fair play and
putting in their cursed jaw. If, Campton saw
the chance, he would go at the head of some
.such procession, and there would be fools enough
along to et up the liveliest kind of a shooting-
match. don’t know what your plans are, or
how you feel, but don’t you think it would be a
good plan for you to go yourself?”

“ I ad not intended to, but this complication
about the gentle Uriah makes a difference. I
ought to see Dan, and I don’t know any other
way to get at it. I’ve been away'too much as
it is, but I could better spare to-morrow than a
day later on.”

“Then we’ll start together; and three o’clock
in the morning is about the time to begin the
journey. Now, I’ll turn in and get a few mo-
ments of snooze.” ’ I

“Ditto for me ,when I post afew of the boys.”

“If he hasn’t a scheme in his head I don’t
know Lucifer.Lightuing,” thought Sam to him-
self, as he rolled into his bed. ‘

‘ ‘ If a man could just tell who he’s after, he’d
know better what to do; but you bet S cter
Sam’s not trusting too much to the gent eman
with the black eyes. It would be a cold day
when he was caught sleepiiig by a man he
knows so well as the gentle ric Perhaps he
knows more than he lots on; and if he only sus-
pected, he would open his cask of brimstone,
stir u the fire, and make things red—hot. Hal
ha! ouldn’t rmadel uirm if Rivers could
only get him on o toast? e’ll have a jolly old
circus here yet, and if :1 don’t make some coin
it will be because I am’ a corpSe. For the pres-
ent the ladies are safe as a church, and I’ve got
the chance to raise a lone hand. If I play it
and win, I’ll be just that far ahead of the
game.”

Sam’s reflections were not Very extended since
he was pretty thoroughly tired. and he felt like
making the most of a good bed. He closed his
’eyes to contemplate the. rofits of the game he
had undertaken, and fel asleep before he had
fairly crossed the threshold of speculation.

It seemed to him as though he had just lain
down when some 'one shaking his shoulder
roused him up, and he found Eric Rivers by his
bedside. y,

“Either your conscience has become 9. eat
deal sweeter or you’ve got to be harder of ear-
ihz and thicker of skin. I mind the time when
you would have been on your feet and both re-
volvers cocked before I got half—way through
the door. Come along,if you mean to go. It’s
lon past starting-time ow.”

-‘ rig, my lord, w en I get a bite and a

cu

drink. know what the rest of the camp
has been doing while we slept?”
“Sleeping' too, like little ma'ors. When

Campton went home peaceahle, it eft thin in
good shape Q simmer down. Hustle ong,
. now. There’s no time for foolishness.”

“Hustle goes! There you are!” said Arma-
del, a few moments later; and well mounted the

 

_ rgetting

two pushed away from the camp without its
denizens  anythewiser. __ .
".Itw a 

     

 

been appointed as the place of meetin , and:
they urged their horses along at a rapi gait,
fori was possible that they might pick up some
unde irable associates if they were not beyond:
the radius of the settlement before daybreak;.
but they had no idea of meeting the Daisies for‘
an hour yet, when they were greeted with the
sharp hail:

“Halt, thar! Ef yer tries ter go through, it’s-
at the risk ov bullits. We’ve got yer kivered.”

The challen e was short and sharp, and as
though the cha longer knew his men.

More than that, to emphasize his words, there
was a rattling of locks as, the hammers went
back that showed there were at least half a
dozen firearms in the bushes where the ambuso
cade was laid.

There was about seven thousand dollars in the
outfit, and that made the two look sharp. With-
out a word, they swung off their horses; the one:
to the right, the other 'to the left. ,

On either side they had a wall of flesh, and as
they struck the ground their revolvers came
out

“ Hold hard there!” sung out Rivers.

“You’ll get nothing here but blue lead and
cold steel, if you try to work your fingers into!
this pic. If it wasn’t for fear it would make a
mistake all ’round fin ers would have been
working before this. I o are you, and what
do you want?” ’ ,

“ Don‘t put on frills—them’s jest the connun-
drums we’re askin’. Speak quick, an’ say how
many more t r’ are in yer gang.”

“ When yo see us you have the full strength
of the hand ~but it’s good for all the chips on the
board. If you think you’ve got a better, string
it out. Specter Sam don’t take a blnfl.’ worth a
cent, and if Dan the Daisy thinks he can wring in
a cold deck on two old hands like us he’s way off
his base. We’re ready fer it.”

“ Cold nothin’. It’s all right. You kin pass
on, though ther’s one more hairpin that than
we war expectin’ ter see. But ei' ther’s more be—
hind thar they will get salted jest too uick.
Ther Cap are lookin’ fur a cold hand his b essed
self. He told me I sh’d tell yer he war waitin’
fer yer, ’cordin _ter ’greement, an’ thet he warn’t
a-doubtin’ ov yer at all, but that Way Back hez.
a style of chippin’ in, an’ of they try it on, they’ll
find him ready fer it.” ' '

“blast thet rope down, then, boys. They’s all,
rig t.

“ Good enough, then. For about half a min-
ute I thought it was a gum game clea through,
and we were getting ready to show what we
thou ht of it. I don’t think there’s any meal;
for t e Daisies cominggchut if there is, salt it.
It’s none of ours. So—long!”

They could just see the snake-like outline of
the lariat that had been stretched across the
trail. Had they dashed forward at the chal-
lenge the would have had a pretty tumble.
Though t ey mounted and proceeded without
the least hesitation, Specter Sam, drew a long
breath when fairly out of pistol range from the
now silent bushes.

“ It did look as though Dan was going to make?!
sure of the spelter. It’s a very pretty ittle pile
to rake in, and if they had got onto the real.
value of the outfit, may e what Dan said would)
not have gone quite so solid. But where would‘
your arm have come in at? You don’t find
thc wease asleep, even when he is dealing with.
two old fools.” ‘

“ No, he’s not one of the conflding kindm
That war just as pretty a. trick, as I ever saw'
worked. Roll on now. If we’ve struck theiout-
(post here, it can’t be To far to the main body,

and I’m anxious to have the first move done
and over, so I can tell for sure what will be the'
second.”

“ How lucky it was we didn’t shoot first and
talk it up afterward. There was a show for
the sweetest young circus thatlyou have had
since the old dayswhen we all trained as pards.
together. I had the infernal road-a ent hired,
but for once in a we I didn’t pul. All the
same, it’s a geod sign t at we’d better kee our
eyes peeled. That may not be the end 0 the
'amboree.”

“You talk like a prophet, Sam. There’s.
some re, of the same sort on ahead. Just
listen! t’s one man, but he works astiiough he.
was a million.” . ‘ \

They halted and listened. Faint, yet dis-
tinctly, came to their ears the rattle of fire-
arms. There was evidently trouble inthe dis~
tance. ’

 

CHAPTER XIII.
EVERYBODY arms rimm MIND.
THERE was note mere disconsolate-looking:

stone district to the Alaska gold fields. Such a.
face! It made Dan the Daisy shake hands with
himself and laughall over, just to look at it.
debilitated than usual; his face was seamed
from weeping. .. - . ,
He'wa’s alone in the damp corner of amche in

smoke going straight up through a hole above.

 

 
 

1, his fishytblu‘e eyes and‘shiver‘ed  over. '_

fellow anywhere on the Slope. from the Tomb.
For Uriah’s general appearance was more;
and swollen with tears, and his eyes were red,

the rock, in front of which blazed a fire, the
'When Dan‘stepped in front of him he rolled up »

 

'l

,5

   
  
     
    
 
  

 

   
    
   

, .‘ 
My”. ‘

1";‘3

  
  
 
 
 

‘ut. , . w . ~ g". , (,5
3'1 . "V i . ,

. , »

. Pinnacle Pete.

I '13.;

 

 

“ Young man, you’ve got yourself in a sweet
old mess,” said the outlaw, half-laughing, half-
serious.

“ I don’t want you—no more than a cat wants
three tails. I’m just Injun enough to believe
that it’s bad medicine to muss with a rank,
blank, staring idiot. And if you don’t'fill that
bill, I want to know? What 11] sanctified brim—
stone were you doing in Coronado, anyhow?
And if you had to go there, what would take a
man of your caliber into theWhito Star?”

“ Th—th-the b—b—boss sent me down ’ith
d-d-dust; a—a-and I went thar ht—to g~g—git a
d-d«Llriiil{.” ,

“Iswearl The animal can talk," laughed
Dan, holding up his hands in seeming amaze-
m iit.

“ If Sid Campton trusted you with coin, he’s
verging,r on toward lunacy a good deal faster
than any one suspected. What was the amount,
youug‘manl And have you turned it over?”

“ You b-b—bet." .

Uriah was fairly whimpering over the pros-
pective catechism, and answered from the very
bottom of his boots. Moreover he dove into his
breastpocket with fierce alacrity, and brought
out a much-worn and extremely debilitated—

. looking pocketbook, from which be extracted

an Express receipt.

“Th-th~tliar she are; an’ I’d on’y like t-t—to
have the h-h—half ov it.”

“So far correct,” said Dan, examining the
document critically.

" A very pretty haul we misscd by not
knowing something about this in time. You
may as well hand over the pocketbook as I can
take better care of both. Ah! Shows that
looks are sometimes deceiving. There’s quite a
comfortable little balance here. We will carry
it to your credit. Now, about that drink. Why
didn’t you sashay right up to the bar and get it
instead of shirking off into a corner by yourself?
When a party of gentlemen sit down to have a
bit of private conversation all to themselves it is
too low for anything for a galoot like you to be
browsing ’round. How much did you hear?”

“ N—n‘not a w-w-word.” ,

“ Save your tears, Uriah. I’ve asked you a
westion, and you’ve given me an answer.

ithout wishing to be impolite, or hurt your
feelings, I must remark that the answer is an in-
fernal lie. 1 can stand anything else but that,
and as soon as I have time—which will be short
ly—I think I can convince you of the error of
your ways. We have a playful habit of stretch-
ing such characters as you are over a slow fire,
.and just roasting them.”

“ ( )h—b-b—blazesl”

“ Yes, blazes it will be. You understand.
Open up fair and uare and you sha’n’t be
harmed. The boys wil feed you well, and after
a few days turn you loose. Tryto come the
turtle game and shut 11 your shell, and we’ll
treat you like we treat ‘ e turtles—put a few
coal: on your back, and see if you won’t walk

“ B-lrbut I d-d—don’t know nothin’l”

Anrl Uriah fairly boo-booedzin anguish of soul.

“That remains to be seen. Think it over till
we have the time for the barbecue. If we make
.a mistake about it there’s no rsat loss. You‘re
only half-baked at pressnt. hen I’ve finished
,you up it will be .9. poor judge that don’t say
well done. I hate to postpone the operation and
keep you in your misery; but you’ll kee and
there’s other important business that w' not-
'You observe the man on the other side of the
fire? Well, he’s watching you. Take things
Iconifortabl , for he has his orders the first kick
he sees to p ug youand he’ll do it, and don’t you
.forget it." ‘ ,

Dan’s fingers sunk into the shoulder of the Fool
from W ' Back as he gave him a. shake, and
then he - urther emphaSized his caution by a.
hearty kick. Uriah simply laid himself down
and howled; while the captain of the Daisies
want his way.

.“If it was a sure thing that he didn't recog-
nize Rivers, or hear his name mentioned,” Dan
was thinking, “ the rest wouldn’t matter so much.
But if he did either I suppose the boss will‘want
him sent over the range.

“ And a precious nasty mess that makes of it,
for there can’t be any question'but what he went
,right into our hands without a kick. If the ten-
.dert‘eet once understood that it’s no advanta e to
hold up when they’re told, they’ll begin to jck
dike white-headed steers as soon as they hear me
yell. Confound Lightning! He’ll do more to
3bu’st e busmess with this racket of his than a
dozen detectives and a. year’s hard work! I’ll
take no more such chances in mine, if I have to
skip the country. I’ll talk very uare to Sam
if he brings the. sequins—and ag deal squalor
if he don‘t. Curses on the meddlersl The wo.
man leads like 8. spotted calf and I could have
playeithe game myself/for big mo -——if 1 had
' houg t of the wrinkle. I suppose ucifer will
hardly go back on me; and if he don’t I will
have to hand her over; but if it was any one
else I’d hold on till I saw what could be done.
Aheml There’s some honor among thieves, but it
takes a good mam‘with a’ big revolver to hold
’em to it.”

The messenger had reached Dan and iv“
him the information about what, had hapgened

  

' overheard b

 

at Coronado, and he could see that there might
be danger in Uriah; but the longer be kept him
the more he felt that the fellow might simply
be telling the truth in denying thathe over-
heard the conversation, and the less he was in-
clined to deal harshly with him. He believed
in “ luck ” as much as did Durango Dave; and.
that crooked dealing With a little luck would
work bad medicine. If it had only been a. ques-
tion regarding his own safety he would not have
hesitated.

But in spite of Eric Rivers’s expressed doubts
Dan the Daisy intended to act squarely until
he saw something else in the rest or the gang;
and for the reason he meant to put Uriah’s fate
in the hands of Lucifer, to decide. Before
starting out he had thoroughly tested the young
man, and had formed an opinion that it would
be hard to change, though as yet he scarcely
know the strength of it. Now, the time came to
look after something else.

Very little attention had been paid to the
matter of Uriah’s comfort; but the ladies were
more i'i'aily- and more valuable, so that they
merited better treatment. If they were not
altogether comfortable it was not the fault of
the road-agents, since they had done their level
best, when they had made a halt after some
hours’ riding; ,

The eyrie of the Daisies was up among the
rocks that, at the perpendicular distance of half
a mile, overhung the trail _to Way Back. The
trail to the at was one that so far had never
been discovered by any intruder, and no one
that was not as well acquainted with it as the
outlaw and his men would :have paint! or dared
to follow it in night and storm.

But the road-agents thought nothing of the
danger, and in the darkness the captives saw
nothing of it; and they were only too glad to
find themselves in a comfortable nook, which
was lighted fairly by a large lantern; by the
light 0 which they were only too glad to see
their bag age. The carlike room was also r-
nished wi h two couches. One of these we p-
fropriated by Sally Rice, while the two youn
adios, when they had changed their drenche
outer garments, threw themselves downupon
the other.

There were but few words said. They did
not care for confidential discourse until they
knew more about their surroundin s; and being
both tired and worn they were all s eeping before
many moments had elapsed.

At an early. 3. very early hour the two awoke
simultaneously; and discovered Sally Rice sit-
tinion the edge of her/hunk, looking at them
wit sharp, in uisitive gaze. ‘

“Be ye may awake at last? I sw’ar to
mussey, I can’t see how yew could be sleepin’
like that, an’ me in sech a fix. I ain’t closed my
eyes a blessed wink this hull night fur thinkin’
ov yew. I’ve rolled an’ I’ve tumbled, I’ve
twisted and I’ve tossed jest worritin’ how yew
was to git away. An’ yew jist gittin’awake!
Whar be yew frum? Are ther’ many more left
back there like yew?” '

“ You are inquisitive,” said Theodosia, coldly.
‘\‘ Where we come from people accept the situa-
tion and mind their own business.
comfortable; but I have arranged for our re-
lease—you are included in the bargain—and why
should we not make the best of our uncomforta-
ble, position for the few hours we are to be in

“And then it is such an adventure,” laughed
Serena. “Why, plenty of pea 16 would come
two thousand miles fast to was with it. I am
sure a. handsomer fe low than this robber chief
never lived, and he seems by no means unrea-
sonable.”

“ And yow child’en air foolish enuf to b’l’eve
that yew air goin’ to be out’n yewr trouble that
easy. Blind bats an‘ turkey buzzardsl but
yew’re innercent!”

She upheld her hands in amazement, while
pity, disgust and astonishment were about
equally expressed in her sallow face.

“I certainly think it is the part of wisdom to
make the very best of a. bad bargain: and I fail
to see how I could do better. I believe it is un-
derstood that for the sake of business, if nothing
else, these men hold religiously to their bar-
gains. If not, nothing that I could have done
would have helped matters a bit. And if there
is anything else, Mr. Armada], the gentleman
who at least made an efiort on our behalf, and
who seems wise enough, will know what it can

H

Sally Rice cackled softly. Then in a whisper,
holding her hand at the side of her mouth, as
though fearful that even her low tones might be
some listener:

“That to] er’s the very wu’st one of the lot.
It’s bin 8. good many year sence I seen him. but
I don’t furgit.» They called him Specter Sam,
and‘if he hadn’t gone away they would have
him him. I’d sooner trust this captain him-
self. ’ v '

\“You are a Job’s comforter,” retorted
Serena. .“Whatever he may have been, he has
the interests of two ladies in his hands, and he
will have pride enough to do the‘best he can for
them.) If you had anything better to suggest
why did you not speak while there wast me?
or  You have on Lung better now, why not

‘./ . ’ _

iv

      

This is un- .

'snorts of disgust, row nearer.

 

  
   

say it? We are taking hold of the situation
with all the coura e we can muster. Do not
destroy our hope an give us nothing for it.”

“Spoken like a true woman,” broke in the '
voice of Dan the Daisy. “ When our business
transaction is completed you can count on my.
respectful assistance in any emergency. I am
glad to find one person willing to 0 justice to a
road—agent. In our business we must be firm ‘
no matter what comes of it; but outside of that ‘
we are the tenderest-hearted fellows that ever
drew breath.” -

“ Spare us your compliments and your presence
until you come to tell us that we are free,” re-
tortcd Theodosia coldly. ' ~

“ l accepflthe rebuke; but at the same time I g
am bringing that very message, in a modified ~
form. If the gentleman to whom you intrusted ‘
your affairs moves with his usual honest prompt. .
ness, he is on the road to meet me now. So cer-, l
fain am lot this that though other arrange *
nients had been spoken of, I thought, if you, i
wished it, I would run the risks an take you 
within hailing distance of the Elace of meeting.» 7
If he brings the coin, all rig t! You will-be"
free so much the sooner. If he does not you will i
have a double trip—that’s all. And the next ‘
messenger will bring the money, or some one 
will know the reason why.” - y 

His voice was as jovial as ever, but the words, . 1,
and the shrug of his shoulders that followed them 

3
were more than a threat.‘ -
“ This lady goes with me, of course?”  '
Theodosia, ointina to Sally Rice; who seemed:
too much s ockedbby the sudden appearance of, 
the road-agent to utter a Word. j g
“ Oh, everything oes,” laughed Dan. “We.‘__
hadn’t any use for er after we had captured ._
her century, but we brought her along for  :
any. The antique feminine has a tongue in g
or head—if you once et it going you can hear?
it a mile—but I guess s on about as harmless as >
they make them. .110 e by the way you will
not insist on our han ling your trunk for the
present. We wished to Erovide for your com- ,
fort or we never would ave meddled with .it. _’ 
Take what you choose with you, and some time’g
soon we will have it where you want it. lesh ’
to start in five minutes; will you be ready?” f
‘l Thank you. That sounds encoura ng. 06t-
tainly we will be ready; if you wis we will
start now.” - ‘ g 3,. ’
“ Five minutes will do. And please remember I
that there will be an army of escort, andthoc‘ ‘
foolishness allowed. The Daisies may turnih. v
prisoner loose, but they never let one get away.
hey will shoot- and if the bullets hit a. woman
—worse luck! That’s all.” ‘ "»'
In five minutes the three were in the sadth
The storm had passed away, and by the light;
of the stars they could see the dark outlines ‘01,»;
half a dozen horsemen who silently took their;
laces around them, three holding leading new":
but they did not see was the figure of ‘a. mam-If
flittin noiselesst intheir wake. ‘  ,‘
An the figure certainly resembled that 
Uriah, of Way Back. ‘ a
An hour or more they rode: and then Dan the;
Daisy, who had drop d behind, suddenly turned 
half-way in his sadd e and took a quick,
shot over his shoulder.

*—

 

  
    
  

  
 
 
 
 

  
 
  
    

   

CHAPTER xiv. ' 

LIVELY FOR THE BOYS.

A SHORT time after Dan the Daisy had’ ‘l’s
Uriah, the guard having given one or two".

i 1 
Uriah was groveling on the floor, and 
hing as though his heart was breaking” -
nor sinner could stand it unmoved. ’ ,  by
“ See hyar, young man, on want tar giveTut’.
a rest on that. We can’t ev that howlm’,»an ‘
we won’t hev it, of I hev ter in yer suthin 
howl fur. You hear me warb e?” ‘ ~- r ‘,
Probably Uriah did; for he howled constd
cb‘lyploudetr.h ts th 4 [-
in so yar r perserve er ce 
can’t see an you’ve got ary more righ to 
it than fianybodyselse. Put a button OHM“
howlin’, an’ do it mi hty sudden. Hyar now 
And as the noise id not stop the road ..
swung back his foot and then swung it’ 1 u ~
in a mighty kick. .r 2
There was no mistake in h aim, either.
landed on that part of Uri ’s anatom .
which such eflorts are generally directed. '«
howl on which he was 'ust then engaged
cut through exactly in 9 middle, he won. ’
the air, and then fell with a chug. «
But then he howled louder than ever. i
“ Ef the boss on’y warn’t a savin’ ov yer!”
outlaw gritted. his hand on his revolvepj Ix -
Then he 3.311111% forward, and 3912!“:
prostrate U ah y the shoulder, lifted H
oggy to his feet. 3 ‘
en— ' " ‘ n
The ard did not know, and never did gfi‘
what appened next, but the fact was the
hand of the risoner closed anhisthroatg 2.:
grip of stee while the right dealt him}
on the neck that knocked him senseImv _ t
‘= The victor lost nojtime, nor‘was be (any ~
ment at fault. ' , ? ,
He laid the man gently on the

thenjiis fingers never I relaxing 

  
  

 
  
    
  
  
     

  

 

  
  
   
    

14

Pinnacle Pete.

 

hold. With a dexterity that would have made
Dan the Daisy cree to see, he searched the man,
relieving him of his movables, his arms first of
all, and then bound him, gagged him, and hud-
dled ihim into the corner which he had just va-
cate( .

“ Uriah’s r-r—round ez usn’l,” splattered the
Fool from Way Back, unable to go without a
parting salutation.

“ G—g—got thar w-w-with b-b-both feet.

7 P-p-play him fur a f-f—fool, an’ you’ll find him a
b-b—bite.”

Then he leisurely donned the overcoat and
hat of his ca‘ptive upon whom he had so neatly
turned the tables, took up his Winchester and
softly glided away.

Evidently he knew something of the place,
for he turned to the right and followed a nar-
row passage, for a few rods. To the left lay
the cabin, uilt against the rocks. in which the

. main body of the road-agents was quartered;

and through which was the only outlet to the

' two small, underground chambers in which the
.ca tives ware placed.

ad any one been standing'just without, per-

] :haps the noise of the little stru gle might have

reached his ears; but in suc comparative

' silence had it all assed that the faint sounds

could not reach eit er end of the passage, along

 ' ,which Uriah stole, as still as a. ghost. When

Dan the Daisy was listening to the conversation

of the three feminines Uriah was almost at his

elbow. In the darkness of the passage it would

‘ not have been hard to have got the same grip

on hijm that had .so summarily disposed of the

uar . \
, But Dan the Daisy was an altogether difl’e‘r-
’ ent man; and Uriah had his scheme to carry

I .011 .
When the :captain fairly entered the room,
Uriah stole to the entrance and took in the con-

.1 versation that followed, b.ut at its close he fit
(I, , ted back to the nook he had lately left. From

' ' there he heard the passing of the captain, who
‘3’, was going to prepare for the journey, and his
, , return for the captives.

.‘ ‘This was his time.

,  He boldly dro ped right into the rear of the

little squad. n appearance he was 'ust as

( ,good a road-agent as any of them an if he

. *could once pass through the cabin he had but
. little doubt about being able to hold his own'

‘ outside.

' Fortunately for him Dan the Daisy had

issued his orders beforehand, and took the lead

from the start. Uriah, bringing up the rear of

* g. the procession attracted the attention of no one,
and once outside he disap red immediately
until the start had been in e.

' Then he followed on for a time so closely that

, “ he passed two sentinels as alaggard from the

 Vimain body. ,After that he dropped further

 ' .back ‘thOugh notso far but that estilI kept

 ' those in advance within range.

v.7, It was a tiresome tramp, rendered all the

‘  more difficult through having to regulate his

 ' pace; by the horsemen he was dogging, and all

‘ the time keeping out of sight and hedring.

“ Y (He thought he was succeeding thoroughly

»  well. The thud of so many hoofs, muffled

‘2 though they were, ought to drown any slight

‘ noise he was making, and he kept cautiously,
under the shade of rocks and trees, for the
wee or had cleared, and the stars shone
brightly. But at last he cametooclose. The

,f' ,road-agents slackened their Igait while descend-

 , ing a steep incline, and as riah came on at
j V. the same pace he was suddenly brought to the
 .' crest of ‘the descent and his form was for a mo-

 .. mam fairly lined against the sky behind him.
A ’H “He recognized his mistake on the instant and
‘  flung himself, with more haste than grace, to
i the ground.

And just at that moment the revolver of Dan

" the D515 ex loded, the bullet missing Uriah’s
cranium ya air’s breadth. ,

 “First three right about, and take him in!
I think I brought him!” shouted Dan. “If he’s

still on the hoof don’t fool away chances but

brin him. ,Fcrward! Charge l”

“ low, you down there!” rung back a
voicet t sounded entirely strange.

' “ I don’t want to kill men, but there’ll be an
awful slaughter of horsos if you try to crowd
ans. ' Among these rocks there ain’t a man that

can get  a hundred yards of me, I’ll bet

.~ coin on it; and I’m holding the top of the hill

with two good revolvers. If you know what’s

good for you you’ll go on about your business,

‘ and leave me to attend to mine.”

, ' ‘,‘ Don’t stop for chaff; down him, boys! It’s
Acorn we’re playing for, and this is the last
turn!”

: At the hail from above the men hesitated;

but Dan the Daisy struck spurs into his own

_,,llorse, as he fair] ground out his order, and
dashed straight a the hill. He did not have an

idea‘who the man could be that was dogging

theirsteps: but it was pretty certain that .he
was no friend. , '

7, “ It was either the rankest kind of blufl, or
also he’s laying very low to scoop us in at close

quarters,” thought the captain, as the horses

scrambled u the precipitous pathway, and
 was not ing from the man above, or

revolvers. ,

  
 

 

    

2/

 

Au

 

  

 
 
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
 
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
   
 

 

 

 

If the first, the fellow, whoever it was, had
doubtless fled.

If the secondz though, it took the strongest
kind of nerve; it showed that the man knew
what he Was about. While they were ascend-
ing they were protected by the darkness and the
shadows. The keenest eye could not make out
a figure so distinctly as to draw a certain bead;
and it would be a very chance shot indeed that
brought down a man.

But a few rods from the crest of the rocks
there was a spot which Daisy Dan remembered
as just the place for an ambuscade. Possibly
the intruder had retreated thither; and perhaps
he had pards there who could make it very
sultry for the little squad of road-agents. Even
two resolute men might be invincible if they
had nerve and knowledge to handle their tools.

As this thought flashed ,across his mind Dan
almost hesitated; but it was only for an instant.
Then he went forward with a reckless dash,
each man with his revolver cooked and ready.

Past the spot where Dan expected the ambus-
cade they went; but there was spiteful re-
volver crack, nor any sign of a man in hiding.

A better chance than this could not be looked
for if the man meant fight. It was almost cer-
tain that he had run. ‘

Still, the captain of the Daisies was not alto-
gether satisfied.

“Number One, dismount and feel for him up
onder! If you don’t find him two of you will
ave to take the trail, and find where he goes

to, if it takes you back to the den. I’m not
sure but what it would be safest for all to hank
back. There may be danger afloat though it is
strange if there is that the pickets did not scent
it ’ i

u Hark!” , /,

Number One threw up his hand, and they all
listened.

From the gorge from which they had re-
turned came a chorus of yells, and the crack of

earmsl
" ‘Back quick! for your lives to the rescue!
There’s a trap to rescue the grisoners l”

Withouta thought of the anger the four be-

an their charge; and first and foremost as

aptain Dan s ruck the top edge of the declivity
he pitched hee s over head, his horse dropping
with a forty-four caliber bullet lodged squarely
in its breast. And then a second, third and
fourth flash came from below, one after the
other, as regular as though as many were firing
by word, and as certain as though the bullets
were winged by fate. ‘
, And yet it was only one man. ' I

As the Daisies changed up the hill he slipped
nimbly along its crest, and when he had reached
a spot exactly over the little party, that had
halted below to await developments above, he
began to drop down the almost perpendicular
side of the gulch.

His motions were made with what would have
seemed reckless haste had the been seen, yet he
made no errors. Not a soun reached the ears
of those who were just beneath. The first indi—
cation of his presence was when he rung like
a tiger at the horseman who held t e leading
rein of Theodosia’s steed. .

Even then, so silent was the attack, he might
have stricken down at least another of the
guards had it not been for Miss Lande’s fright.

When a dark shadow sprung upon the man
by her side and tore him from his horse, she
gave a cry of afln‘ght and struck her own horse
sharply with her hand.

The animal darted away; and at these noises
the two remaining guards turned with a yell
and raised the reVOlversalready in their hands.

The man at Serena Wild’s elbow fired one
shot, pretty much at random. .

He did not fire again.

The first guard T733 alread motionless; the
second just had agl m of a k figure sprin -
ing at him as he pull trigger. Then the stee -
like fin ers were on his throat.

It al went on with blinding ra idity. The
third outlaw dwelt an instant on is aim, and
Sally Rice, the coolest party in the whole outfit,
got in her work. With a quick dart she bent
over and her hand flew out straight from the
shoulder. . - ‘ .

There was a slight, dull thud and the third
outlaw dropped out of his saddle as though
Isltrificlk by lightning, and lay motionless where

e e .

“ All right, Miss Sallie,” said a 'ovial voice.
“ Glad you chipped, though I, think could have
made it alone. It’sa straight—cut till you meet
the main trail. Then turn short to the right
and follow the trail to Way Back. You can’t
go wrong. Go quick! I’ll take in the balance
of these Women-stealers while you are making
an ofiug." r I ’ .

“ Laws-a-mussy, be that you? Well, I never!
What you says goes, and we’re 011’; but yew
take preshus keer ov yewrself, an’ we’ll see yew
later. Git up!” , »

Serena’s horse had alread pushed its way
alongside of Theo’s—that of Sally darted be-

of the reins she had been tightly grasping, all
three swept-off in the direction indicated. ‘
After that‘came theattackon Daisy, Dan him-

 

 {With r   coysidsring, the

  

  

 

tween; and at a single ,wordzand the loosening !

  

darkness and distance, the one man continued’
the firing until the last horse had gone down.

Then he too wheeled, and at racing speed fol-
lowed after the females leaving behind him
three motionless men, and but a single available
horse. ‘

to his feet. -

“ It’s a straight clean-up, and one man did it!
After him, boys, on footback. If this thing
gets out on us, we’ll he laughed off the road.
We’ll have ’em when they run foul of the
pickets, and I’ll swing him if we lose all the coin.
Here, you! No skulkingl”

There was one man firoaning where he lay
under his fallen steed. is leg was broken, and
he could not move without help. The others
had been more fortunate, though they had been
dismounted by a sudden stumble or plunge that
either flung them heavily, or caused a dismount
With more speed than military precision.

In haste though the captain was, it took a lit-
tle time to get started. One uninjured man
helped the other to his feet, and the three rolled
the dead horse off of the remaining outlaw, and
propéied him up against a rock.

' “ s ome of the boys behind will hear the racket
and. be on to see what is the matter. Have
them look after you' we’ve no time, though I’m
sorry to leave you, Tom. I’ll see that you don’t
want for attention, and a couple of centuries
extra for a glorious old spree at head-waters.
Now, then i”

So Dan the Daisy said, while they extricated
the greener. Then the four hastened down the;
hill to see what had happened there. i '

One man was crouched in the middle of the
road, holding his jaw, a second was crawling
feebly around on his hands and feet, swearing
by instinct, and groping for his senses; The
third lay motionless just where he had been
flung, but his head was hard and his neck
strong, so that there was no permanent damage
done to him. Out of the three there was not
one ready to take the trail, as a hasty examina-
tion showed. '

A pistol-shot half a. mile away to the front at-
trac ed Dan’s attention. _

“ ark! They’ve run against the boys.
They’ll have ’em, and ,they’ll hold ’em. Follow

t  foot the four men ran rapidly along the
ra .

 

CHAPTER XV.
A BAD MAN IN THE BRUSH.

THE prisoners were all off in fine style. After-
that first unluck start, Theodosia. kept her head
thoroughly, whi e Serena and the angular Miss
Rice never lost theirs. The natural roadway,
which they followed, led in such a direction that
,there was little doubt that it would debouch into:
the regular trail to Way Back, and once on that,
what could stop them?

So it seemed to the female fu ‘tives. After
the ease With which they had ma 9 their escag
from seven armed men, leaving them all d
mounted and behind them, a scattering road-
a out or two in front had little terror for them.

ey even wanted—or two of them did—to halt
long enough to return thanks to the aladin who-
had appeared as if by magic an done such
notable work for their rescue.

“ D-d-don’t sh-‘sh-shout till ye’re out ov the
w-w-woods," was the answer. once more in the
stuttering tones of Uriah.
last. F—f—fif I was alone, I wouldn’t be t-t-takin’

we’ll travel while we k-k-kin.”

It was a very shrewd gues, this, since the
further they got on this road the nearer they
were to danger. ' ,

While Eric Rivers and S cter Sam listened
to the rattle of firearms in t eir front, they be—
came aware of approaching footsteps in their

behind, followed just out of ear-shot, and now
were rapidly closing in. ,

“ What’s goin’ on thar new?" asked the leader
of the men, pistol in hand, as they came within
speaking distance.

“Are‘ that ary guingame ov' ourn—set up
ter chisel us outen ther stakes? bar’s suthin’
wrong somewhar, an’ I \hev half a idear .thet
you galoots are in it.
play fur.”

that kes no nonsense!” sharply: retorted

Rivers, though his I hands never moved toward

his weapons. , ,

silAtta sign from him, Specter Sam had kept

. en, .

. “‘ There’s trouble on ahead, and you had bet-
ter ride on and see where it comes in at. We’ll
follow on 'when you get a fair start, and if we
must, will chip in; but it won‘t do to come too
far to the front till we seewho is playin the
game. Don’t waste your time here. Daisy an.
can generally take care of himself; but maybe

,while..”,
“ Hyar

roots, ther sides ’11  ha

lan’ ha’r. For’ardamenl' That’s bin ,trpuble,

s

 

oes, then; but of (you’ve bin workin'

“ Holy horrors!” shouted Dan, as he staggered

“ It’s t—t-too good to ‘
this road, you b—b—betl L-l-lick ’em up, though; ,

rear. , . .
Though they had ridden at a fair ace after
the halt, the squad of road-agents ha closed in,

It’s big money fur ter- ‘
"‘Drop that, you fool, or you’ll find a boss,

even a weasel can [be caught sleeping once in ,a.
r r - r .

at yer fur blood 

xJ,’

' A.
My.“

 

 

 
  
   
  
   
     

, M‘
51,. "

uh

 
 
  

.making absolutely no noise, he just vanished

‘ mattera' When they
/‘ consmted they had littlerdoubt but that Captain

, gtin’ on yer all- day. Ther Cap put us hyn‘ar

r w; "

' Pinnacle Pete.

l

515 

 

1v ‘

an’ of it’s quiet now ther cap’n may need us all
ther same.”

They dashed away at full speed, leaving Rivers
and his pard to follow or not.

“These fellows seem to hold a mortgage on all
Way Back. They need regulating a little. My
fin ers were itching to touch trigger, and I
codfidn’t see how you held in.”

Sam looked after the retreating forms as
though he would be well pleased to try a shot in
their direction.

“Don’t worry. Dan and I understand each
other and it is just as well to leave the rest in
the ark. At times they can be used, and a
little ruffling around hurts no one as long as the
camp don’t see it. I’m only afraid they’ve run
foul of a snag that may sink them and our little

ame to ether. Whatever comes follow my
ead. I’l do the talking. I guess those fellows
have got far enough ahead—we’ll see where we
are to come in at.”

The road-agents, familiar as they were with
the hills, were able to locate exactly the spot
from whence the noise of pistol—shots had come,
and they headed for it in hot haste.

'When they had one some distance they halt-
ed and list med. 0 their ears came faintly the
,muflled sounds of plunging horses.

“ Hyar they come, boyeesl An’ there couldn’t
be a nicer spot to meet ’em. Ez they whoop
’round the bend we kin be la in’ for ’em in ther
rocks. Ef it’s Dan an’ the aisies we kin give
’em ther word au’ let ’em pass. Ef it’s ary one
else we kin jest sallervate a dozen in a holy
miunit. Steady now an’ ef thar’s any shootin’
fvfiny man thet .picks trigger must pull ter
:1 .

“ Shell We use ther rope?”

" Nary. Ef we knowed who war comin’ it
niout be good ernufl’; but it won’t do ter make
no mistakes tell we know what’s behind. Steady
now, they’re hyar. Ready ter take aim, an’
when I shoot you get in.”

It was the spot for an ambuscade, because
every one not familiar with the location would
almost certainly come to a halt and search for
an outlet from the rocky amphitheater into
which led the trail from above. The way led
sh 1y back, though, until the last moment, one
wou d think that the course was straight ahead.

“ We hev ’em,” whis red the outlaw, in some
excitement, as four riders dashed into sight,
then slackened their pace to a walk, while the‘
leader cast about for an outlet.

“ Thar’s ther three women. an’ what looks
like one ov ther boys, but he can’t 1play it off
after trip in’ up like that. We’ve a1 bin inter
Way Bac too oifen. One man ter han’le——ther
weemin don’t count.”

And then firing a shot over the heads of the
squad, in a harsh but clear voice he shouted:

“ You lissen, thar! You can’t git past an’
ef you’d sooner be livin’ than dead jest roll off
that boss-flesh, an’ bunch yerselves with han’s
up an’ fingers empty. We don't want ter shoot
at weemin at we don’t hev ter; but-weemin goes
at thar’s no other way. Ain’t it so, boyees?
Speak up, an’ let ’em know we’re hyar.”

“ Kerrect yer be!” v

“ An" I’m holdin’ plumb center fur ther
gerloot’s bread-basket.” '

“ Hold up, er go down I”

Swiftly came the responses, the voices break-
ing through the early dawn upon the ears of the
startled fugitives.

The difficulty was, they could see no one to,
fight, and no path by which to flee. The dif-
ferent voices were proof that there was force
enough to hold the pass, the trend of‘ which
they were just beginning to see. The Daisies
were not all equal to their captain, but if rumor
did not lie they were all men that could and
would shoot 'close to the center When the occa-
sion called for it.

“ Let us go back,” whispered Theodosia.

“ We-w-we can’t. D-d-dan is comin’.”

“ Let’s go forrads,” said Sally Rice.

“ W-w~we can’t. They’ll p—p-plug you.”

“ Let us stand here and fight it out,” suggested

na.

“Th-th-then they’ll scoop us all. You talx
back to ’em an’ I’ll try an‘ git inter ther
b-b-bresh. M-m-may be I kin git a shot.”

He suited the action to the word. They had
huddled togetherhand he slippelg down-among
the horses so Swiftly and so si ntly that even
the eyes that were _watch1ng him did not note
when and how he disappeared. Crawling on his
hands and knees, hugging the ground closely.

like smoke. .
The road-agents were in no haste to rush
saw of what the outfit

Dan would be along soon. It did not seem likely
that one man could have gotten away with the
whole _of the escort the captain had provided for
the prisoners._ He might have been outwitted,
but probably it was no worse, and every moment
wastedbroughthim so much nearer.

Yet as the I‘ gave no answer, and time was .
flyin the out aw again spoke: . 3

“ on weemin better make up yet minds what
ye’r’ gom’ ter do, an’ say it quick. I We can’t be

 

1. . _
I i.

  yer when yer come a—boomin’.’round,.

 

that bond. Are it hands up, ,er are we ter begin
ter shoot?”
“ Hands are up,” answered Theodosia, com-

Eosedly. “ I don’t suppose you will do us any
arm, since it is so evidently for your own in-
terest not. At the same time, you cannot blame

us for being willing to take any chance to leave
such undesirable company.”

“ But my hands ar’n’t up,” croaked a stran e
masculine voice from the rocks that comman ed
the cul de sac.

“ Leastwise they’re up, but each one’s grippin’
a six, an’ each six kivers a head. Maybe I can’t
sweep ther board, but there‘ll be a power ov
dead meat ef you try ter open ther ball.”

The road-agent had risen from their ambus-
cade at the apparent surrender: and but that it
seemed like a breach of good faith, two at least
would have dropped where they stood for the
were all bunched well together, and t e revo -
vers were held very straight. The heads dodged
down like a flash, and then the leading outlaw
exclaimed:

“ Don’t be a fool tharl We’re all in a corner
now, an’ if we boy to we’ll make ther teeth meet
in ther softest flesh. We ain’t lookin‘ fur on,
but we’re drawm’ a head on ther calico. her
next growl from you, an’ down they go.”

In the little dingle, then, there was silence for
a few moments. Not a Sign of any one but the
three females. The rocks held Uriah; the
bushes concealed the outlaws and Theo and the
rest crouched low in their saddles.

Then there was the patter of running feet, and
Dan the Daisy, with his men, came sweeping
around the bend.

That seemed to settle it; and yet the one
against eiglgt did not throw up his cards.

“Halt t r, you! I’m running this outfit, an’
I want yer ter hear me warble. You’ve seen
how I kin shoot fur fun; at yer ,crowds me
you kin see how I’ll shoot fur pure bizness.

aisv Dan, you answer to yer name.”

“ l’m here and—” .

The squad halted, and the captain began to
talk; but it was only in an effort to throw the
man in the rocks off his guard. Three words,
and then the revolver already drawn came to a
ready, and without hesitation, and aiming by
guess at the spot from whence the voice came, a
re lar volley was fired.

‘-Grood fur you, Danny,” laughed the voice.
“ I could take you right in, now, ef warn’t
savin’ yer up fur suthi'n’ better. Try that ag’iu,
an’ I’ll do it anyhow. Now’s yer last chance
ter kim ter terms an’ git out ov a bad box.”

Captain Dan held up his hand. i

“ Ste forward then, with your fingers out,
and sas ay up the gulch with a couple of the
men. These ladies and I have a little trans
action to complete. When it is finished they
may join you i they choose and you can all go
on to Wa Back. That’s a better offer than
yours. I you don’t accept it I’m going to
charge you if it takes half my men. When
we’re playing for coin we can stomach a little
bluiiing till‘we’re ready to take the pot. Too
much gets monotonous.” ' '

Captain Dan had something else in view,
coolly as he talked about the blufi.’ game the other
was making. Two men had quietly dropped
away, and were moving up the rocks in an e ort
to get a commanding, position. The carried
Winchesters, and if they once got to w ere they
could draw a head on the orator the call would
be sudden and heavy. They; were not there yet,
and there was time enough to listen to one (more

speech.

“ It’s no bluff I'm giving younbut a chance to
get out of the way of certain death. Let the
ladies go by and play the rest of the game With
me. I mean to see them out if it takes a wheel.”

“ And you’re taken a bigger contract than
even you can carry, Pinnacle Pete. When eight
good men get one treed it don’t take much of a
Eropliet to tell that sooner or later he’s bound to

rep. ‘

“ No use of fooling longer, then. Let her

And almost before he finished speaking hefired
two shots, one after the other.

The two men who were creeping up the rocks
halted as suddenly. One gave an nvoluntary
cry: the other straightened and then lay mo-
tionless. Neither shot had been wasted;

But there was something more than a bluff
game in all this, and Sally Rice seemed to, have
caught ‘on to its object. Softly she had whis-

red to the others, and then, a step at a time,

ad edged her horse backward.

Theo and her friend followed suit. -

The movement was a natural one. It tended
to draw them out of the triangle, and so out of
range of the cross-firing when the battle began.
It also todk them that much further in the
direction of way Back. The time might come
when it would be safe to make a. break.

The words. “ Let her drop,” sounded like a
signal that the time had come. i -

.‘ Now, galsl” said Sally Rice, sharply, wheel-

ng'her horse asshe spoke; and again her lead

' drop I”

 as followed.

Yet, just as the dash. was about to begin, two
horsemen came speedi up, each with a. white
lhifiiidkerchief in one 11335. a cooked revolver in

> I gather» - I ,~

 
 
 

“duty did dash down into the trail

 

“ Halt right there! If the Daisies are square
men and their captain as good as his word, this
can e arranged here and-now, without risk or
danger. We are here to settle for your ran-
som.

A handsomer man than Eric Rivers never be-
strode a horse, and he rode up to where he
knew bullets were flying with a cold courage, l
and spoke to Theodosm with a polite firmness
that attracted her attention and drew on her l
will. When he caught her bridle-rein she was '
content to believe it was best to submit, and so 6
the rush to esca was stayed. . '

“Now then, auiel, I’m here, with just one
pard. You’re trying to do your part, and we're
ready for ours. What is this foolihness with' g
that man up there? He is risking theilives of _ 
these ladies, after ever thing is provided for; E
and all they have to o is to ride peacefully
away: And ou’re running double risks. When . "
Sam Arma e1 undertakes anythin , he cuts "
ri ht to the line, and it would be ba medicine
all around if ou undertook to turn over dam- ‘ E
aged goods. rop it, men, or Rivers and I will . :3
chip in on our own account.” . :

“And haw in the fiend’s name do you come ~ 
here? This was not the place of meeting. If ;
you’re a pard of that man up in the rocks, dro ‘ i
l

I’ll have hi}; v
scal before you leave is gulch.” .
“ calp him b all means. He’saman, and
must take care 0 himself till this little affair is
wound up. We didn’t find you where we were.
to meet, and, we heard the shouting and the. 
trumpets in the distance. We rode throu 7 h the ". . ‘=
men you have strung along back, and ike as,
not t e trap has swung in behind us; but we. '
can go back'as we came, with a red mark be-
hind us, too, if you’re not on the square. But
I’m not mad enough to try to take a woman
through that gantlet. Say the word. Are you ,
ready to settle with gold; or shall weistart over‘
with lead and steel ?” , .
Specter Sam‘s answer was given every whit" :
as steme as was Dais Dan's query, and the  ‘
two men eyed the on aws just as keenly as "
though the expected a volley, or a rush might
follow the efiance. I \ i
“Gold goes.- Here, you fellows, attend tow", ,”
that chief up in the rocks, and see how bad your ' r
ards are in for it. These are men we are deal-
ing with, and I’ll settle with them on a ,
basis. Armadel, you and the judge. wit the
ladies, ride on out of ran e. 1 can trust you to.
try no tricks, and someth g may happen here ‘
that it is just as well they should not see.” V ' ,
As he spoke, Dan the Dais turned his back.
squarely toward the int rom WhBDCG‘hl-dw
come the shots that lai out the two agents, and
strode along by the side of Rivers’s horse. . , z i
“ That's Pinnacle Pete up yonder,” he aid, in
a low tone. 7 ' ’
“Ever-hear of him?” . y, . ,
In spite of himself Rivers ave, a startibnt, , ‘
his face remained unchang as he gravely,
nodded. - 
“ He’s on us, big as a wolf-«ind I’d as soon
have Satan take the trail. I dropped to him by
his shooting.” ‘ ' , - ‘
And just then, from a point at the rocks, and-u
almost at their elbows a man sprung out. r
He covered a dozen feet at a bound, and struck .
ashe came. ' , . .
Dan the Dais heard the sli ht noise, and with __
poised istol, w eeled—a sha e too late. - ‘
The low caught him well up on thefch
though a little short. I . ,
As he staggered back Pinnacle Pete threw"
himself upon the horse that a little before belied"
ca tured, and which had remained. alon deaf.
Sa ly Rice's steed. He clapped spurs to he enl- ‘ . 
mal‘s sides, and, With a cheer, darted awa any, i if
harmed, taking the trail that led to the big my 15;"
andWay Back. u . ,., , .

CHAPTER XVI. /

PINNACLE rnrn’s mans BURN. 

THE whole thing passed so rapidly that before

they understood what had happened Pinnacle.
Pete was of! and swag, . ‘  ' ‘- .,

Two of the men w 0 had been (101% pickéé’;

a fire a

 

  

that handkerchief an% sail in.
t

 

 

  
  
  

 

 

   
 
   
  
 

 

 

   
   
    
 
  
      
 
   
     
   
  
     

 

s 2

couple ineffectual shots after the man who now
hung low in his saddle. I They would have pou-
haps pursued—and been followed by thegreat‘el‘
t of the road-agents, had it not beemfl
aisy Dan, though on the ground and
abroad, shouted: * ' y ,
“ Hold hard there,’alll” ' v ,
That brought the attention of every one back -.
to the ca tain and the two strangers. The New
had not 11 serious, and for a moment it was
uncertain but what a rush would be: made
toward them—though not a shot was fired. v 1 I
Had Rivers or Amadel shown the least sign.’
of agitation, or made any effort to escape, there
would have beena sw ing volley . ’.' > 
Butacryof dismay mm the aches,
dismounting of the two menuwho raised Dan
up, examinin “his hurts with some concern
showed that the party did not intend tennis

5
E.

advgniage of the diversion. and had no hand,

in l . ‘ ' ‘ *
“ Not exactly knocked, 017.11,”,st
of the Daisies, ,  to his feet,
“ g wly. ' - :

W

andspeakin

,cqol, V

“ But if he’s just been giving us a sample of
Pinnacle Pete’s style, what are we going to get
when he comes right down to business?"

“How in the name of vengeance did he get
in the racket—and are you sure you have it
straight?” .

“Oh, he took a hand in at Coronado, just
slaughtered Rube and Dave, and when this fel-
low turned up I placed him right away. There’s
no one else would undertake to play a lone hand
with his cards. How he ot here I don’t know;
but if what they sa a ut him is true—and
after what I’ve seen ’11 believe ’most anything—
when he starts for a place be generally arrives
on time. Now then, business! It‘s no use to
chase him, and 1 must be getting back to reckon
up the damages.”

;} “ Business goes. I’ll turn over the coin and
wagon on; but I must see you again, and soon.
This man is ahon terror. If he’s after you,
’ you want to settle him or skip; and if he stays
around here the chances are ten to one that he
will be dipping into my game a good deal deeper
than will be safe, and yet I don’t want to take
him rim—openly at least. After what has hap-
cned, he’ll be a little angel with these women.
ut I’ll talk all that over with you again, and
soon. It won’t do for him to live long.”

All this in an undertone.

From his breast Rivers ’drew a wallet. and
with some ostentation began counting out the
contents. The three stood apart and the eyes
of the ladies were fixed on them. Several of
the road-agents had followed cautiously after
Pinnacle Pete, but the rest had closed around'
their prisoners, at what they understood was a
Si al from their captain.

an just glanced at the money, and stuffed
it carelessly in his pocket. Then, hat in hand,
he turned to Miss Lande.

“ I need scarcely tell you how deeply I regret
any inconvenience I may have put you to. It
was simpl business. I am inclinedtothinkI
have swin led myself in the operation, and if I
had it to say over again, I would double the

r’amount; but anyhow I hope We part friends.
As I scarcely expect to see you again, I give
you my blessing, and say, farewell!”
. « He gave a ow and courtly bow, and then
\ looked over his shoulder.
#4 , “So-long, gents. You’ve treated me white,
 , , g as I could have sworn you would. Tell Way
2 ’ Back that the Daisies will skip this trail fora
' while, and 't’s scarcely worth while tofollow
them. Fig t or run, we’re daisies, every man
of us. Now you go your way, and 1’11 go mine,”
There was no hesitation on either side. Cap-
, tam Dan took possession -’of the loose horses,
 ' loaded 11 his wounded, mounted himself, and
'  followed" y his men sedately left the spot. The
 I semblance of pursuit after Pinnacle Pete [had
ceased almost as soon as it began, and the Dai-
sies for the present seemed contenttolet well
enough alone.
.A ‘ And Specter Sam seemed even in more haste.
v' , “Judge Rivers, ladies, don’t waste time in
' shaking hands and getting acquainted. The
sooner we et out of here the better. That man
a is too dead y smooth; and his gang might take
V , what he said about doubling the price as a hint.
f. , . There’s a had hit of road between here and Way
 . 'Back; and, it would not be pleasant to be held
 u again. We’re out of one scrape, thank

l

f  aven! we don’t want to get into another.”
 -' . Rivers acknowledged the introduction bya
’ . bend of his head and a slight lifting of his hat:
’ but he said but little unti they were fairly on
' the regular trail.

. V . It was not policytoallow the ladies to imagine
 ‘ that this was so simple a matter as itmi ht
‘ , seem. The party hurried on for some mi es,

~ and even Miss Sally/Rice, usually the most talk-
"C ‘ ' ative of females, had but little to say, though
r ' ' 'now and then she did make a remark to Serena,
 x in an undertone.
'- ' After some time had elafied, however, and
,~ their pace had moderated, iss Theodosia be-
gan to return thanks, Miss Rice to howl hys-
terically, andMiss Serena to look around for
some one to ask questions of. I On the strength
of all that their progress became slower still,
and the conversation animated.
, “ When one ts beyond the reach of law and

" order it certain y is a comfort to know that the
,r Ber-501ml chivalry of one or two men can be re~
,, ed on. Are you the only man in Way Back
‘ that dared to come out and face the radians?”

“,Do not think too badl of our camp,”an—
swered Rivers. gravely, as heo asked her ques-
tion in a tone of scorn.

“The great trouble was to keep her people
from turning out en masse, and byso dOhllalfi
work more harm than good. In fact, we
begun to raise an army; and had Mr. Armadel
de yed his coming for an hourfihe would have
Inet two hundred men on the war-path.

_ ‘.‘ There is no uestion but what we could have
 tracked the  'ns down; but it would have
taken time, and might have been attended with
:dgerate risk to you. We found the road pick-
e by the agents, as we came. Had there
.- been even a dozen of ,us the word would have
been passed along, Dan the Daisy would have
I you back and once among his mountain
oyriesand it might have been da 3 before‘he
 have been forced to a. s ." , ‘

i r s

 

      
   
 

 

   

,rl

Pinnacle Pete.

“There might have been some little trouble
about hurrying us back, however. It strikes me
that when you found us there was a very good-
sized lion in the way. If one man could hold the
whole gang at bay, it strikes me that a few good
men coming to his assistance might have been
able todi'ive them away altogether. Had you
not come just when you did we should certainly
have made a dash for freedom, whatever the
consequences might have been. That one man]
I wonder Who he was, and whether we shall
meet him on our way. I feel almost certain
that he will never desert us until he is assured
of our safety. Who was he? Do you know?
Such a brave darling as he was!”

Serena’s interruption should have brought a
frown to the face of Eric Rivers if he had not
been thoroughly on his guard; it cut all the
same.

“Had you attempted it the outlaws along the
trail would have retaken you before you had
gone a hundred yards. If that had proved ini-
possible—an idea scarcely credible—they would
have begun to shoot to kill. As for your knight
in the bushes—I am not sure that Dan the
Daisy is not the better man of the two. I
don’t want to speak illy of him because person-
ally I know nothing about him, but if all I
have heard of him is true he is the greater des—
pel‘ado of the two, and on the score of morals I
would ’back Dan the Daisy against him at two
to one.

“‘But who was he? And how did he come to
be there? Single—handed he attacked the road-
agents to rescue us;, and he would have suc-
ceeded, too, had we not run into an ainbuscade
just Where the difficulty with the road compelled
us to halt.” '

“The man’s real name is more than I eVer
heard but he has an evil reputation as Pinnacle
Pete. Idid not recognize him, of course, but
the road-agent averred that it was he. I only
know that there is a rustler of that name, who
is at the very top of the ladder; a man whom
even these desperadoes prefer to handle gin-
gerly. He would be quite capable of holding
you for ransom himself. How he came to be
there is all conjecture. I suspect that he may
have hada design to earn the reward for the
capture of the captain of 'the agents. You ma
not know that there is a thousand or two on his
head. Then he may have found out how mat~
ters stood, and knowing that with ten thousand
dollars at stake they would be careful how they
injured you he went in to see if he could not
corral that amount himself.”

“ But if the robbers are such terrible men I
should have supposed that they would have shot
anyhow. One man against a dozen! I would
not have believed it. He threw them around
like nine-pins. He shot, he struck, he risked
his life a dozen times. Oh, it was wonderful.”

Miss Wild was enthusiastic.

“And, if you remember he did very little
damage. The fact is, neither part was anx-
ious to have the ball really open With his
advanta e in position Pete would certainly
have kil ed three or four if they had attempted
to dislodge him, and he had shot in earnest;
and at the same time, if the attack had really
begun Daisy Dan is not the man to let‘ go.
doubt if the war is over, either. If he knows
what is good for him Pinnacle Pete will lift his
noble form in some other camp besides Way
Back. The agents will mark him down if he
stays here. Unless he bears a charmed life I
should say he is a doomed man.”

“ Poor fellow! But if he stays in Way Back?”

“ There is where they will first look for him.
No doubt some of Dan’s followers are posing
there now, as among our most honest citizens,
and industrious miners.”

The young ladies would have held up their
hands if they had not had them fully occupied
in the management of their steeds. They ex-
pfissed their astonishment as well as they were
a e. .

“You seem surprised at that. These men
have their spies at the important points on the
stage—run, and no doubt when they are with the
gang, to report, they are just as bad as the
worst, and no doubt they receive their share of
the plunder. Certainly 9 has not sucha gang
as this about him all the time. It would break
up the commissary department of the Govern-
ment itself to furnish rations for such a crowd.
They were nordoubt gathered together for such
a raid. Now that it is over, the majority will
disperse, going to the surrounding camps, and
Dan, with ,half a dozen of his stand-bye, will
hide away in the mountains, unless he comes
down in some disguise. on the, trail of vengeance.
He has courage enou 'h to attempt anythin ,
and if Pinnacle Pete akes our camp his hea -
quarters after what has happened, things will
be very lively for the he s.”

“Wonderful! wonder in! What a delightful
country. Really, this gentleman—I must see
him a ain, if only to thank him.”

I“ on may, and probabl will see more ‘of
him than you wish,” respon ed Rivers ravely.
Perhaps It" was nonsense that Miss ild was
talkin , but it struck him that—as he feared
would the raw—they were unpleasantly much
interested in Pinnacle, Pete. ' ,

Yet his labor wasnot altogether lost. 

  

 

1wesnot themanto balk

 

Miss Serena was having her say, and receiving
her answers, Theodosia was having a chance in
a uiet way to look over the prominent citizen
of ay Back, who had come to their rescue.

She was somewhat surprised to note the cor-
rectness of his dress, after Eastern notions. Had
she met him on Broadway, she would only have
looked at him—if she looked at all, asa pros-
perous business man. ,

His conversational style was also unexpectedly
correct. -As she listened to his quiet, even tones,
and the sensible way he explained the move-
ments of the outlaws, she was very strongly
impressed in his favor. And, very naturally,
the higher her opinion of Eric Rivers rose, the
loivei' dropped her estimation of Pinnacle Pete.

Still, she had not forgotten the name of the
latter, or when she had first heard it, 'and
though she kept the idea to herself, she half sus-
pected that he had been sent on their trail by'
the lady detective, whose sudden disappearance
at Coronado had been so puzzling. And though
no doubt the man was desperate enough, still
she had learned the lesson that desperate men
might have their uses. .

While she was thinking over this, and almost
imagining that in Judge Rivers she would find
a man she could trust,’he turned toward her,
and began to ask concerning their captivity.
Once started on that, and for the time the three
feminines seemed to be able to think of nothing
else, and the subject lasted them until they
reached the vicinity of Way Back.

CHAPTER XVII.
A MASS-MEETING- AT WAY BACK.

WAY BACK, after its morning eye-opener,
and some little investigation, was inclined to
kick, hot and heavy. There was no doubt but
that Eric Rivers and Armadel had started on
the mission alone, and though the profit could , .
not amount to much, the honor and glory which
they would attain when they brought in the
prisoners in safety, were worth sharing around.

The morning passed in discussing the chances
in the case, and making guesses, of how long it
would be before Rivers would arrive, but after,
dinner the tongues of every one went a little
slower. It was fully the time when the best
judges expected him back. The crowd stood
around, and grew, and murmurs began to rise
that somethin must have happened and that
something on t to be done.

A reception committee had been named, and
now it was whis d that it should be a league
of vengeance. aptain Cy de France had even
mounted a box that was rolled out to serve as a
rostrum and got as far as, “ Friends an’ feller-
citizens,“ when there was a diversion that drove
all such things away in a hurry. In the distance
Evas heard he clatter and patter of horses’
eet.

De France was left without a single auditor—
and he did not care. He was one of the first to
head the rush that started in the direction of the
arrivals. ‘

So, at a breakneck galloppthe three ladies,
and their escort of two, came dashing into Way
Back, to find themselves confronted by the
whole population cheering to the echo.

'Way Back really was glad of an excuse to
show a little enthusiasm. If there had been
none the cheering would have gone on all the
same; and - not without reason. A prettier
sight than Theodosia and her friend, as they I
came at a. gallop down the street had certainly
never been seen in the tough little town. It is
not worth while to tell a sto , and say that the
young ladies had not felt the r journey.

They were tired—terribly so. ,

But here they were at t e objective point of
their journey, and they had reached it without .
personal harm, and with only a little delay, It ,
is true Miss Lands had expended a matter of ’ ,
ten thousand dollars on the way; but that was a
contingent expense that would not be likely to
again arise. ' .

Rivers had warned her that the cam would
turn out, in force, to meet her; but she ad not
yet been able to appreciate the heartiness of the,
reception that would be accorded her. When
she heard everybody shouting, and saw them ‘
waving their hats, she bowed gracefully, and
felt really touched. It might have been hard
just then to have convinced her of the real
nature of some of the shouters. , .

Eric Rivers boarded at the Earl Dawn
Hotel, kept by John Partridge; so, to t 15 hotel
the all went. "

he judge was quick in his movements, but
he was not quite qliliick enough. He leaped
gracefully from his orse; but so did Theo, at I
the same time, and she was assisted by a reason-
ably respectable looking ioung man, who
sprun forward, as he saw or looking around
with t e air of one who was in haste. She and
Serena tripped lightly up the steps, to the

pore . ,
There John Partridge met them. i The pro/ .
prietor was politeness itself, and he had them
ushered into the house before they knew what'
was going on, for Captain De France, and his
commiittee were edging forward through the  .. ¥ ,
crow . "
Not to be denied were they; and Eric Rivers
them, me he would?

i "4 3??!

    

  
 
  
     
 



i
I s

7:"

 

 
  

\

L,‘ __ a”. .‘ in. 

\,l -. .«.w

Pinnacle? Pete. ’

 

1'7' i f.

 

 

figure prominently in the affair. He came into
the little waiting-room, for he had halted a mo-
.ment on the porch, to confer with the leaders of
the crowd.

. “ You will have one more trial, Miss Lande,
before you settle down to the rest that you so
much need. Perhaps it is more a matter of
justice than of pleasure to themselves, but Way
Back wants to tender its congratulations, and
assure you that every man of her population
would have been ready to rush to the rescue had
not your message seemed to indicatea better
way. It will only require a moment—and a
little courage. After facing the road-agents
you will hardly hesitate at bowing to our prom-
inent citizens.’

He smiled as he spoke, and waved his hand
t0ward the crowd that could be seen through
the window near which he was standing.

Theodosia laughed outright, if a little ner-
vously. The prominent citizens, for the most
part, wore red shirts and had revolvers buckled
to their waists.

“I shall. be happy to meet them,” she said.
“ It may save. time,’ and trouble even, to do so;
and with Serena and Miss Rice at my elbows, I
.shall not feel altogether alone.”

So Rivers led the three out upon the porch
and presented them after the most approved
sty e.

Captain De France made his little speech of
reception, expressing blufily but With quite
ready elocpience the regrets of the camp that
she had met with such an unpleasant mishap on
the way there, its delight that it was no worse,
.and closing with a tender of the hospitalities of
the camp with an almost Mexican exaggeration
of politeness.

Miss Lands bowed, smiled, and then, on the‘
impulse of the moment, made a very pretty
little speech, if it was somewhat over the l; ;-ads
of the people.

And at the close she added:

“I have not come among you to invest,
though I may before I leave you. I have noth-
ing to say against the eflete civilization of the
East—it is good enough for me. I am not here
for the benefit of my health—I don’t think I
ever had a sick day in in life—andI did not
come out as a missionary. am not sure that
I do not rather need the services of one myself.
But I heard that m brother Rolland Lands,
was to be found at ay Bac , and I came to
see him. I have been assured, since I came into,
the neighborhood, that he never was a perma-
nent residentpf this cam , and it is exceedingly
doubtful if he ever ma 6 any stay in it. Yet,
some one in this crowd may know him; some
one may have seen him. If so, if he would earn
my thanks and any reward he may choose to
name,'let him tell me all‘ he can about the boy I
have not seen for a dozen years, and tormeet
whom I would be willing to pass through still
greater dangers than any I have yet encounter-
ed, and cheerfulcliy pay out a still larger sum
than my little a venture with the road-agent
cost me. Is there any one here who ever heard
of Rolland Lande?” ,

The appeal was followed by a momentary
silence, in which there was a general shaking of
heads. 1 ,

Then a voice spoke up:

“Excuse me, miss, or speaking, but there’s
one thing I might tell you. You sent a letter
to Rolland Lande, some weeks ago, with an or-
der on the back to return it in ten days if not
delivered?”

“ I did—not one of them, but half a dozen.
How do yen know?” -

“ I’m postmaster here, miss, and I just remem-
ber that one letter. l’ll swear to it that there
were no others.”

“And how does it come that it was not re-
turned as ordered—or did some one call for it?”

“ Someb y called for it, and that’s the neer
part of the story. The oflilce was robbe the

.night after it came, and that was one of the let-

ters that turned up missing. I don’t want to
discourage you, but if you’ve been correspond-
ing with anybody around here for your brother,
I wouldn’t wonder if it was all a. plant of the
Dames; and if so, miss, and they got on clean
across the earth like that, the le on ofl?
mighty cheap at ten thousand do lars. don’t
want to scare you, but if I was in gear place I’d
keep a bright lookout. I'm afrai that you’re
not done with them yet.” ‘ ‘ V
Theodosia seemed too much taken aback to
answer at once, and Eric Rivers answered for
er. .
“ Many thanks to you, Rob, for your explana-
tion; though it may give the lady the heartache
it know that she has been the subject“ ofi what
was worse than a jest. But I think I can speak
forWay Back, and say that we guarantee her
safety ere, When she is ready to take the
black trail. if she will accept of their escort, I’ll
give my boys at the Red Rock a holiday, and,

, will take the trail to Coronado to ther sooner

than she shall run any further ris Now, you
may Judge how worn-out the ladies are. No

, doubt they would be willing to entertain us

further with alhistory of what they have
through, but we ought not to ask it. Par (1 e
has a. meal ready for us, and if they j ain’t 

ODE

r , star-vomlam. This meefing‘stands adjourned”.

 

 

but those that choose to drop in at the Mint 8.
little after sundown, will be welcomed by yours
ru y.

So the crowd dispersed with three cheers for
the ladies and three more for Judge Rivers, and
the five retired to the dining—room to discuss the
bountiful meal that Partridge had provided.

“ All right that, no doubt,” whispered Specter
Sam, as they went along, “ but what in the
name of blue wrath do you want tQ/get a gang
together at the Mint for? You’ve some scheme
on foot.”

“If that internal Pinnacle Pete is here, and
has any scheme on foot as regards us, I want to
give him a chance to talk right out in meeting.
He might fight shy if he thought there would
only be a few around; but if he knows there will
be a crowd, he’ll show up sure.”

“ Must be a bad sort of a man from the way
you and Dan handle him. Something new
that’s turned up while I was gone. Who is he?"

“You heard what Dan said. He’s Satan on
Wheels. The question is whether he’s after us
or after Dan. if he has tumbled onto this
racket, I must know it. As long as he is holding
the age on our game, there’s not much use to
back our hand. He’s been around on several
occasions that I’ve heard of, and he always took
the stakes.”

“ What you going to do about it, then—not
jum thega‘me?”

“ carcely, while Dan is ahead. You see,
Peter is a very good man, and he knows it; but
so far he has not just happened to run against
me. I’ll make sure that his fingers are reaching
for our ante, and then—”

“Then what?” , .

Sam spoke shortly, sharply, and in a little
louder tone than was altogether safe when dis-
cussing snch matters, Rivers dropped his voice
still lower, so that his words seemed more im-
pressive than ever, as he hissed into his partner’s
ear: .

“ Then he must die, and our hands must notbe
seen in the taking off. That will be my job,
and I’ll have it done to nature.”

 

CHAPTER XVIII.
A. WHISPER FROM THE WALL.

IN the stage, previous to the attack of the
Daisies, Miss Sally Rice had a good deal to say
about hersalf and her mission.

Very strangely, the latter was one almost
identical with that of Theodosia, though as she
had very loudly announced her errand before
Miss Lande had given a hint of hers,the strange-
ness was really,the other way.

After the trouble began the antique maiden
lady kept reasonably quiet. She did not exact.
1y seem'overwhelmed with terror: but except-
ing when she broke out on waking she was
silent, looking sharply around as it anxious to
get the first glimpse of what came next—and
very much afraid that it would be something
dreadfu .

She was cool enough at the different crises,
and once or twice was shrewd enough to see
when and how to take advantage of the chances,
but after Rivers and Arma 91 came on the
stage she got so far into the background that
her presence was almost forgotten, except, when
she was hysterically shouting her thanks, and
bemoaning the loss of her hundred dollars.

Rivers had kindly and quietly, spoken a few
words of consolation, Theodosia had assured her
of temporarytissistance if it hould he needed:
and after that she plodded along, with a. look
half do god and had exhausted.

But artridge’s table, where she found break-
fast, dinner and supper all rolled together in
one grand meal, brought her to herself complete-
ly, and she began to manifest an interest in her
own affairs that made Theo smile to listen to.

The first effort was with the worthy landlord.
» “Say, yew! I’m a. poor lone woman, an’ it
wouldn’tbe more nor Christian tew help me
along. He'u yew seen airy thing in these parts
ov Bobby Rice?”

“ N ary thing ov man er boy ov sich a name,”
responded Partridge. _

“He never stopped at the Early Dawn, an’ of
he drawed his rashuns at ar other 0v ther
hash-houses in this burg I won dn’t hev knowed
it. Ef yer wants ter find out better ax Bob
Patterson, ther tmpster. I ain‘t much on ther
d’reck’ory, an’ don't keep track. ov all ther
Bobbys, an’ Billys, that come hyer tor—day, an’
skips out ter-morrer. But Bob Patterson does,
bein’ it’s in ther line ov his biz. _Yer sure he
ain’t ther man hisselfi”

“ I reckon I bee—leastwise if that’s him az was
talkin’afore ther crowd. He’s ernuf tew
make two ov my Bobby: an’ thin ernuf not to
be half ez big. Ho’s’my long-lost brother, that
I’ve bin hunting round at Coronado, whar I bin
stayin’ fur some time: an’ I heared he’d bin
seen here—an’ didn’t I come a—’hoopin’ when

they told me. Yew sure yew ain’t seen him?”

Dead sure. I ain’t had nousejur ary Bobby
Rice in mine.” , ’ i
“ An’ ain’t nobody seen him? Young man,
ain’t yew hed eyes on him? Yew look ez though

. ,yew seen most everything that’s going.”

She turned sharply to the Chinese waiter and
man 9:. all‘wprlp Wholmppeued m be near. and

     

  

a

 

for the moment was listening with an idiotic
grin on his Mongolian features.

“ Wau Wing no suah, but t’ink he little 'use. \
Glil mean shlot spotlee flom chickee klick. He
bin on lip loundee town. Whah he now go to
Wau Wing no can tell. Glil go lookse; maybe
littee use f’ust chop, maybe no. Allee some, that
best Wau Wing kin do. ’ r -

“ Blazes!” ejaculated Partridge. “The heath-
en Chinee has hit the use fust thing. He means
that were is a man in town on the racket, whose _' l
name, on fur ez the he s had it, are ther Short
Sport from Chicken 'reek. That may be the
man; better try him, anyhow.”

“Oh, that must be the man. He is as broad,
as he’s long, an’ I knew he was at Chicken
Creek. That’s the man! Whar, oh, whar kin I
find him i” 

“Ther heathen’s gin yer a p’inter; jest you
lissen to him whissel. He says maybe he’s gone '
outeu town, an’ nicbbc he ain’t: an’ no one else
knows a blame thing more. Ef you’ll hold yer
bosses till ther things are cleared up, I’ll send l
Wau Wing out ter hunt him up.” r

The Chinnman shook his head in horror.

“ Wau Wing no but use fonh shlot spotles—
him no but use foali he. Him short mun fiom
China side; him speaks to he. Glil hettee go
hisself if he wantcbee findee. Him bad man—-
belley badee. Him makes things hot when Wau
Win tly bling him ’longside ullydone.” ‘

V “ her Chinee are right, miss. Ther Short
S rt are death on the heathen, an’ ef Wau 5
V ing’ went prancing ’round him he’d be very ‘
apt to shoot on sight. You’ll have to go ’long .
with him. or I!!! be short a heathen. ut you
kin git ury one of ther boys ter look ’round fer \
yer, un’ ef they find ther cuss, an’ he’s in any
kinder good-humor, he mout tell him you’re ‘
hyer, fin lookin’ fun him." .'

“ Is he—kin he be sich a awful bad man? An’
I ain’t seen him fur years!” .

“ Party had, miss; but he’s all solid sand you'
bet. What he says goes, er he wouldn’t be livin’ ,
now. Mebbe at his sister—W’ich I s’pore you be .
-—war to take hold, she might tone him down a.
bit. It’s worth while, fur he’ll strike ther wron
gang” some night, an’ then salt won’t save '

im. . ,
“ An’ him only a lecty, teenty boy jist yester- '
day! Mammy said I sh’d allers look artm' him 1' '
an I bin a-tryin‘ ter do it, but he’s allus bin so” f .
drefliul onstiddyl Now I can’t ba’dly b’lieve , .
he’s growa-d up sich a man. Shoot the China-
man, would he! Dear! deari An‘ I can’t alter-,

ether blame’him. Times are when I feela‘ 1

cap like shootin’ ’em myself. Not but what ,
this one are reel nice lookin’; but consarn ,n. '
heathen, anyhow! An’ muchobleeged am I ter
you fur lettin" him go ’long after supper.” ,,

“ You havent any notion of. stayin’ hyer, bev 1
you?” inquired Partri e, beginning to show
more interest in a relative of the Short Sport
from Chicken Creek. ' ' , ,

“Do I look ez tho" I’d stay in sich a mizzible, 
dod-rotted, hose-stealin’, man-killin" country .92
this?« I’m goin’ tew 59 Bobby, an" then I’m _,
goin’ tew ‘1: next stage of he goes er not. One ,
hundred ollars ov my gcod money at I mad "
by to. .own hard labor did ther reptiles take, an \ :
this ady, of she hedn’t kindly offer’d ‘tewhelg ,
me along till I c’u’d find Bobby, an’ git a loan,‘ I
dunno whar 1’ kim in at.”

" Wal, yer ooks like a right spry sorter
leetle wooman, an’ I war goin ter remark, e!
yer wants ter take hold at ther Early Dawn
you kin earn yer vittals, an’ wages ter suit. It .
don’t take long ter make a hundred dollarsin '
this hyer cam , so yer needn’t worry .ef yer are’ v
shoal on ther 1-. John Partridge allers knows _
how terlbe white to ther sex e1 they do ther '
clean thing themselves; Think it over, an’et
yer don‘t find yer brother, er feel furs. Job, let ,
me,k'now in the: mornin’, an’ I’ll ’range accor-
din. A j . J 

If Theodosia had not been prejudiced :1 Must w >
Miss Rite she would perhaps have mam ested .
more interest in her aflairs, but somehow she ~-
had very magically connected her with the loss
of Millie Vandeleur, and since then had not
taken to her. v , I .

Yet the similarity in their situations had its 
effect, and she began to see that the woman ,
was shrewder than she had believed. At any“
rate her movements so far had been more ex-r
peditious, and it seemed quite likely that her,
expectation would be crowned With success.‘ __
Too tired to do anything further to-ni ht, Miss.‘ 1,
Lande and her companion were about retire, .
but before doing so she ventured a word or two j

pu'lmmthmnvvvitwufiv.&nflflmfizfx;9lm A ‘

 

    

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l

 

 

 

  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
  
   
 
    
   
    
   
 
  
   
  
 
  
 
   
   

k

to Sally. .
“I have heard you eak of startin outto ,,
look for your brother hrongh town. 0 you ‘

think it is altogether prudent tobe wandering
through the camp after dark? I am as anxxoml
as yourself to begin. but I feel that I‘can do
nothing before tomorrow. Certainly you  ,
rest as badly as I do—pex haps wane—tend it
would, I think, be better for you to take it.”

“ Thanks, but that ain’t my style. What’s
got ter he did hes got ter he did: an’ ther’finay 1
62 well he an and tow it. But I’ll keep aneye
out for yew too, an’ ef I see or hear anything
that fits inter your hand, I’ll let yer lmowfi’ '

So the two wen oi! to their room, and: small
and meanly turnis though it was they could

_ 4

 

Ii

 

:‘ie

 

 

 

 

 
   
  
     
  
 

c “ And

V luckandyou can
' 'me Ivsaid very square what

18

l

' Pinnacle Pete.

 

 

enjoy its little comforts in a way they never I him along, but I did have an idea that you
could have done before spending the best part , would find out what they wanted to do about

of a night in the outlaws’ cave.

“ Somewhat discouraging?” asked Serena,
as she noted the weary look with which her
friend glanced around.

“Somewhat, I admit.
for our final success.”

“ But, you goose you, can’t you see that your
brother has never been here at all? There must
have been a deelgly laid plot to inveigloyou all
the way from ew York, and Dan the Dais
was just the introductory overture. What w' 1
come next Heaven only knows.”

Ideaven will protect me. I'have had
some little talk with Judge Rivers—a very fine
man he appears to lie—and he assures me that
it would be folly to leave here until every covert
has been examined, and every clew run down.
While they ma have found out something
about brother olland from my letters, yet it
looks altogether natural to suppose that if they
had not known something about him they would
never have tried to personate him. Mr. Rivers

. has promised to give me his assistance, and be-

’ tween us it will be strange if we do not succeed.
And I feel sure that at least some of the letters I
received were from brother.”

“ Have it your own way, dear. I have seen
the country, and am perfectly willing to leave
it forever on the next stage- or I will stay until

on have found Rolland or net hope altogether.

at if we do remain, you can be sure that our
adventures have only just begun. Meantime,
what do you think became of our lady detec-
tive? I have a suspicion—a. faint, but tolerany
clear one—that she saw what was good for'her,
and gracefully retired. And little blame to her
for it. I think if we had known what was to
happen on the road from Coronado we would
have taken another route or stayed‘ at home al—
together.”

"‘ Do not blame her until we know the whole
truth. I am more afraidthat something serious
has befallen her. In any event the friend she
spoke of made his appearance. Although he
seems, on general principles, to be rather an un-
desu'able acquaintance, yet we. cannot say that
he did not do his best in our behalf.”

“ Hum—yes; if it was not all a farce. Per-
haps he, too, is in the league. Theodosia, I be-
gin to suspect everybody.’

“ Even poor Sally Rice?”

“ Yes, even poor Sally Rice—and her brother,
the Short Sport from Chicken Creek. Oh, dear!
what a name! What pie!”

“ Nevertheless, my ear, I have alittle scheme
of my own in connection with that ‘same Short
Elia-rm, provided he turns out to be at all pratica-

e .

“ One of Mr. Rivera‘s suggestions?”

. “Don’t be sarcastic; it is an idea entirely of
my own, and so far only an idea. I must have
some one to work for me, and I see it must be
some one with brains, and that fears neither man
nor angel."

And then came an iflterruption as strange as
it was ' g—the voice of the ladydetective,

asking:
“ Don’t you think Pinnacle Pete fills that bill?”

Yet I do not yet fear

 

CHAPTER XIX.
uni: snoar sroar’s SISTER TAKES a HAND.

THE assemblage’at the Mint was large and en-
thusiastic- and it was promptly convened at
early candlelight. Thirst and curiosity brought
the town; and Judge Rivers was there to re:

' ceive them. ,

Of course there was no formal speech-making
and no open barrel of free whisky. But there
was a good deal of talking and laughing. Rivers
answered a number of %estions, and called .up
.the house to drink. here were numer us
threats made as to what would be done to he
Daisies if they continued in that neighborhood,

and some speculation as to where they would go
‘ with their plunder. . .

And then, when the interest in the subject had
begun to iiig, and Billy Morgan was taking his
Beat behind his lay-out, Sid Campton came glid-
ing toward the jud e.

‘There’s one litt 9 piece of information I’ve

'/ been waiting to bear, but it «don’t come worth a'

mnt, Rivers. You generally have a clear head
and get onto things straight as they are. . What
a of my man. Uriah?”
, “ Whew r"

Eric Rivers did not have much to say to the
question, but the one word that he did say was
quite expressive.

«. “ That’s the size of it, eh? I half thought so
when I left the matter in your hands. And I
more than half thoughtsownen Ifound you had
fislipped of! before daybreak, without giving us a

’ . chance to chip.” »

.“ Campton, I W681" I didn’t mean it. I
wouldn’t 3: back on a dog that was howling in
their ban , much less a man that you had an
.3 interest in. .Fact is, things were so lively that
we never once thought of the gentle Uriah. He’ll
come out all rigtht, though. Trustra fool for
_ wrong.”
 “Maybe yes. an maybe no'

. I, thought in the
matter. I didn’t much believe that you’d bring

but it seemsto -

 

him.”

“ Sorry am I. I wouldn’t have had it happen
for a. little fortune. The Daisies didn’t say a
word about him, and I was so glad to get out
my self that I asked no questions. I don’t know
what they could want with him, and I’d be
willin to gamble on his luck; but, if you can’t
:vaitli,” ’m ready to march right out on the

Pill .

“ And a heap of good would that do. If I
understand it right, Captain Dan had his lug-
gage all packed, and was leavin by the first
boat. The next boat won’t be 1i ely to catch
him this side of the jumping-off place, and mean-
time what do you suppose is going to be done
with Uriah?” .

“ They’ll turn him loose, and be lad to get
rid of him. What in the name of a l the saints
do you suppose they would Want with such an
idiot?”

“That’s 'ust it. They don’t want him; and
they’d cut is throat before they would let him
go. Before I’d throw off on a poor half—witted
fellow like he is I’d (go put my head in soak
all the brainxlashe out of the tops of my

ots.

Nevertheles " ric Rivers never lost his temper
or his coolness.

“Just look here a moment, Campton. It
strikes me that on are trying to set up a quar-
rel with me. E so it won’t work unless you
crowd things a good deal harder than I think
you would be Willing. With apriv te grave-
yard such as I own, and a record as l g as the
moral law, the community at large are not go—
ing to trouble themselves ve greatly if I re
fuse to feel bullied or bothere . I can afi’ord to
take all such nonsense at what it is worth, and
it wouldn’t be the smallest kind of a. feather in
my ca if I took you into camp for what you’ve
said. ake my advice. Go quietly home and
possess your soul with atience. I’ll bet two to
one with you or any 0t er man that if you give
him time he will make his a pearance without
a scratch. Come! Money ta ks!”

There were very few other men that could
have afforded to talk that way to Sid Campton.
It made little difference which we the latter
took the remarks. If he quieted own under
them it wastothe credit of the ' dge. If he
flared up and got shot no one cou blame Riv-
ers. That he would accept the banter and put
up his coin was not for a moment to be sup-
posed—and there were a number of interested
spectators.

“Young man,” broke in a.sharp, shrewish,
voice, just in time to prevent Compton’s answer
from being made. ’

“ Don’t yew bet onless yew know what yew’re
bettin’ on. I was thar, an’ seen ther hull thing.
Mebbe that man was a fool, an’ mebb‘e he waz a
big tool; but he ain’t thar now, an' he played
them road-agents ther raglin’est game thetI
ever did see played. Why. e waz jist a-leadin’
ov ’em on—an of this hyer gentleman hadn’t

ut his fingers in ther pie hed ’a’ scoo the

all on ’em an’ not hedabig mouth! then.
Thar wasn’t but two men took oif’n that stage,
ez you very well know. Thar stan’s one ov
’em,” pointing to Specter Sam; “ an' ther other
waz Pinnacle Pete. Ef .he went it waz beca’se
he wanted tew go along; an’ when he got tired
a-goiii’ he quit; an’ that '

man Rivers are oflerin’ fer bet on a sure thing.”

Eric Rivers was too astonished to interrupt.
The intelligence struck him all in a heap, and it
was Sid Campton who spoke.

“ What nonsense is that you are trying to
give us? Uriah was on the hearse when it was

old up, and Uriah it was who went away with
them into the mountains. Hero, Mr. Armadel
knows.” .

“ I on ht to. The stuttering fool could hardly
bevmista on for any one else.” »

“ He could. stutter like a house aflre; an’ he
could talk as strai ht az a string. I heerd him
do both. Ef that's yewr man Ur‘ hr, yew’ll
find him tew hum; an’ elf he ain’t the he warn’t
on ther stage at all. That’s jist solid.”

“ And who are you?” asked Sid Campton, rep
covered somewhat from his surprise.

' “ I’m Sally Rice, last from Corrynado, lookin’
fur my brother, ther Short Sport fruin Chicken
Krick. You want tew treat me respectful, young
man, or Bobby’ll wreck ther town. I’m a, be
little man myself.” ,

The little woman drew herself up, and scowled
around her as she spoke, in a way that elicited a
roar of laughter from the bystanders. ‘

“ Yew kin half of you please, but that don’t
hurt ther cold truth. When a poor, lone woo-
man gits ter in’ you don’t want tew put much
apast her, an I don’t want no man arlivin’ ter
tell me thet I lie, I sed thet Pinnacle Pete was
aboard that stage' had hisself tookin preesoner;
an’ when he got tg'ed ov it made things so livel
tug-"ther boys you never see. Who says it sin.
50 i .

She glanced around her so fiercely that the ‘

merriment

, ‘fNot ‘1 old lad ,” said Campton, with a

 

     
  

   
  
 

s ther hull ov it. When ,
that time comes he’ll turn up sirens, an’ that =

 

ofhis she ers. "‘You’v 'ven me a.
filth. not down in‘the mng’izimnnd'l

think I’ll go and look into it a little. It would
be just like the infernal idiot not to have been
on the stageat all. It’s a matter of a thousand
dollars, more or less, to me. Thank you very
kindly for the pointer, madam; and it 1 can do
anything for you, just let me know.”

“Yew kin, yew kin. Tell me, oh, tell me
whar will I find Bobby Rice? The said of he
war in town I’d find him at ther
can’t see nothin’ ov him hyer now."

“ It’s ’most too early in the evening. If you
want to interview him call again later on.
He’ll probably be around again. and no doubt be
glad to see you. Good-ni ht. I’m ed to find

,out just what Nettie Wil ersin had to say on

the subject.”

“ Au’ while I’m a-waitin’, ain’t ther’ nobody az
would like tow make ther time pass leasanti
I hev jist ten dollars that I borryed. is may az
wellbe twenty or nothin’. When Bobby kims
he’ll stake me, an’ of he won’t I kin borry ag’in,
an’ I won’t be no wuss off.”

The defiance waked up the natives. It mi ht
be that it was only a bit of braggadocia; ut-
then again this might be some feminine card- '
sharp of phenomena] skill, who, either alone or
in conjunction with the Short Sport, intended to
work the camp.

Yet it seemed a little ridiculous for the best
card—sharps to sit down to play with a woman
whose capital was ten dollars only. And the
sharps that were not so sharp were rather
afraid to tackle her;

“ Noboddy hyerl” she re rted. “ An’I.J thort
thet Way Back was so all of fun that yew
couldn’t find a tear for a funeral. Ten dollars,
good an’ lawful money, awaitin’ the man thet’s
got nerve enough tew take it. J edge, ain’t yew
got time tow make it a leetle interestin’? Man
an’ money’s a-waitin’, an’ they say yew’re a
steam-injine, tow.” ,

“ What sort of a game do you want to invest
in?” retorted the ju ge, blandly.

“ Ary thing, from whistlejack tew draw
oker. I ain’t got ernufi' tei' invest on shear
link or I’d say I'd soonest ov all hev a turn at

ther tiger. But till my pile is a wee bit larger,
I’d prefer. suthin’ whar I make my own chances,
an’ work whai- Ilve got a leetle surer show.”

“They don’t seem to answer up very quick,
and I guess they are waiting to hear me talk,’
laughed Rivers, after remaining silent long
enough for any anxious souls to have a chance.
“ Here‘s a couple friends that will join me, I am
sure; and though we hardly make it up to bril-
liancy the way things go, we‘ll try our level
best to have a comfortable time until your
brother Diets in from the rural districts. Take a
chair, iss Rice—they are convenient; and
here’s a ack of cards. We’ll throw around for
deal, an I hope you will get it. I never like to
see the first stacks coming my way.”

It was not the first time a woman had been
seen at the card-tables in the Mint ;, but the
ladies who had snarkled through the camp at
various times had generally loo ed a good deal
younger and a softer tongue, though
on occasions t ey could use it to 'ust as good an
advantage. The defiance of Sn y Rice really
shocked no one; though, considering her gen
appearance which was staid and sober in com-
parison with the outfit of the late Rustlin’ Ruth,
there was some surprise. \ '

‘“ Ah, you have it,”’continued the judge, as an
ace dropped to Miss Rice’s side.

“ I so pose twenty-five cents ante and a two-
dollar imit will about agree with your
resources.” -

“Young man, don’t be crowdin’ your Aunt
Sally too hard. We don’t want no limit tew
this game, on long ez I 't a sight far my money.

It won‘tvbe long afore ’11 be sizin’ yewr ile; a ’ '
P

on we go along I won’t be interferin’ With ye
game. I ain’t perposin’ this jest fur fun, an’ we
might play all night on a tow-dollar limit.”
“ Any way you choase, aunty. The, cards are
with you and we are all waiting. This is
‘e

Colon reen; this Doctor De France; Mr;
Arniadel on have had the pleasure of meeting
before. ow let them go.”

The little, brown, wrinkled fingers handled
the cards with a fair am‘ount of grace, and
dropped them where they belonged; but there
was nothing in her style is
to old hands llke Armadel and Rivers. -

Yet they watched 'her narrowly for Eric
Rivers would scarcely have seated himself to
win a bare ten dollars if he had not thought that
there was a possibility of something to learn.
He had not paid much attention to her while he

was in the comgamf Theodosia, but since‘her .
e ' t and her inquiries for the ’

a ,pearance at t
ort Sport he fancied

was worth looking at.
“ Luck fureverl” said Miss Sally, when they

had all filled their hands. ‘

.. “ I’m standin’ pat, of it don’t skeer you all.

Ef ’it duz I’ll take one. Mebbe that’ll lead yew,

pretty strongly that she .

on. . , ,
Sally held her cards in a bunch in her hands,

and looked around refiectively.

“ Don’t ask us to play' your game, Vmadam,” .,

said Specter Sam. . r. . I
“Considering the state of your finances I
think the, less you drayvus on the longer you]:
last.” » , . A  .  ‘ '

,i " .

  

v .

int; but I

at was very alarming \

.
unworthy.- r.“ m;

  
  
   
  
  
 
 

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“ Then I’ve got enough. What are you all
doing?"

Did she or did she not know how to lay draw?
Probably she did, but Rivers and t 8 rest in-
tended to find out. The judge‘held the age.

“ One dollar," said the colonel, With a pleasant
smile, pushing.r the coin to the center. “ I tell
you, judge, I’ve been after you for some time,
and I feel it in my bones that I’m going to get

on now. There’s wealth afloat and I only hope
ifiss Rice will get her share of it."

One dollar more went Armadel; and the doc-
tor followed with the regular raise.

“ That makes my fortune jist nine dollars more,
of the judge don’t kim in, an’ ther rest diiz. I’ll
call yew a J. Young man, give me the Chan, e.”

Sally laid down a crisp, new, ten-dollar b1 in
front of the doctor, who gravely pushed over
the change. K

“ But the judge does come in. I’m hunting
you hard colonel. Three dollars do I come in
with, and there’s still another raise of fifty
cents.”

“ How do you expect us all to find the small
change for a game like this? I don’t observe the

uarter up for auto, and there’s not another
gfty cents in the house. I’ll see that and go
two dollars better.”

“Two better here i”

“ Two better here 1”

“Two better here!” I

Miss Rice seemed carried away with the rapid-
ity of the talk, and spoke before she thought,
pushing her little capital up to the rest.

“ ess you’ve got us, ’ said the judge, hesi-
tatinrr y, running over his cards again.

“ hen Miss Rice puts up the balance of her
bet,” interposed S ecter Sam. " She’s a little
short yet. Probab y she didn’t notice it.” v

“ Oh, I’ll buy her hand; or—we want to see it
anyhow. Permit me.”

The judge seemed well provided with small
change, and threw down a two-and—a-half gold
piece.

“Thank yew, young man.
minnit.”

“ I hope so,” responded Rivers, with a shrug
of his shoulders. ‘ But now that we’ve exhaust-
ed your finances we’ll get down to business.
Colon’el, my band’s worth a hundred more, any-
how

I’ll pay you in a

The colonel’s nerve was 'good enough but his
eyes sparkled just a little as he threw two notes
on the table.

S ecter Sam raised the pot another hundred

ance stayed out, and Sally, Witha resigned
look and her 9 ds turned down, murmured:

“You’reflgit 'n’ tew high fur me, an’ I’ll hev
tew hold 0 fur a sight when yew big whales
git through.” _

“ Scarcely, aunty. You borrowed to raise; 'I

ess, if I know anything about poker at the

int, you’ll have to borrow to come in.”

“ Oh, dear! Will yew lend?”

" And supposing you lose when do I get even,
and su posing you hold ‘over me what good
Biwill it o yours truly? You’ll have to look out-

do.”

“Outside goes,” growled a hoarse, coarse
voice.

, “ Hyar‘s coin to make it all good; an’ hyar’s a
boodle ter play ’em full all yer think it’s wu’th.
Go fur ’em, Sairey; au’ hyar’s ther Short Sport,
frum Chicken Krick standin’ at yer shoulder tor
see fair play i”

 

CHAPTER XX.

SALLY CALLS, AND THE LIGHTS GO OUT.

“ WHY yew dad-rotted, short~legged, long-
winded o d sinner! Yew’re thar, are yew? An’
jist in time. I don’t say these men war takin’
an’ongentlemanly adventi e ov a onpertected
female; but they was play 11’ ov it mighty clost
tow ther limit. I’ll talkytow yew when ther
fan’s over. Now I’m all ‘perfeshun. Let’s see
how 1yew’re h led.”

Sa ly open the wallet that had been planked
down at her elbow and ave one glance at its con-
tents. Then she nodd all around, with a face
as bright as the full moon.

V “Three

stay with ye . An’ heap it up ever so for be-
sides. How’s that? It’s ther smallest he hez.
Kivgr it up, yew rustlers, er gimme ther

t.

poShort and sh were Miss Sally’s words, and

down on the tab 8 fluttered a thousand—dollar

bill, her bright 3 es flashing from one to.tbe

other as though 9 9 would read at a glance what

each one was thinkin .

, Rivers anew With two more of the same

kind. He had d no apparent attention to
‘ the man who so suddenly appeared to act as

,Miss Rice’s. banker; but on the lady herself he

turned a quiet glance as he gave his last warn-

ing Ldo'u’t know, of course, and I don’t guess,
how good your hand ma be; but pray remem-
‘ bei- tbat at the Mint it ta es s tortune to carry
a bluff through, and that when you come to the
last of that little nest-egg there may bosome
trouble in finding a man to lend you fifty or
* » thousandou your say-so. You are’ just in
’- "that shape where, accorde

. [find here, the longest mo e

 

. Bobby tew take - my

hundred to comeini 0v course I’ll‘

 

potgoes tothe biggiuihgd 'J

  

, w ' .i
. i " . 3"

Pinnacle Pete.

“ Then quit raisin’. .Ef yew say so I’ll take
what’s up an’ jump the game. ew give me
them cards, yew saw ’e shuffled, cut and dealt,
yew bin u-watchin’ me like a hawk ever senco.
Mebbe ther’s four ov ther biggest hands outen
jail; an’ mebbo two fives kin sweep thor board.

1’ yew air goin’ tew kick—kick now. Ei‘ not,
ther biggest cards er ther biggest pile takes ther
pot—jist ez yew say—au’ I ain’t keeriu’ w’ich.

’m a lone wooman, with no one ’round but
part; but I ain’t tew be
trod on, or trampled, kuimel; of ther jedge don’t
want tew talk it’s yewr next say-so.”

An outburst of laughter brought a little more
than the suspicion of a flush to Rivers’s face;
and that was something he had thought nothing
on earth could do.

For this game had a ood many interested
spectators, and though 1: e majority of them
were men to whom the judge’s words were pret-
ty nearly law — and though the Short S rt was
standing there with a dangerous scow on his
tough face-as Miss Rice sna flied out her words
the situation was so comica they would have
laughed if they died for it.

Colonel Green was a man of nerve and a good
poker-player. He also had a fair amount of
floating wealth; but he knew that, as far as
means went, Judge Rivers could swamp him,
and make no great draft on his resources,
either. '

The laugh rattled him a little, and he gave
another look at his cards, as though he didn’t
know to a spot what he held. He had a chance
right there to call, and put an end to the hand;
but the glance brought out every instinct of the
true poker-plaver. ~

It was the first deal, and by all the doctrines
of chance his band in a heavy game was worth
more than behad risked on it. It was not likely
that everybody héld good hands. Sally Rice
was blufling after feminine style, and the judge
was most likely doin the same; but he thought
they were both wea suing a. little, and one or
the other would call on the next round, so he
went just fifty dollars better. .

Specter Sam laid his cards on the table, and
gravely placed on top of them his derringer. .

Then he rose and emptied his ets.

“ I don’t claim to be able to swim with you
big fish, but I’m betting that I’ll have a share in
the pot according to the size of my investment.

There’s every dollar I have in the world—I’ve

struck a mighty bad streak lately—and I think
it just abou raisas the colonel a hundred.”
Then he folded his arms and leaned back in

.his chair, leaving the cards in front of him held

down by the derriuger, and the balance of the
players to fight it out among themselves. For
the present, he had no other interestiii the game.
When the rest got through, he Would have some-
thing to say.

,Though he watched the other players keenly,
he had an eye also to his surroundings, and no—
ticed that there was somethin going on near
the bar among those who, not aving taken any
pgrticular interest in the game, had gathered

ere. *

What it was about he could not form an idea,
but there was some loud talking, and six or
seven men seemed to be working up a. racket in
a quiet way, that was not attracting the atten-
tion of PaddpMflhgan who was interested in
the bi game, and s at Doctor De France’s
shoul er. '

Two men were out of the game, and Sally
Rice and the judge each had a chance total

before it would get around again to the col-

onel. -
The lady had already made 11 her mind.
Tightly clinched in her left ban she held. a

Evad of notes; from them she drew, one at a
ime. / .

“One fur mono , two fur show, three tew
make ready an’ ur tow goi Money talks!
Count it up an’ flgger fur yourselves jist what it
costs new come in. This is a Jim-dand game.
Takes longer tow play a hand than it oes'tew
build a house.”

Fourthousaud dollars she laid down on the
table, and the pile was by no means exhausted.
If the notes a 1 ran that high. there was more
than a littlefortune in Sarah’s fingers.

“ Giles and cases!” thought pecter Sam. “ If
Daisy Dan and his boys only usibected what a
walking gold-mine that Short Sport is, wouldn’t
they have laid for him? And how is this thing
going to end—who is this woman, and who is

er brother? He has a mighty bad face, and
from what I've heard dropped, he’s as hard as
they make ’em. Have to watch, and if a row
begins,‘get my hands into the pot far enough to
make' me even. There’s nerve enough in it,
but haying me if I see exactly into Lucifer’s little
game , ‘ . .

There were more than Sam Armarlel puzzled,
though the general opinion was that the judge
after sitting
when he found he had caught a Tartar. Now it
became a question whether he carried enough

‘ funds to k p the game going against such an
s I .

1361's  h S  OOWQI‘ 50 VIII _ Ibe b-

From the ‘k ' inside ‘or hisvest he dre
wallet amfihe  won“

   

é.

  
 

down to a picnic wouldn’t let go.

 

or   Sport’s, '

 

any, n, ,; .  , ,..,,

19>. "

and at the first glimpse the bystanders could see
that it was well filled. ‘

“ You’ve got a fair capital there, but it don’t
do to run the risk of having you call me down.
I’m so for you, colonel, hut poker is poker,
and one as to play it according to the size of
his hand. Here are‘a few notes to build on,
and while you’re betting eyes on whether I’ve
called the Size of the figures I’ll do a trifle of
writing."

He counted over the notes, and then hastily

a
1

' scribbled a few lines with his stylograpbic pen.

“There! There’s not as many whys, where.
force, and whereases as if a law-sharp had writ-
ten it, but it will do as well. Theres a bill of.
sale for the undivided half of the Red Rock
Mine. You can take a jury of half a dozen
disinterested experts to say how much that is
worth if you think you can cover it and don’t
want to take my say—so for its value."

Rivers had solved the boodlequestion in a way
that no one had dreamed of.

What answer Sally Rice would make remained
to be seen. .

The value of the Red Rock was a question not
easily solved. A dozen of the “ experts” of‘
Way Back—s aking from the limited knowl-
edge they ha of the Red Rock—would give a
dozen different answers. None of them would
have gone below ten thousand and Some of the-
judgesadmiz'ers would have marked it up to
half a million. To see that bet would set half
the town by the ears.

There was a hush of expectation, Rivers lean—
ing back in his chair, with the cold sneer deep-
ened on his lips, watched the lady at his right.

But Sally Rice showed no sign of uneasiness.
She had alread counted out dollar for dol-
lar the amount id down by Eric Rivers, and
now-—

1 She leaned over with a singular smile on her
ace. .

“Ez yew say. Jedge Rivers, money talks——
an’ nothin’ else. Ef so I waz tew mind, yew

couldn’t be bluflin’ me with yewr bills 0’ sales.

Thar ain’t a foot ov ground wu’th stickin’a.

shovel inter that ain’t got a dozen titles a-layin’.
all over it an’ ’round it. All exceptiu’ ther

Rock. Yew’ve jest put up ther title tew

one-half—an’ it’s jest ez good 92 wheat. Thor’s
ther title tew ther other half—an’ even ew

won’t deny it’s genooine. I call yew, j go;

what yew got?” ‘

In front of his face she opened out a legal-‘
looking document. Holding it tightly in her
right hand she with her left points first to the
signature and then to the seals.

‘ It’s ther—now what yew goin’ tow do?”

Eric Rivers for the moment did nothing. He
leaned back in his chair his glittering e es fixed
upon the paper that Sally Rice shoWed im. In
fact he was so much interested in the paper it—
self, that he did not note thatshe had not laced
it on top of the other stakes, but had ept it
nearer to her, so that a simple turn of the wrist;
would place it again in her hand. For the mo—
ment ’most any one would have sworn that he
did not move, thou h Specter Sam knew better.
There was just a s ght move of his hand, un—’
seen by any one save Armadel. I

Then the voices at the bar grew louder, till
they rose into a sudden roar, there was a crack-~
ing of pistol-shots, a yell as of several wounded.
men,the lights went out, the Mint was filled.
with sulphurous smoke, and in the thick dark»
ness; there was a. surge of many trampling feet
toward the table where the little game had been»
going on.

 

CHAPTER XXI. ‘ v - .,
rsnonosm BEGINS Kim ouns'r AT A‘ m rm.
Tim two young ladies started as the voice'
came drifting in; stared at each other: and their ‘
Theodosia in sonic excitement exclaimed: l
“ It is Miss Vandeleurl She has not deserted}.
us after all. Where are ,you? Where have you
been? Come in, at oncei ‘
But to this tharz was no. answar. and though
she hastened to th door to throw it o ii, there
was no one in the narrow little ha , nor was

there the sound of hurrying footsteps, though , "V   

she had been certain that the interruption came;

from that direction. ‘ ' .
“It was Miss Vandeleur,” she said, with much .,

positiveness.

\ “Probably there has been another stage in,. V'  _
‘and she has come on that: though I do not see '

why she should avoid us. I would see her at ;
once. *

“ Perhaps, if she was listening to our comers,
ration. she does not care to meet us.
member rightly, we were not altogether compli- j
mentary. Still. the sooner we come to an un’a'
derstanding with her the bett . I see there ,isa
bell. Suppose we call some 6 in and find out ,'
if she is really in the house.” . ' " «

Theodosia accgpmd the, suggestion. and gaven‘
hearty jerk—w ch, after a few moments 01f
waiting, brought no response. V. ,.

Miss Serena tried her hand than' and'atter. 
her manner when she was in earnest, she went : ‘
fig “award With an energ that might have roused , :,*u

e e .

break oi! in her hands. ' .
’This time there-was a 

 

'\_-l \

  

 

 

 

 

IfIre-n‘

i' a dozen times she jerked awaya-f "
at the cord, and the wonder, was that it  . t;

.20

« l

V Pinnacle Pete.

 

 

came down the passage with a hop, skip and
a jump, and halting, knocked faintly at the
door

“ Come in l" said Miss Lande sharply.

The door opened and Wau Wing stood on the
threshold.

“ Has the stage from Coronado come: in this
evening?" was the first question.

“Wan Wing no ear-hear stagee come this
side flom Colonado. What for you askee so
fashion? Eh, cli’hoyl”

“I am expecting a ladyto arrive, and was
al-nost sure that I heard her voice in the hall a
moment ago. Do you know if there are any
strange ladies/in the house?”

The little Celestial shook his head.

“Noam. Missee too-muchee long. Him an’
him flin an’ w’at him callee Sallce Licee—t’at
allee stlange glil w'at arrivee. 'l‘lee piecee allo
girley man loom insidee Ully Done.”

“But I certainly beard tb voice of Miss

_ Vandeleur in the hall a. moment before I rung
/ the bell.”

“ T’at no Missee VVaudelulee; t’at Sally Licee.
Wan Wing sabbe t’at. Him look-see him chin-
chin ’long sideo pieeee door; then lun away. Me

I tinkee she go tin'lee him pieces butta. Him
, - wantchee Wau “ring walkee long sidee. Him
say, t‘at he no can do. She findce Shlot Spotlee
she looksce Mint but Wan Wing no chippee.
Him blothlee dlop Wau lVing on sightlcy sup-
pose him see he. T’at allo plopa? Eh, Ch’hoy l”

“ think I understand. Wait there a mo-
ment.”

She turned to her friend, speaking in a low

one. r

r ; “I think he means that it was Sally Rice

*‘ whose voice we heard; and that she has gone to

the Mint, to look for her brother. There is

something strange about this. Suppose we go to

the Mint tool Perhaps we can learn something.

.I have been so thoroughly wakened that to sleep

would be impossible; and no doubt this heathen

, would act as our guide to the place. What do
‘ , . you say?”

' “Drive on, my dear! You are of lawful age

and legal understanding; and I am your friend

,- till death. We are in for adventure and we

, , may as well get through with it at first as at

 , last. See what your Oriental has to say about

C the scheme.” '

' Wau Wing to- a time was obtuse; but when

Theodosia, remembering that there was always

a potency of ex lanation in one argument,

' produced a ten—do] 1‘ gold piece, which she held

temptineg in her hand, his wits suddenly

,cle‘ared. .
,- “ Hi-yah! T’at moch bettal Wan Wing
f;  unde’staudlee t’at eble timee. Him long side
‘ ‘ waillo, show missee intee cho ~hop, him
catches tin piece dolla’ maskee muc alow."
_ ‘He snapped his fingers in unison wit his eyes,
. ._; out a. pigeomwin in the air, and then, beckon-
‘ ing over his shou der, went scurrying out.

I 'V ‘ Wait wait!” called Theodosia.

’ r “ It’ wi 1 take us a few moments to get ready.

I“

  We do not care to be rec izedl”
.3:- ‘ , “ Alice lightey! Wan ing he toah be level-
15' ver. T’en him be on shootee, allee samee

’Melican man. Glil gittee leddy—Wau Wing he
backside plenty galow.”
the time the young

And sure enough, b
ladies were ready, the hinaman came pranc-
,. ‘ing back. His one was done up under the ca
3 ‘ that was set Well hack on his head; and in one
3;, _‘ hand he held one or the old-fashioned, six bar-
rel revolvers, that were as liable to hit behind
.us a boomerang, and that no man with any
’ brains ever used more than. once. If he surviv-
‘ I » -»ed the operation he threw them away.
‘ [Wan Ving, however, seemed quite proud of
his tools, which he flourished grandly, ' for a
moment, and then thrust away somewhere out
_ r . of sight under his cloak.
\ . Very cautiously he led the ladies out of the
‘ . Early Dawn, by the back door, and turned
J , _ their ste s toward the Mint.
' ~’ ’ There ad been some time lost in the various
conferences, so that Miss Sally hadarrived, and
’ was already taking part in the conversation
"’3‘. ' between Sid Campton and the judge, when Wau’
Wing led them u to a window and pointed in
through the rais sash.

“ T’at Sally Licee now. You hear-lo banje
slike upge supposey you nee-pee-ee-te-teng
(listen). 'upposey you go loom inside look so,
you go knockee down. Bettie looksee flom t’is
sidee house. T’en you be fu’st chop— Wau Wing
catches him tin piecee tolls.”

The prudence of the Chinaman was acceptable
. to Miss Lande, though it brought them 'into a
, position which she by no means admired. By
standing a little away from the window they
could see .xvithoutheing seen—and she had a fair
opportunity to listen to Miss Rice’s voice, which
' certainly did not seem to be di ised or in the
least to resemble that of Millie andeleur.

At the same time she could get a glimpse of
Way Back as. it was after dark.

-So_she saw Sid Campton retire without any
particular interest; heard Miss Sally’s defiance;~
and saw, to her surprise, the challenge accept-
edand the little party seat themselves at the
gtablc,andthegainebe'. ‘ . "

- The movement brougght‘ Sally still nearer. As
Theodosia knew a little about the game-which,

er, _ x» .  - _. r,

 

in a mild form, was somewhat popular in fash-
ionable circles—she could understand what was
going on; and as the betting progressed she
grew more and more interested.

The coming of the Short Sport was so quiet
that the first knowledge she had of his presence
was hearingr his harsh voice, as he leaned over
Sally’s shoulder; but she recognizedhim on the
instant, as the man for whom Miss Rice had
been making inquiries.

He was a stoutly-built, squatty-looking man,
with a long, bush y red beard. and a great shock
of red hair sticking out from under his very
broad-rimmed white hat.

His dress was not the average one of the first-
class sport, nor of the miner, nor of the cowbdy,
nor of any particular class under the sun. ' His
corduroy pantaloons were stuffed into the tops
of a pair of rather fine boots, and he wore on his
massive body a velveteen shirt, gathered in at
the waist under the waistband of his puntaloons,
and buttoned at the wrists with three diamonds
in each broad band, while a diamond, as large
as the six combined, blazed at his threat in the
knot of the heavy crimson and white silk ker-
chief that was twisted around his neck,

Around his waist was a broad web belt within
which'were stuck two heavy revolvers and a
bowie, while from a pocket on either hip pro-
truded the handle of a derringer. ‘

In repose his sturdy form looked lower, per-
haps, than it really was, and thus he ,had taken
or gained the name of the Short Sport; but be
moved with a light, stealthy step, that of itself
would have marked him as adangerous man.

“ What a love of a desperadol” whispered
Serena. ,r

“So pictures no! And what untold wealth,
to fling around or the sport of a woman! Oh,
dear! Why haven’t I such a brother?”

“ Hush, you goose! They will hear you; and
I want to see a. little more of this; it is growing
terribly exciting. And that red-headed villain
would no doubt send a bullet out here without
stopping to investigate who it might hit, it he
happened to get wind of our presence.”

“ And what better do we deserve? ‘You
couldn’t blame him, for he would know that he
couldn’t go far wrong winging an eavesdrop-

r. r ’

Serena had to have her fling; but once having
vindicated her courage, she was as still as a
mouse; and by and by unconsciously began to
hold her breath. The shrewish, little, elderly
women they had loaned ten dollars to, was
handling thousands and thousands. Was her
brother a Croesus or a Rothsohildl

And this play for the Red Rock Mine!

Both the young ladies noticed that, though
the bills of sale were pushed toward the money
in the center, they were not laid on it.

Then came the tumult, and he darkness: yet
gust before darkness seized the Mint, they saw

wo hands shootingbout to grasp the papers.

“Steady, you 1:

er!” shouted 'a ,voice that

"l‘heo recognized as belonging to the Short Sport.

“I’ve at two sixes out, an’ ther
ter tap t s bank ’11 go outen ther
quick. You all hear me whisper?”

Perhaps they did, but'the uproar continued all
thglsame, and the rush came straight for the

en e2 .try
at jist too

e.

The two young ladies had lenty of courage.

’Harl they not W Bathe would never
have been in suc asituation. ven the pros-
pect of the sight of a lively game of fisticuds
would not have driven them away.

This, however, was something more. All they
could see was flash after flash, with the glimpse
of a. dimly-seen shadow or two. As a figure
came darting out of the window, they turned
and fled.

In their confusion they forgot or did not
think of the way to the Early Dawn, and their
feet carried them in exaclélly the opposite direc-
tion. They scurried on un they reached the
limits of the camp. Then up in front sprung
two men. »’

“Excuse our imperd‘ence, ladies,” said one of
them; “ but I reckon ye’r’ pris’ners ag’iii.”

CHAPTER XXII.
A annnriasco.

‘Tnn warning of the Short Sport was well
enough in its way, but he did somethin more
than speak, and what he said was really ntend-
ed as a blind. When he knew the rush was
really coming that way. he added in a whis er:

“ eep cool, Sairy. Look arter ther s es,
and use yer revolvers ef yer can’t do no better.”
With one light spring he landed up the
table; with another be bounded clear ov r the
head of Specter Sam, alighting‘ on the fl r be-

ond.

y In the black night, that shot down on them
when the lights went out, he could not tell one
man from another, but this movement seemed
to put everybody in front of him except those
who had been interested in the game. If any
one else got back it was their own lookout.

As soon as he got this position, and when the
surgin wave was nigh to them, he began to
let be hands go. . i '

Itfi'vas-not so easy to tell justrhow to plant

 

 

 
 
 

his blows, but he got them in‘with artistic skill.
Halt aadomenhtimesthismt or that shot out, fol-

   

 

lowed each time by a dull thud, and a heavy
stumble.

Yet one man, without even a little gleam of
light by which to direct his efforts, could not
in such a way stop such a rush. If he had
opened with both revolvers he might have
turned it the other way, but when he dropped
one the rest still came on; while, in Ithe dark-
ness it was no safe game to play fe keeps fer
even the best-known gentleman in ay BaCk,
let alone for a comparative stranger.

And how the jam surged around him, and in-
vaded the corner in which the table had been
sitting; the judge’s voice rung through the
room, backed up by Colonel Green and the rest
of them, save Sally Rice. She, by‘ instinct or
something else, whirled her chair around, so
that it fell len‘gthways on the floor, and almost
at the same time sprung backward, crouching
fan the corner of the walls, and close to the win-

0W.

There Was a tremendous crash as a struggling
knot of men went stumbling over the chair,
striking the ground with mighty force; and
Sally saw a couple forms shoot out of the win-
dow, 'as though propelled from a catapult, a
second or two before a dim light appeared at

the bar, and then a rapid illumination all over ,

the room. The light was not as clear as it had
been; but enough lam s and lanterns were lit to
bring out the scene to erably clearly.

Paddy Milligan was lying off by himself, and
as quiet as a corpse. He had a hard head, and
was supposed to be a very glutton for punish-
went, but some one had knocked him out with
one blow.

Half a dozen men were disentangling them-
selves from the living heap they had made on
the floor; three or four others were hanging
around in a half-comatose condition, remark-
ably good specimens of the Short Sport’s. handi-
work; and back further toward the bar were
several that had been dropped out earlier in the

ame. ,
g And on the very spot where it had been, but
turned upside down With Specter Sam stand-
ing on the bottom side of the top, was the table
over 'which the poker paw had been playing
one of the biggest games ay Back had seen.

The sport wasn’t saying much, but he was
cool and watchful, and, e ad his pistols out.

“ Easy, gents!” he now remarked. “There’s
no sleepers to be had fer the picking up. Fin-
gers ain’t free, just in the 9 ch of time,_,and
the first one I see reaching er the
goes! Take it stead , lady and gent
think you will find t e butt end of the pot ’un-
aer the table, about where I’m standing on it.”

“ Hold it there, then,” said the judge, with
one downward glance to see that Armadel had
made no mistake in his deft movement to save
the funds. . ,

“ And we’ll know what the meaning of this is,

i if we have to hang half the camp to get at the

truth.”
f‘ Thar ain‘t much tor git at,” growled Bobby

Rice.

“ With all that wealth in sight, the gang jest
got wild an’ went for it. Kiver’em, you, an’
we’llsee what ropes are ood fur. yer you
wall-eyed, sore-backed, bro en-legged, comb-cut
hush-whackers! Yer thought you’d kerrel that
coin, did yer? We hev yer whar ther bar’s
short, an’ we’ll keep yer ther tell we git r0
ter go, round, you throat-cuttin’, gold-grabbin’,
hoss-thievin’ sluice-robbers l”

“ Robbers nothin’ 1” said. one of the men, who
had staggered up from the floor, and did not
seem at a lalarmed at the revolvers that were
waitin for him.

“ Ho d yer tra , will yer? We’re after Jimmy

Dale an’ his par , an’ of we git onto ’92:: that; i /

may be some hangin’, but we won’t be at ther
lower end 0v ther rope. 0h, blaZesl hile
you’re a-chinnin’ hyar they’ve skipped. ho’s
their pards, say It There’s a mob ov ’em. May-
be you’re one ov ’em, El’ so—”

‘ Hold on right there, Jack Stevens,” inter-
rupted the judge. “You’re a good little man,
and we know that all ’round: but you‘re getting
more bitten off than you can chew. I begin'to
think t at perhaps you weren’t after us—and
the pot ays there, probably safe enough—but
you ve robbed somebody of more money than
your infernal little Dew Drop ever put out.

he hands are Vallvbunched/ and I reckon of
course they will have to be played over.

whether there is any reason for us to let up on
on.
idiots that’s in a heap of_ den er.”
“ Yew bet they air I” add Sally Rice. sliding
forward, and shaking her fist at surly Stevens.

“I bed my hand layin’ on ther table whileI '

counted on» my stakes. Whar be it now? An
I with four bi aces an’ a sure think!” ' '

“ If you hel sees you had a noble hand, and

I guess you’ll find them somewhere about under , I, 2
my boot-heels, along with the balance of the ’

deck. As the rest are in the same ('1: I don’t

think there’s much need to bowl. This dealis‘,
bu’sted; draw out your capital, every man-jack. ; .

of you, and take' a fresh tart.” _ , g

‘ A moment, Sam. Let’s hear Stevens’s story
before we figure up .the dam ‘
able to stand the losses better.

   

p217. 911‘. it y

Tell ‘ - >-
the story straight and very short, and we’ll see _

I tell you there‘s some of you eternal '

es. We maybe .

 

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Pinnacle Pete.

21

 

Very much in earnest was the judge,.as he
stepped in between the s kers, and facing the
Short Sport rather than ohnny.

“ It ain't much of a story. Jimmy Dale, from
Hard Luck—ther man who got away with my
pard, broke him all up an' lifted his hair—war
in town. It war bloody murder of ever ther”
War one, and we got ter throwin’ it up ter him.
I don’t say ez we want tollerby sharp set.
When he tried ter crawfish We started tcr go fur
him an’ his pards, an’ that jist tells ther hull
story. Ef yer wants ter shoot on that, shoot;
but you bet we’ll be doiu’ suthin’ while you’re at
work.”

“ And you’re been making all this racket try-

ing to get away with one man—n, dozen of you?"
“ We war tryin’ tor take him in fur a hemp
tea—party, an’ him un’ his pard wa’n't comni’
wu’th a cent. They’re gone now, an” the (leVil
go with ’em. They’ve halt-way‘ter nowhar, an‘
you kin gamble they’ll never kim back uglin.
Ef We’ve bin puttin’ a spoon in your mush I’m
doggoned sorry, but you know how it it yer-
scl‘t'. Ther hull crowd hearii what war said; an”
lVay Back ’11 stand behind the-r nicu ez goes fur
a hossvthicf an’ a throat-cutter.”
' Stevens was cool as a cucumber—it was a
time when a man hzid to be cool or go under.
While he spoke his eyes were roving around,
keeplng a sharp lookout for the danger that
might come from almost any side. Of course
what had been done was enough cause for a
dozen rows; but then it seemed to have all been
done for ' a good purpose; and it might pass
now, after the investigation had begun“ A lit-
‘tle sooner and everybody would have looked for
an explanation at the muzzle of the pistol.

“Your story is reasonable enough, but it’s
rough on us. There’s something else to be
looked after here before we can tell exactly
what harm was done. Stand back all of you,
while we hunt the matter up and see how much
of the pool Mr. Armadel has corralled.”

Every one was watching the judge. ‘In a
crowd of old gamesters like these there would

not be much breath wasted till the time came; ,

and Rivers was the best man to deal with the
outsiders.

“ Go enough,” said Sam, as cool as the rest.
“But w at I want to know is how this pot is
goin to be divided.”

“ bar ain’t ary divide—I
ther hull cake.”

The squat figure of the Short Sport moved for-
ward, and he looked around as though he

reckon Sally takes

, meant all he said, and a. good deal more.

" There’s no one more anxious to give a lady
a fair show,” said Sam “ but I’m not caring to
go dead broke when I held cards for a fortune:
If everybody holds their hands, and the deck-
head adds up all right, we might show around.
I have a sight.” _ '

“ We might,” answered the judge, With a
sneer. “You have your hand all right, have

on?”

“ Hades, no!” ~ ’

Armadel looked hastily down.

“I only grabbed my derringers, and then I
turned the table. It seemed to me that you
were all standing right in along With me. By
the holy camel! t’s mixed in the deck.”

“ And I’ll swear,” added the judge, “ that in
the dark some one twitched the cards right out
of my hand.” I ‘

From under the top of the table the corners
of some of the spotted pasteboards Were peep-
in —others were scattered around on the floor.

‘ An’ l’ve on’y got four!” shrieked Miss Rice.
“ Somehody’s bin a-rolobin’ me!" V

“ It strikes me, you’re all in about the same
fix." I

Doctor De France having passad out at an
earl stage could afford to be cool.

“ t’s the biggest fizzle of a large game that I

remember striking, but the only thing I see is -

to divide the pot, as Armadel suggested.”
“But how'yer goin’ ter divide it?” howled the
Short Sport. 7
“ Who gits your money, an’ how fur does that
galoot’s sight kerry him? Thar’s enuf p’ints
risin’ ter shoot half a town.”
“ See here, Mister Rice,” interposed the judge,
“ I haven’t the pleasure of a very close acquaint-
ance with you, and I don't want to be abrupt;
but! d call our attention to the fact that on re
not p ayin’ in this game at all. It the l y has
anything to say, we shall be pleased to hear
If you have any remarks to make
I’ltltpeeih’pppy to ‘ ten to them after this thing is
Se . /
. “ That's good enuf. I’ll let Sally do her own
, say-so, an’xsee you later. That’s sguar’. Jest
. divide. ther Shekels in ther pot an give every
man his own ante, e! yer say so. When you an’
,me gits through talkin’ ther heft ov it ’11 be
‘thar. ' 'fln‘n up ther table an’ rake out the

He slap ‘ his pocket as be 1m but he
looked at it}... with a wicked 3‘13: that might
have made the cold chills run down and up the

‘ I back of a nervous mantthough it hardly aflected

the judge: He had 1115 van

idea. of h
conversation would be carried .ow the

OIL

raised the table revealing the notes, which he
' placed in a heap’, as they had been—that them

«'z. . ' _ /.,

 

Still it is more than likely—though‘firmadel-

 

would have been more to say about this ro-
posed compromise had it not beeu‘for a. su den
diversion. .

In headlong haste a. Chinaman rushed in—it
was Wau Wing, of the Earl Dawn.

“ Wha’s Judge Liveel lick! Man-maul
Chop-chop. Belle bad pigin tellee he. Him no
hear—lo klick him maskee allr) t’ing howlee.”

“ What’s the matter now?” said Rivers, glanc-
ing a trifle anxiously at the Celestial.

“ Here I am, Wau Wing; what the Hades do
you want?”

“ Lobber mans catchee glil ag’in, two pieces
timee. You no . hully load-agent lun away-
takee girley—maskee pay heapsec foi tolla. You
sabbe? Hully; klick l’

The judge uttered an oath, which was echoed
by one from the Short Sport as he sprung at the
Chinaman and caught him by the throat.

CHAPTER XXIII.
WAY BACK TO THE RESCUE.

THE announcement of the Chinaman created
any quantity of excitement in the Mint; but
m0st of all with the little party that were hav-
ing such a heap of trouble over the interrupted
game of draw.

The latter had been keeping sharp eyes out

for fears of a movement from the outsiders; for
some of the innocent ones had received rather
rough handling in the dark, Without knowing
exactly who to blame it on, and Paddy Milligan
had just got to his feet and his senses, too mad
to swear, and was looking around to see what
haul happened to him.
As the Short Sport seized WauIWing, Specter
Sam made a temporary solution of the poker
question.’ He caught from Milligan’s hands the
but he was just picking up from the floor, and
into it raked the money on the table.

“Here, Milligan, stick this into your safe
and hold on to it till we all at together
again and straighten it out. o haven’t
time to £001 over it now—but I want you
allto notice that I held four queens. There
they lie, on the top of the deck head. You can
take them along as Sam Armadel’s share in the
do -gondest ionic he was ever in. Enough
chips knock off to send all W§y Back to pur-
gatory, and not a soul killed. owvyou, there,
stranger, go slow on the heathen! 6 want to
hear his story before you shut off his wind.”

“Slow goes; but I’m a—watchin’ him, an’ of
he tries ary lies—oil? goes his brain—box. Spit it
outl Where was ther young ladies? who took
’em? w’ich way did they go? Say it slow an’
say it true.”

he rough handling had the effect of calming
Wau Wing’s enthusiasm; if it had been any one
else but the Short Sport it might have made him
too sulky to speak.

But he seemed to stand in holy awe of Bobby
Rice, who, when he got to the front, shut oi!
the attem ted questioning by the others with a
wave of is hand—and the hand held a. re-
volver.

. It is not worth while to follow the exact word-
ing of Wau Wing’s pigeon En lish, as he an-
swered these leading questions. nough that he
explained that, in consideration of ten dollars to
be paid, he had ided the two ypung ladies to
the Mint, and le them to a window where they
could obtain a lance within. They watched
the proceedings or some time, While he ru-
dently took a placein the background. hen
the rioting began they became suddenly alarmed
and beat a. hasty retreat. The appearance of
several men, leapin through the window,
caused him to draw ack again.‘ As soon as
they had gone a. few yards he followed after the
ladies, but they had obtained such a start that
he did not overtake them. He gained 03 « them,
however, and near the edge of the camp saw
them picked up by two men, and carriedaway.

At that he hurried back to the Mint to inform
Judge Rivers, who, he understood, had an in-
terest in them. The men were on foot, but
might have had horses concealed somewhere
near. He did not stop to see.

“Hoop-la, that’s enufl” shouted the Short

Sport. “Go ter bed, Sally; l’ll see yer in ther
morning. Them 62 wants tar take ther trail
kin teller. I kin track a grasshopper through
ther mountains, er a woodtick through ther
canebrake. Gimme a starter an’ I’ll hev ’em er
bust a wheel. Bring a rope ’loug, somebody.
I’ll bet high thar’llbe a. hangin' here store we
git back I” r \

Without waitin to see who followed, or what
became of Miss R ce, he darted out of the door,
and, with a yell of encouragement. a dozen or
more men struck in behi him. If Judge Riv-
ers and Sam Armed w not of the number,
it was because they ad stolen a march and one
on ahead. They just waited long enoug to
hear where the scene of the abduction was, and
then dropped quietly out of the window. _

“Whose time is this?” queried Specter Sam,
as they stoe away. “Has Daisy Dan been
playing you dirt?” r ,

“ I’ll never tell] till I get there, whose picnic it
is; but I’ll take my thit’s not the Daisy . He’s
had all the dip into he treasury that he asked
for, and he knows better than to trpto play
roots on

 

 

ours truly. It’s some outsxder that.
Lhaa hen zthe story and takenthe notion that

    

it’s a blamed easy way to earn money. Hist] 11'
think I hear footsteps.” _
Footsteps they certainly did hear. though they

were light ones; and as they stopped to listen I

the heard a whisperin .
“yBlazesl” exclaimengam.
nowl”
Sure enough, with some hesitation a pair off
female figures approached. th
e.

“ Here they are»

“There is no danger, ladies!" called out
judgiev intending to reassure them.

“ e heard of your mishap, and were coming;
to your assistance as fast as limbs could carry"
us. What was the trouble, and how did you get.-
awa ?” x.

“ Oh!” responded the voice of Theodosia.

" It is you, is it? How happy I am to see you'
advancing to the rescue!” _

“ Yes, judge, for a con le of minutes we were
afraid that we had the nancial programme to
arrange all over again. What is the matter
with Way Back? I should say that the people
around here are ravenously hungry, and rise
en masse to pick the bones of venturesome-
strangers. I wonder if Theodosia don’t feel halt
devoured already. Take us home. We are the
most thoroughly cured of all desire to wander,
of any people you ever heard of.”

“ And am I to receive no credit for arriving:
on the same train?”

Specter Sam’s tone was an injured one, as.
Miss Serena’s was a jestful one, and the lady'
laughed as she answered:

“ The judge has asked two questions and you‘
a third. Which do you want me to answer first?
And while you are deciding on that pray be
leading us to the hospitable roof of the Early
Dawn. Oh, dear! I never thought that a living
mortal could yearn for its rtals.” ‘

“We will give you a sig t in a moment—the 

sooner the better. I have no doubt half the-
camp will be here in no time, and I am sure:
that youdon’t want to stretch your confidencesm
Begin at the beginning and just

with the st y. Your adventures eat a novel. ‘

While ese two chattered Jud e Rivers was}
giv‘in a few words of reproof to iss Lande.
t

ow could on? Way Back has its chivalry,
and all that; ut such a midnight adventure:
will go far toward bringing disgrace upon our
town. in your eyes at least. Pray explain.”

“There’s precidus little to explain,” laughed;
Serena. «

.“ Theo thou ht that eta saloon like the Mint;.
if anywhere,
mation in regard to that long-lost brother. ,

‘.‘ We looked at the notables gathered there, ‘
taking an outside view of the land before ro-
ceediug to pitch our tabernpcles, and wine we»
saw hardly stren thened our desire to enter. F
think we would ave taken one look and them
departed, if We had not been interested in thev

e would be likely to find infor— '

go right along ‘

game of cards that was begun right under our‘ ’

noses. .We were so absorbed in it that we did"
notn ice the storm brewing beyond until it"
broke When it began to thunder and lighten
we hi our heads in our shawls and ran away.”

“g’ou never thought of your guide, I sup-

se

“The Chinaman? Oh, dear, no. He did not
seem to be fierce enough as a fighter to be worth
much as an escort in such an emergency. We!
simply forgot him, and trusted to our own re--
sources. -

“When we reached the end of the city, and'

l

discovered that we had lost our way, two of' '_
your estimable citizens—I suppose they belonged-'

ere, of course—to us appeared, Saying that we-
were their prisoners.

“ That sounded comfortable. ‘Men must;
work and women must weep,‘ you know; and it
onl seemed an invitation to return to our nor-
ma condition. 1 think we would have gone
along without hesitation—I know that we, had
started—when Providence raised up a preserver.
I am not sure but that he was more frightened!
than we were; still, he served the purpose very '
well, andrit’s ungrateful to speak evil of the-
bridge that carricil you over.” . '

“And this preserver—what did he do?”

i “ He sim ly rose up in the path and remarkedg
‘Wh-wh-w t’s -g-goin' on b er?’ He may
have had a revb ver in each and: but their
didn’t count. Our two villains drop 6 us and--
took to their heels. Then our frien looked at
us and we looked at him, and we all of us looked
at each other. Seeing
we Banned the wayto the Early Da

’.

he had nothing to
W... SEC; .

and said we should ‘G—g-go d d—down" .

om

this way till we came to it.

“ He did not offer to go with us, so we left him
standing there and came on gy ourselves.”

“ Of course (you recogniz
His voice soun ed famiharW

“ Very familiar, since it was the young man
who was with us in our excursion to the a
the Daisies. He did not seem quite so ready
With his‘revolvers; but his voice was sufl‘lcien .
lelz‘gn” our assailants heard it they were para-
y _ .

“You were certain you recogniged the voice?”

asked the judge.
“ Very certain. Thereis none other like it in

ir of,

the young man?‘ '

the round world. When I get time Ishall bring , ' _

the owner before me and enjoy team: it at in
leisure. It is better than the opera. ihl I 

h . l
. ~ . . , .4

 
    
 

 

=22 «

/"

Pinnacle Pete. r

' r

 

 

 

not think I should ever enjoy seeing this blessed
old caravansera. And when we wander a ain
by moonlight it will be with a better escort is an
the gentle Wan Wing.”

“Whom, as I understand, you owe ‘ tin tolla.’
I shall not scold you, but suggest that at any
time you will find Mr. Arinadel or myself at
your service when you wish to make an excur-
sion. And, by the way, it is possible that I may
have a trifle of information for you to—niorrow—
nothing much to hope for, but a straw that may
give some little indication of the drift of the
mud. We shall not detain you. If you notice,
the troops are maneuvering in the distance and
we shall go and inform them that the enemy
has evacuated. Good-night!”

Very little fuss did the gentlemen make over
the adventure, and the ladies tried to appear
just as cool, though when once more they found
themselves in their room they looked at each
other nervously, and were inclined to talk very

| solemnly. '

“ Serena, dear?”

“Yes, Then."

“I am inclined to think that this is a Wild-
goose chase.”

“ Yes. dear.”

“ And the geese are ourselves,"

“ I shouldn’t wonder.”

r . CHAPTER XXIV. /
. ' PADDY MILLIGAN Looks ms CHEST.

‘ PRECEDED by Wall Win: too late inmates
of the Mint wont rushing down the street, and
were soon at the spot where the two villains had
attacked the ladies.

With many gestures and jabbering the China—
man pointed it out, as also the direction they
were taking in their retreat. Without delay a
. , couple dozen men began searching for a trail;
. “' . seine following the road, while others beat the
' ad 'oming country.

_ , en minutes later, perhaps, Rivers and Ar-
.: model came strolling along to impart the infor-
‘ motion that the ladies were safe.

: r A chorus of yells wasraised that brought in
7 those who had already got some distance from
' the spot; and amid much loud talk the crowd
retraced its steps.

The Short Sport, however, was not one of the
party; nor had he been seen on the ground.

The reason for that was ample sufficient, if
3' '_ the rest had only known it. In the outset he
~ had distanced the throng, and had come upon a
I - .man, who rested unresponsiver in his sudden

 

 

 

'; V ' A g“?-
 , It was the veritable Uriah, who managed,
‘ with much less than the usual amount of stut-
.I tering to‘ let him know—that the ladies had made
3  . gheirl' escape; and were on their way back to the

' ote . .

Waiting to hear nothing more the sport hur-
ried away again, until he caught sight of the
little party of four. watchinEethem until they
 ~ reached the Early Dawn. T n he turned, and

v in a moment was lost to sight among the shadows
7 - ' of the cabins.
f; His disappearance that night excited no re-

" mark; but when he did not turn up the next

morning there was considerable spe'culation,
. . especially when it was known that the Early
> . ‘~ y Dawn was short one of its guests, in the person
 '- of Miss Sally Rice. Most likely some sort of
 . foul play would have been suspected had it not
" v ‘ . been for a. little note received by Paddy Milli-
, gun, which read:

“ The stakes in that game last evenin were left in
your hands to be re until we con d all get to-
gether again and decide where they belonged.

usiness calls me, (and m long-lost brother) away,

191- perhaps a. week. Bo d on to the money until

we returg. I might add I have the bill of sale for
- . the half the Red Rock and Judge Rivers his for
lg the other half. Yours. , SALLY R103."

It was written in a. delicate sort of hand, and
worded decidedly more artistically than one
would have expected from the sharp little
vspinister, but there was no reason for doubting
:its authenticity.

‘5‘ Oi have the:- coin, d’yez moinde now?” said
Milligan. ’

. “An’ its a squar’man Oi am now, by that
same token; an sure enough Oi’m holdin’ on
tell it, fast. an’ harmd, ontil the kin: to take
it. Thin we’ll see whose it is roights, er
whether its anyboddie’s at all, at all. Mebbe
ther short man is so bad skoered hee’s joomped
the town.”
“ That was the explanation that seede most
- * ausible to the majority of those who discussed
" 3— he subject, though there were a few who de-
clared they had heard him say that he had
r urgent business calling him down to the lower
“ country. Eric Rivers heard the explanations
and speculations as he heard Milligan’s decisr
ion in silence. When he was crowdedalittle
for his 0 inions he gave them briefly.

“The hort Sport is about as badaman as
over struck the camp but that’s no reason wh
we shouldn’t give 'm a fair show for his
I meney. He didn’t sit down to the game, but
when we let him come in as a. hacker wens
 as promised him that there should be no
gauging. The diflerent interruptions were very
_ unfortunate though we .can’t blame him for
’ when); audit

 

    
 
  
  

/ .

that he was looking for him. , It in

 

was not his.8ay-sothn.tput the

money in Paddy’s hand. It’s there now, and I
guess it will have to stay for a. week or so guy-
how, if he don’t turn up sooner. I don’t eed
it, and if the rest don’t kick I sha‘n’t raise a
bowl. It’s asking a good deal of Milligan,
though.” v

That settled the question, and the interest in
the big game was temporarily suspended. as far
as the outsiders were concerned. When Specter
Sam privately asked what in Hades he meant
he got an inside view.

“ I’d have that wealth if I had to get a gang
and storm the Mint were it not for one thing.
As longr as it’s there the trap is already baited—
when the Short Sport comes back it will be
sprung. You can draw on me for the amount
locked up if you need it. I’d sooner pay twice
the amount than miss a shy at the internal
ten 11.”

“ ou think he will come back?”

“ It stands to reason. No man is going to let
go of that amount of money as long as there is a
chance to hold on; and I’m spreading it through
the neighboring camps that the money is here
waiting for him to show up.”

“ And when he comes?”

Rivers frowned; and then smiled.

“I don’t profess to understand how it is, but
he carries the title to the other half of the Red .
Rock. I’ve spent a few thousands trying to lo— I
onto it, and now that I have it fixed you can ‘
gamble on it that I don’t let up until it changes I
hands. I tell you, when they answered up to
my bluff in that way I was so dumfoundcd
that I could not say a word.”

“ But don‘t it strike you, just a. little faintly, ,
that all that is as broad as it is long? The Short I
Sport don’t seem just the most innocent little
cuss in the world, and if he hasn’t a game of
some kind on hand you can take my straps.
Keep an eye out for him, or on may come out
about Where you want to get im."

“ My eyes are open; and so are those of some
more. I’m not afraid to tell .you that he’s
booked at the office for afirstclass through over
the range.”

“Aheml Along with Pinnacle Pete? But I
notice both of them keep themselves mighty
scarce. If they’re not fly to your little game
call me a Dutchman.” '

“ Perhaps; but they’ll both find Eric Rivers 8.
hard man to deal with.” ,

“And the woman!” .

“ Don’t worry if she never comes back. She’s
in the same boat, and will be looked after first
of all. I£.Way Back never sees her again so
much the better.” ~

It was pretty certain that the judge did not
intend to kill Specter Sam with over-confidence.
So far there had been little but hints as to the
future, without much information in regard to
ways and means—and Sam asked no question,
but watched the run of the game with quiet

keenness.

The judge had romised Theodosia some in-
formation; but w on momin came there was
a. note from him, saying that t a man whom he

had expected to question had disappeggeélékand
g e a.

day or so to find him. .

That was a very good plan to make the young
ladies anxious to see him; .5132 when he came
that evening he was very cord lly received.

“I hope our success has been greater than
ours.” was ' Lande’s greeting.

“ We have been making some inquiries ,to—
day, and had Mr. Patterson up for cross-exami-
nation but have not elicited aspark of informa-
tion. bur reliance now is on on.” ,

“And I fear I am but a bro en reed. I have
allowod the man I spoke of to slip through my
flngem' though he was so drunk that he did
not 100 as though he would be able to traveller
a week.” , ,

“But what ’did he say: or why was it that
you {suspected he could give us any informa-

ion ‘

“ He was an old-timer here, who floated around
all the camps, and though worthless for any-
thing else had his value as a walking biographi-
cal dictionary. My attention was attracted by
hearing him telling several yarns in regard to
the tenderfeet he had seen a. dozen years ago. I
found he had been lying around the town for
some days, livin on his cheek, and that there
was nqquestion ut What he was really an old-

er. .
“ I had a. little conversation with him, but I
was due at. the Mint, and I judged that he would
talk more to the point it I could get him started
in. the morning? just then he was entirely too
drunk to keep snywhe near to the line. I
made an, appomtment to im to breakfast with
me, and promised a pro portion of the ‘oh,
be joyful.’ To make assurance doubly sure, I
put one of my men to watch him. ' Bless your
soul! My man was dead drunk by daybreak,
and Uncle Davy had disap red. He may
have started on for the nex camp, or he ma
beonly lying around in the bushes, drunk.
have three or four men on the search, and will
have him if we have to follow him into the Gulf

 

   
 

of Maxie ."' - , ,‘ .
hf‘Othuid 1 Did you considerbthat to‘ bear
_‘ ,So ‘ fjwerlhave'little A

\

,b the out. Axmesum flesh
ailing."  , q,"

   

boy was at Walnut ‘Bnr a dozen years ago. ,
There were probably dozens of other boys. n.
What we want to do is to identify ours. Then ".73"
we can, perhaps. follow him up. Of course, it
is more than likely that we 5 all have to visit'
the Bar; but if we can procure in advance any
information. it will make our way all the plainer
when we get there.”

‘ “But we do not want to put you to all this
trouble. It is monstrous! ‘ exclaimed Theodosia.
“ We should employ a detective—in fact. I
would have had one with me had he not failed
me. He was to meet us at Coronado.‘ Your
time is too valuable to waste following such a.
blind trail.”

“ The more valuable it is the more reason
why I should put it only to the best of uses. Do
not anticipate. Let me see what I can find out
for you at Way Back. When that loud is ex-
hausted—give me a couple of days, please, to
search the camp and find Uncle [hwy—we will
discuss a prospecting trip in a new district.”

After that the judge was very agreeable for a
few moments, and after offering his snrvices at
any time as escort around the to“ ii, and invit- .
ing them to visit the Red Rock, he took his de-
parture. .

“ So far,” sighed Theo, “ I have accomplished ‘ 1
nothing—unless to satisfy myself that I know 5
less than I thought.” . '

“Nothing more,” sighed Serena, in homesick l
unison. . l

“ Nevertheless, I will not give up the search.”

“No, we will not give it up until we have in-
terviewed every road-agent and every drunken
old Vagabond this side of the Rockies. And the
crop is so large.”

A little of this kind of conversation wenta
great way. They were berriiining to feel more
hopeless than discourage , when there was a 1
knock ‘at the door. . ,

.Wau Wing was there—and somewhat myste-  ,
rious. \ .

“ Onee piecee man wantchee hap "see girley.
Onee piecee ha’d caseel Onee pierce dlunken

ummell Onee belley bad man! Once pieces

nkel Davy!”

The young ladies looked at each other. i

“ The man that Jud ‘e Rivers spoke of 1 An-
other attack on our poc etbookl”

“ Of course; but we must see him.”

“Certainly. Show him in, Wan Wing, and
bring your revolvers. Your courage is not ;{
muc to ,speak of, but it may be as well to have -‘_ ~,
a witness to the interview, and you will do as . E -;
wellyas a. better 111%” , _ g '
“ on bettee. an Wing be alle lounde.  ‘
Mayhap he catchee ’nothe pieces tin tolla. Eh, ' i "
ch’hoyi’ \

And be skipped out to bring in Uncle Davy.

9—'— .

, CHAPTER XXV. \ ’;
UNCLE DAV'Y GETS DOWN TO BED ROCK. ' .
MISS THEODOSIA had seen some hard-looking . _ ,
cases and some disreputable—looking bummers g
in her brief sojourn in the West: but this fellow. »
went beyond them all. He was dirty, ragged,
and bloated, and be locked at her with u wanna
rimace thatmade the cold chills run down her
geek. Then, by way of prepare. ion, he extract-
ed an enormous chew of tobacc from his capa-
cious mouth, and tossed it back into the hall,”
where it fell with a. resounding spat. He also g
blew his nose with what looked to be a quarter 5
section of a discarded and unclean tablecloth, ~j
and having artially returned '17 to his hi . 5
pocket exten ed his ri ht arm on gave a. twee '
on his breast with his oft fist.
.“ YX‘ich ther some are Unkle Davy,‘01i ’torty-
nine /
Miss Theo regarded him calmly. Serena
looked at him as a curiosity indigenous to the
soil, and worthy of'attentive study. , ‘ , I 5
“ ’Forty—ninei Where is that?” inquired Theo, ' ' l
at the same time pushing the stove—box, that . ’ a .
served ‘usa wash—stand,’between them, as nta- A ;,
tiously placin upon it a bri ht, nickel- ted :
revolver, whi e at a. motion an Wing sidled i
for ward,.and squatting in the window, produced .
his pve‘pper-boxes with a grin. - ' ' i
“ bar are it? Ax ther past. ‘ Gone. ‘Swal- .3 i”
lowed up like a last year’s spring chicken in a. . » " 1
second-class hash-house. Gone ter bed. W " 
l

4”“

 

.. x ~ <
.m n 3-}. W;1uh~'>,‘l 4......

funct. Played. Dead. Ewaporated. 'A-roost- _ " _- ;
in’ with the an els. But Iwar that then; an" ‘ . -' .1 .~
I’m hyer now. knowed ’em all, man er boy, i
an’ fur rocks there ain’t none ov’em I can’t
read tiyer t’her pedigree. Ef yer don’t b’lieve me,
1 OD. . . 1 ,

“ I don’t suppose that you lunatic, nor, , 5'
that on have intruded here with t a pulp-080,3 , 
but confess I can’t quite catch your meaningi
If you cannot ex lain it a little'more clearly 7 ‘ i
shall be happy to id you good-evening.” - . 

The bummer winked shrewdly and placedone .
very dirty finger alongside .0 his blooming ‘

nose. , ,1 » <
“ Yer don’t ketch on, eh? An’ you a—huntin’ 5:
Unkel Davy all day ’round ther town! Now yqr ,
see him; an’ new yer don’t see him. Ketch er .
weasel sleepin’, will yer? Find Unkel Davyx;
w’en he’s layin’ low? But at yer .ar Pr in- 
tumashun, an’ of yer ha.’ 9 coin ’co in’ terits  .
vallv, jest turn thar crank nn"I’ll grind it ,
one an’ Ice

 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
   

 

 

‘x
r

i‘l.

 

 

 

 

 
   
 
     
 

’ her disgust.

Pinnacle Pete.

 

23' ,9

 

l ‘ -
He extended a‘smudgy paw, and worked the l “ But we warn’t eyin’ no ’tenshun ter ther

stum y-lookiug fingers suggestively.
Missg‘

When f‘kid, tho’ he fatten‘ up kinder s’ risin’-like, an’
heo placed a ten—dollar bill within their - one day he left on one ov Ab ohnson’s pack-

reuch they closed with a greedy clutch. He in- . mules, an’ that’s ther last ever see’d ov him at

spected the bit of paper carefully, thrust it away
in his pocket, and thou lmwvtl so low that his
battered old but almost touched the floor.

“ I kuowvd it. “70 kin dobizznvssolcnn up to
ther huh.

That’s a elegant smrtcr, an’ when I ,

gets ten. or eight, or u conpledozou mo '0 on ’om, ,

I‘ll be talkin’ liken house .‘llll‘l‘. Reel out yer
quoshuns now. an” 1‘ll givo yer a sample.”

lIud it not been for tho importance attached l
to this man by Judge Rivors he would scarcely 

have obtained :1 hearing. He might deceive her

now, but she intended to hear what he had to .

say, and put the judge on his truck afterward.
“ I do not understand how you heard of me;
but I am in Search of information, and um Will-

ing to pay very liberally for it, provided it tells “

me more than I know already."

“ Set yer game an’ Unkel Davy are ready
ter chip. Ef he don’t hold a flush royal you
kin hev ther pot."

“ I am in Search of one Rolland Lnndc, who
came West as a boy 9. (1071311 years ago. know
that he on. at Walnut Bur; I think that he was
afterward at Hard Luck. Did you ever meet
him, and do you know any thing about him now ’51”

The bummer chuckled ove'r the question, as
though it was highly amusing.

“Lewd lovc yer, han’sum miss, thar war a.
dozen boys; but I dunno oz any ov ’cm ans’red
ter that name. F’i‘ instans. thar wm‘h‘ightin’
Fred, Tough Tommy, Billy ther Brick, Owl—
Eye Sam—oh, thar war lots au’ gobs ov boys,
an‘inono 0v ’em kim tern good end. Mostly
hung, they war. But Rolland Laudc—I don’t
jist ’member: but I don’t reckon thar war any
sich duck ez those. What war he like? Mebbe I
kin hit him yit.” ‘,

Briefly Theodosia sketched her brother as she
remembered him; Uncle Davy listening with
close attention.

“ Wa’uut Barl” he mumbled reflectively, his
finger again on his nose. ‘

“ I war thar, that’s a. tack. Why, why, why

n—flog-gone it! Thar war 'est sech a youngster
ther with Jedge Rivers- 8 wa‘n’t no jedge
then, all ther same. El.’ he can’t tell yer all
erbout it thar ain’t no use ter be axin’ queshuns
ov noboddy else. You sure he knowed what
you war error? Stick :1 in thar.”

.“ Very sure,” answere( Theo.

“ Then he didn’t want ter talk—-an’ I reckon I
don’t blame him. He kin tell yer more ’bout
him than ary other two-logged clam ez ever
’zisted. Him an’ his pards. Ef onewon’t talk
,mebbe ’nother ’un ’11 squeal.” _

“ You’re tryin to conceal something now, or
else you are he. ly lying,” said Theo., showing

“ H0 111’ die! S’elp me Bobl Now I lays
mel t-set-her-upl I’m right down on ther
kid more aca’se 0v beiu’ at Bad Luck when them

last round kim off. on, he’s a bad man, are.

that same jedge; an’ I ain’t wantin’ him tar
freeze enter me. Not fur ther fu'st chance, no-
how. But I kin tell you ther hull truth now;
an’ arterwards, don’t yer see, I kin tell you any
dng— one thin he wants me to, an’ you’ll know
I’m yin’. So be?”

“ I can’t so that I do.”

“ W’y, e! didn't lay it off jest ez he tole me
—zipl Pore ole Davy goes outen ther wetl
An’ I wouldn’t go back on you—nary time.
Stick a pin ther, au’ tie er knot.” ‘

“ Very well. Tell me the truth.”

“Fur rocks?”  b _

“ Old ent emen, you seem a making an
effort togget double pa . It wou’ work. 911
'me what you choose. hen Judge Rivers—in
whom I have every confidence—continues the.
investigation he ,yVill hand you what the infor-
mation is worth. I

Uncle Davy gave a. sigh- that, sounded like the

snort of an asthmatic steam boner. -_

-" Good ernough. You drives a hard burg’in;
but I’ve cottoned to yer, au’ I’ll do ther best 1
kin. Lemme see.

“ Ez fur ez Wa’nut Bar goes thar ain’t much
ter tell. This hyar kid er. 1 war a eakin’ 0V
kim in purty nigh ter pla_ ed out. -, e hed bin
down south’ard ’ith Joe ‘ tinan an’ his party
-—a-drivin’ ther bosses, fur ther darned—ex-
kwuze me, miss—gerloots bed a waggin in ther
outfit, an’ picked up ther cub te_r drive. They
all lied the’r hs’r cut fur nothin”ceptin’ Soil:
Jimm —w’ich war this kid. When ther ’Pash
ken-e ed ther outfit he hid undera cactus, an’
oh that Injuns didn’t think he war a. blame fool
'they didn’t look fur him ther.

“ He war'so nigh tor starvin’ that his shudder

_ war actooally knowed ter, hunt him all ’round

V, Mov’em. ,.

«imp ter freeze outer him ag’in when ther/sun
come outtrum curler a, cloud; an’ didn’t more
nor hqfe knfiw him When it found him. «

“ Rivers war tharthen, runnin’ afaro lay-out,

‘, .hn’ he chucked ther, youngster a cracker er a

a bone now au’ then, an’ mebbe kept him frum
starvm’. I dunno. Thor boy sedso. Ef they’d
38’ thunk, that war more ezwould ’3’ did it. E!
1 bed ’p.’ knowed—w’y ,Unkel Davy war then
roum’ in wealth! It would ’a" took five oughts
yer flgger his pile, an’ a. healthy good flgger be-

, Wa’nut Bar.”
1 In spite of themselves the young ladies were
l becoming interested in the revolutions of the
‘ Vagabond. His manner and appearance did not
Seem half so olfcnsive. Moreover, there was an
indescribable air of truth about him, when he
beglau to rehearse his story, that won upon them
as 0 went along.

“ And so, by your own showing. the judge
was kind to the boy? I could have imagined it,
knowing what he has done for us.”

“ Jest wait. W111. yer? I ain’t done yit. Stick
a pin thar nn’ tie a. knot.

“ Ez thor‘ years went trottin’ along, Unkel
Davy met with reverses. ' hey loft ther good
ole ways ov straight poker, an’ more an’ more
they played draw. They put more an’ more
p’izen inter ther mouut’in jew. ontil they bed
ter liev it in flint glass, ’ou’se or’nary glass
wouldn’t hole it. W’ashiu’s war plnynd out, an’
men oz made o’ny day’s wages wu’n’t wu’th ther
pickin’. I bekim a objeck.

“But I continnercd tcr travel; an’ I see’d a
heap more nor I used ter, ’ca'se no one didn’t
take no ’count 0v Unkel Davy. An’ whi-it I see
1lidon’t disremcmber. Stick :1 pin thar an’ tie er

not.

“ I sce’d Rivers—leastwise ther man ez passes
Eur sick—severial times; nu’ lost I struck him at
Hard Luck. He ‘wnr running,r furo in town, an7
pluyiu’ ther game 0v hands-up out ov town.
Three or four pardshe lied, an’ they war all jest
ez bad oz thcv make ’cm.”

“ What? This Judge River. 2'”

“ Ther identicklc same. Bu , ez I war sayin’,
they war on ther make—oz they allcrs hcd bin.
An’ this same leetle tenderfoot v'war thar too.

“ Now, jest how it all war I can’t perzackly
say, but it war somehow this hyer way: He’d
growed, but he \va’n’t ou’y a boy yit, an’ bein’
all erlone, an’ seein’ Rivers, w’ich, by ther way,
he’d ullus had another hmi’le for his name, he
friz outer him cz well ez he could.

“ He’d bed a big run ov luck ug’in faro, an’
keried ther bulk ov ten thousand dollars cz he’d
got buckin’ ther tiger. But ther war suthin’
else w’ot nobody ceptin’ ther jedge knowed. Joe
Eastman hed made his strike afore ther ’Pash
lifted his hair, an’ ther youngster hed located it.
Fur ther sake ov ole times nu’ ter git capital ter
develop er ’cause be war ’feared a he couldn’t
hold it, he let Rivers in on the groun floor, an’
made over ter him half ther strike ez a ’rig‘nal
locator. Ez I war sayin’, ther jedge hed pards
too, an’ mebbe they put him up ter it. I ain’t
blamin’ him cry more ner I kin help. Anyway,
when ther jedge bed. a half-eentrest in ther
mine, w’ich are ther Red Book, an’ got him
started ’lonfi down, it war ’bout ther high time
ter 0 fur 1: er balance.

“ e war on’y a. boy yit, yer onderstand; an’
never dreamed ov ther man he’d bin admirin’,
au’ give half his mine to, a. throwin’ off on him;
on’ never thort that he’d go back on him. Ary
way,-ther led an’ ther ‘edge war goin’ ter take

shun ov ther Red ock of yer could b’lieve

im; an’ they started; an’ next thing they

knowed ther judge had him. They camped ter-

gether somewhar; an’ that night somebody riz
at ther boy an’ throW’d him over ther rocks.

“It war jest a/hundred toot to ther bottom,
so er kin Jedge.”

ncle Davy halted in his narrative and the
listening ladies uttered a cry of horror. The
tones of the rounder had grown Very impres-
sive; and the longer he azpoke the more they be-
lieved in the truth '0 his story—the more
the believed that this Soft Jimmy was the'
Re and Lande for whom they were searching.

“ They kille him i” gasped Theodosia.

“A hundre foot cl’ar to , ther rocks berlow
—you kin jedge.” _

“ Man alive! there is, there must be some mis—
take! How could you know this—unless you
were one of the villains?” , .

“ 0h, Unkel Davy are gin’rally ’rouud. He
war camped up on ther ledge au’_see‘d ther hull
thing; but jes then be war laym’ low, an: he
hadn’t nary tools—not even a. pop-gun erlong.
Ef they’d ’a.’ knowed be war ther—whiz! Over
he’d ’a’ gone, tcr keep him company. You bet
he didn’t give a whimper.

‘ “ An’ that’s how he got inter ther Red Rock
—ther jedge did. But, et yer notiss, he on’y
bed a half-sheen. ‘ Ther userdest thing war
that sum one else had that right an’ title tor that
other half, an‘ hez bin keepin’ it ’live eversauce.
Ther jedge tried te shoot him out, an’ .tried ter
fret-37a him out: in t he couldn’t find him ter
shoot, an’ he didn’t freeze wu’th a. cent. M
idear’s that ther pardner hev bin layin’ low I
this time ter find out who helped ther jed e that
night ter throw the kid over the rocks; on when
he duz, ther holy cirkiss’ll open the doors an’
make things eenterestin’ fur ther boys. Tie a
double knot at yer ain’t got EPID.” .

“ And who—who do you think has that other
half? It I can find him—perhaps he can tell me

 

 

somethiu .” '
Short port; an’ I

“ Thar edge thinks it’s ther
reckon he ain’t fur out.” ,
I. -“ But who is the Short Sport?"

 

great deal about thepnst if he could only be'

 

That would

     
 

“ I ain’t sayin’—-—-he’s badmedicine fur Unkel
Davy t'er buzz about; but of you war ter hint
be war Pinnacle Pete ,l’d re-spond, your heud’s‘
level. Stick a pin thar—un’ tie a knot.

“ El" that yarn ain’t wu’th ten dollars ther ole
man don’t know beans. No. Don’t ax me any
queshuns fur I ain’t answerin’. Go slow on ther
ledge, an’ git him tor foller this thing up.
Then, mcbbe I’ll see ycr lutcr. So—long. I’m
goin’ now.”

"Just; one moment, please. Tell me, who-is
Pinnacle Pom? l' have. heard his name often; of
him. vcr little.”

“Oh, ete’s ther dandy sport thet yer read
erbout. He ain’t bin shinin’ ther light 0v his K.
phiz much on this camp; but he’s made ther '
neighbors how], an’ the’r’ all a—weitin’ fur him
hyar. When he kims fur good, drive or s ike
an’ tie two knots. H’ll be‘all thar. Night y—
nightl I’m dry oz 3. fish an’ ten dollars ter
squinch with. In, bah" an hour I’ll be full oz 8.
lord. Yours truly.”

He listened to no other appeal: but clapped

his buttered~ hat on his fr0wsy head and rolled
away. -
“ "at belley tlue pieceo stoly,” sighed Wau
Wing from the window. “ But girlcy no telleo ,
Livers \Vau Wing henruin. He maskee Wan \ r ' _ i
Wing too muchec siclcsick. Ho maskee Wau
Wing once piece allco sume- co’pse. Eh, ch’f
he i” '

XI shall not mention it,” said Theo, coldly.
“I must think OVer this. You can leave the
room.”

 

a... w“,-

:1:

‘ .x,, ‘
vvmvfiewrevfl

. l
i;

 

CHAPTER XXVI. ‘ ' ,
DAN THE DAISY EXPLORES WAY BACK. , .
THE door closed behind the little Chinaman

 

before either of the girls said a Word. When he I i
had time to get fairly out of hearing Miss Lands 3 f 3
spoke. . . p ,

“ Serene!” w,

“ Yes, dear.” ‘

“ Do you know—I am getting really afraid.”

“ So am I.” .

And these two girls thw heretofore had never
been dauuted by anything sat together on the
side of the bed, each with an arm around the
other, and shivered. ‘

“ If he is dead, after all!"

“ I cannot believe it. Such a. miserable old
wretchl Why do we believe in him at all?”

“ Because he is this Judge Rivers’ own wit-
ness. He said himself that the man could tell 8.

found and made to talk.” . -

" Yet if there was such a story to be kept hid-
den he would not have. dared to search for the
man who might brin his crimes to light.”

"But how did he now that this man knew
aught of the midnight murder that has been unp . .
suspected all these years? And—why should .
Uncle Dav have avoided him if he had not
some terrib e secret, the 'on of which he
was afraid might be suspected? If there is any .
truth at all in the story we hold the old man s \
life in our hands. If we but breathed a whi '
of what he has revealed to us he would is.
And I had been so attracted toward him; had,
believed in him so!”

“ What will we do? Must we run away?”

“No!” answered Theo, more firmly. r, 2', 

“We remain here until the in story is thor- ’ -
ougth solved. I am convinced t at we are on ‘
the track now. This rugged old villain will tell
us more, no doubt, when he has seen. Rivera.
Evidentl afraid of him, be yet wishes to do him .
harm. aving once been introduced tons; he '
can speak without exciting suspicion.” , f ,

“ And you think it i true that the Short Sport )5
and Pinnacle Pete are one; that he holds the H
share of the mine that once was your brother's?
If so he knows even more than Uncle Davy.
And Sally Rice! Who’s she? What" has be-
come of her? It we.could but see her we mi ht ‘
make a. commencement of knitting together a
frayed edges.”

“ They tell me that Rice, though a (1 rate
man, who, in the few days he has been the
camp, has established quite a reputation, un-i 
doubtedly has left the town to avoid trouble 1
with Rivers. He may never come back: buth‘.‘ y ~
other methods fail here we will look for him
elsewhere. Oh, it I had only been prudent; if I
had only procured the services of a good detec—
tive, and not waited until the last moment, to
be befOUled in the way I wasl” .‘ '

“You have not been befooled. Your detec- ,
tive is here, and you may yet learn better news -
than you look for.” .

' The voice was again the voice of Millie Van-
deleur, though it came drifting inscarcely louder . i _
than a whisper; : 13* ‘

Once more they were startled, but this time

they recognin the uselessness of looking for
or? ,

    
 
    
   
   
 
   
  
  
  
     
 

I

that ethereal young lady—and Serena t
more received an idea.

“ Theo, dear, I wonder—” , . r

“ Don’t be afraid to speak After what we
have seen and heard’most an thing iswithi'n the
bounds of probability. _W at is it that you - '
wonder?” . . ‘ ,_. I

‘f It”Sally Rice was not Him Vandalan in dine .

186. . 1' ‘ ' .

“ 0! comb. Why did I notthink of it balm?
explain what has been puzzling pie: * 4

\. »
v I ..

   

24

Pinnacle Pete.

 

If she is, then the Short Sport and Pinnacle
Pete are the same without a doubt. But why
do they not confide in us? Why do they leave
us alone to fight our way in the dark?”

“I think they have kept reasonably near so
far; I think they will be seen again, in due time.
I feel stronger and bolder. Yes.

safe.”

A good deal of Miss Theo’s enthusiasm had
left her, even before the appearance of Uncle
Davy; but in its place, there was a large fund
of obstinacy. ln whispers, the two talked for an
hour or more. If Judge Rivers’s ears did not
burn it was because he was too busy to notice it.
When Sam Armadel met him shortly after this
his face wore a troubled 1001; so foreign to its
usual expression that “the Specter” noted it at

once.

“ What’s the matter with you 2 Don’t your
magnetic influence work on the young lady; or
have you got more capital locked up in the
safe than you can afford to lay out of l”

‘.‘ Capital nothing! It was all going right un-
til this evening and then came a balk such as I
never dreamed cf, and don’t understand yet.”

“ How so? What’s the matter?"

“I was telling the young ladies about a sup-

With those 1
two within speaking distance we are tolerany '

“Kei'rect you be—hicl I’m—hic—on ther
boom, an’ I’m jest waishin’ for a mansh, but—
hic,—it’s blame dry work. Cansh-hic—yer take
me som’ers under covershl”

“Here’s the Mint—they let strangers in there
If they don’t, clubs

 

 

I if they behave themselves.
are trumps.”

The man came nearer, and muttered in an
undertone: ‘

“That’s all right, Lightning—I wanta little
talk with you, and I don’t want to give you
away if some one happens to recognize me."

“ You’re not born to be drowned, or else
you’re a bigger fool than I took you for. What’s
- wanted in ay Back that you run the risk of a.
necktie party? The boys got so worked up that
if they have half a chance, they’ll slop over. I
can’t hold them. This is no place for you; and
I’m on ticklish ground as it is.”

“That’s all right. Let the boys slop. I’m
good for the gang.” , >

“ But how about Pinnacle Pete? He’s opened
his fingers—when he closes them, look out. I’ve
heard he had‘a terrific grip.”

" That’s it. That’s what I want to see you
about. Meet me in the little shanty on the road
out to the Red Rock, and just beyond the town.
I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

“I’ll be there,” answered Rivers, in the same

 

posititious Uncle Davy, thatI believed had some
information if I could only find him.”
 “ Well?” , .
Q “Why the infernal scoundrel called, mention-
' ed my name as a guarantee, got about all the 1
loose change they had, and told a long-Winded 4
yarn that took about an hour. I’d give a hun- i
. ; dred to know what it was. I must know, too. I
It may turn everything upside down.”

“ Wh , if” you were going to introduce the.
man, what’s the difference? Hunt him up and
he’ll tell you all he said for an extra fiver.”

“Don’t be a fool, Sam. The fact is, there is
no such person, and that is what gets me. My
idea was to wriu in one, but it has been fore-
stalled, and now would like to know why and

3, , by whom.”
- “ How did you find outi” 
“ There’s a Chmaman a the Earl Dawn who
keeps me posted on what goes on t ere—I paid
' him specially well to keep an eye on the ladies.
 He came rushing around in a great hurry to tell
' me that a ragged, dirty old bummer named
Uncle Davy had been having an interview with
them,,and must have told them something ter-
rible.‘ ‘ '
' “ But supposing the cat clears out of the bag—
what are you going to do then?”
’ “Turn a new cat and act Daisy. Daniel
won’t refund, and I’m not in the habit of com-
,ring out at the small end of my speculation.”
“ You may speculate once too often; There’s
enough money in the Red Rock to satisfy any
reasonable man. Why didn’t you stick to
 ‘ ; that?”
’1 v “ Because I feel it in my bones that something
 is going to happen here, and I want to get out.
 , Don’t you see? I can’t stock the mine, because
, ‘ I’ve only got a halfsinterest. And I’ve an idea
, v when the break comes that it will be a bad one.
if 1‘ There’s enough old scores against all of us to
' swamp the Rothschilds if they were settled up.
.5 I might ask why you didn’t keep out when you ,
’ ‘ x were once fairly away from these old stamping
grounds?’

“And I’d say. because I was a blamed fool!

‘All right! We’ll [stick together until the and

comes. Perhaps that time is closer than we

either of'us think; but if so, all rightl ‘Ne've

had a merry life, and I can’t say that it has been

 ,. [such a short one, either. Let me know when.

r " v‘ on want me. There is nothing going on at the'
3." \ int, and I’m for bed by the first boat.”

g.“ " “ I’ll walk along with .you. I feel that way

'~ l‘. myself, and . we’ve got about to that point

3 l where the best thing we can do is to do noth-

 

 

 

 

 in .” . «
. " ~ ‘ That was what the judge said. but it was not
 what he meant, by along shot. Hardly had he
‘ v seen Armadel to his room when he left the
*‘ Early Dawn and walked briskly away to Paddy

, Milligan’s. Things were not always so quiet
' there as it Seemed, and he had an object in View.
'As be halted a moment in front of the door and
looked around him, a man came rocking around
the corner of,the building. . r
. .v “ Hello—hic—stransherl Yer kerry a'turnip?
I 'Ef so, wha’s ther time 0v day! Hicl Bin
‘waitin,’ for a. hour ter strike some ’un that
knowed. Wantcher see of it’s time ter drive
ther calves ter milk.”
As well as Rivers could see, the stranger was
re ed, dirt , and very drunk.

g at he di not answer him as he usually an-
? lwered such style of man. He looked sharply,
' and then, with a patronizing laugh:
“Turnips don’t go. We work biogueSS'here,
and on a rough one I’d so it was a ut an inch
' and a half of twelver at’s the matter with

'7 you 1?” . ,

.4 An outsider could have heard them both, and
noticed nothing beyond what seemed to he on
' the surface; but the judge had recognized a

 bail that he had not heard for years. and had
given an answer that would be satisfactory if it
,was more than chance, yet would not be under-

   
 
  
  
  
     
     
    
  

guarded tone, and turned away, while the man
in disguise went staggering ofi‘. Under the rags
and dirt, and behind the husky voice, the judge
had recognized Dan the Daisy.

Beretofore it had been Rivers that had said
come, and his partners came. New, Dan spoke
as though he would brook no denial.

As Eric had been desirous of an interview,,he
did not hesitate to accede to the request, much
as it sounded like an order.

He went into the saloon as though he had no
further business with the old rounder; but he
did not stay long. Fortunately, there Was noth-
ing to detain him there. Within twenty min-
utes he was approaching the deserted shanty,
keeping a careful eye around to see that he was
not watched. . ‘ '

“ You came, did you?” said Dan, somewhat
shar ly. I

“ ,thoug perhaps you’d be too high and
mighty, or too much afraid of compromising
your preci s reputation, to go out of your way
to see an o d-time pard. It’s mighty good for
you that you wer’n’t. I tell you, you’re in a
heap of danger, and it’s to get you onto it that I
was foolin away time around Paddy’s.”

“I’ve a ways been in danger; what’s the
newest wrinkle?”

“ You’ve been in danger that some one would
find on out as you were, and trade on that
know edge. Well, that fellow is in town now,
and he knows the whole catechism, from A to
ampersand. For ten dollars he gave away
enough to ang the whole of us two or three
times over: it got into the hands of that internal
detective, Pinnacle Pete. And if I’m not wide
off, the story goes to him straight as soon as the
bound shows u .”

“ What was it he gave away.
her of rich little anecdotes—”

“ The facts in the case of Rolland Lande, and
he gave them straight as a string. He’s a bad
man from'up the creek, and don’t you forget
i .

“Who is; and who did he give them to?” and
the judge added some words that were more in-
tensely profane than profoundly polite.

“ A fellow that ought to have- been dead years
a o—I’d have sworn he went over the range—

ncle Davy. And be poured the tale into the

There’s a num-

don’t block your game, I’m no judge of the
female gender.”

“ And how do you know this?” r

There was suspicion in the judge’s tone, and
his hand wandered toward his revo ver. So far'
he was admitting nothing.

“Honor bright! l was thinking of a game
something like it myself—only I didn't intend
to give the truth away by a long sight. I was
tacking around the arly Dawn, and saw the
galoot go in. I droppedto him in a minute, and
was arou d at the WlndOW before you could say
Jack Robinson. Blame me if one of ’em wasn’t
sitting in it. I’m hard to beat, though, and I

to know what I’m talking about. Now, open
up. What are you going to do about it?” V
“I sup there must be some more killin ,”
answe the judge, speaking a little weari y.
“ You wouldn’t like to take him 03 my hands
for a consideration?” I
.“ I can’t hunt him all over town; but I’ll save
him from a longer Sojourn in this weary world,
it I‘liappen to meet him. But, see here. What
I want you to do is to get Sid Campton out of
the we “somehow, in case it is necessary, while
we go or the Fool of Way Back.”
“ What do you want With him?”
"Bless your simple soul! Haven’t you struck
that yet? It’s Pinnacle Pete I'm' after, and he‘s
the lion in the ass’s skin, or I’ll chaw dirt.”

. CHAPTER XXVII.
‘rn-u MINT HAS A VISITOR.

 

 

stood by any man not acquainted with! the sig-
 _ _ ‘ 7 4‘ V

  

 

, “Panamyowre ri ht. but I can’texactly
swallow igl'amswered' ejndge.‘ -’ ', ‘ -

 

\ .

 

 

listening ear of your Donna Dulcinea. If that‘

just sneaked into the house, and caught enough;

 

  

“Right or wrong it’s all the same. He knows
your game. That 5 what was the racket down
at Coronado. There’s just a chance that he
hasn’t given it away. When he does—but.
Uncle Davy has put a pretty square block in
the road."

“And anyway he won’t be so easy to drop.”

f‘ If we can’t get hold of him we’ll scoop the
fair Isabel. I tell you Campton is away, and
we have a chance till he gets back. If that
don’t bring him to the front I want to know.
And the boys are all wild to get a chance with
their carbines.”

"They had one chance, and when I saw them
the boot was on the other leg.”

“The girl was the first item then, and she
protected him. Revenge and safety are the
words now. Maybe he’s not such a mighty
chief as you think for. He can shoot a storm,
but how about his sand? Mighty low has he‘
laid since he gave us the slip in the mountains..
VVe’re waiting for him, but he don’t come. Just.
showed up once at the edge of the camp. Met a.
couple of my boys, and both sides are running
yet. A regular scare all around.”

“ Yes, I heard of it. They didn’t have those
Winchesters ready. While you are about it you ‘
had better take Compton. He’s a bad man to-
liave loose in the camp. And did you ever stum-
ble across the man they call, here, the Short
Sport? He’s been gyrating around for the last
few weeks, off and on, and has made a heap big
re utation.”

‘Ehl yes. I heard~‘of him.
for a small-sized fortune.”

“Hoe, humbugl There’s a bait in Paddy’s
safe. He’ll never leave it behind him. As long
as that is there he’ll not jump the camp for
good. I’ll give you a thousand for his Scalp and
a paper he showed me. It’s of no good to him
or you, as it lies; but I’d give a nice little pile to.»
have it, all the same.” ‘

“ Then you and I are working together once
more. That’s as it should be.
the wink not to slip into my game when they
see it layed, and I’ll look after yours.”

“It s a bargain. But look sharp that no one-

gets onto you. I daren’t run the camp the way
I ought to, and used to. I’ve too much at
stake. If they thought I was laying in with the»
Daisies there’s enough here, with this Campton.
and Doc De France at the head, to make it
awful sultry.”
‘ “Say, Lucifer, throw up your handl
swear 1 never thought you’d lose your sand;
but you’re doing it, and you know What that
means. Campton’saquiet man, but an infer-
nal good one. If ou’ve got him yet—but of
course on have. by, man alive! he’s laying
in with innacle Pete.”

“ If Pete’s not layin for him,” answered the
judge, reflectively. “ ’ve been watching the'
man for some time. He’s been laying low for
some reason, and if he hasn’t a story call me a.,
Dutchman. How would that work?"

“It won’t gee. They’re after us.

Get you in hoe

We can

take them in out of the dew, we can pullout, or '

we can go up the flume. And you never knew
Daisy Dan ‘sit down to a game that he didn’t
lay his hand out for all the cards were worth.

e’ve got about twenty—four hours yet to make!
the bottom deal in; and b the red‘hot flames in
Satan’s bedchamber, the cal will be made.”

“ Make it then, and ou’ll find me playing in‘
with you. lilow about am?” - -

“ Don’t trust him. When I had him I’d bet—
ter kept him. We went back on him once, and
he’s never forgotten. It was a mistake to bring
*him in. There’s too many that know your
game. If Sam goes back on us‘it will be nasty
enough- but don’t for at Uncle Davy, Sid Camp»
ton, and the tow-boa ed Uriah.” -
“ Elot verg likely—nor \the Short Sport and
his ister. h, it s a ame worth playing in
and it puts me in min of old times. I’ve got.
the men behind me, if the do. their work well;
and with the Daisies bac of you we can hold
our own, or die tryin

u 1
“That’s so, my olg and noble captain; but

you observe all that is Worth something to me.
,l’m loose-footed,nnd can climb out to—night; if
I stay, and help you out of the drag, how much
is it going to be u orthi It’s funny, you see, but
I never drop (1 to how you got into the Red.
Rock until I card Uncle 'Davy telling his yarn
to-night. It struck me all in a heap, for I ought
to have been into that just as far as my pard.
What do you/say, old man? You can’t expect
me to work for nothing, and _tl!ere’s been some
changes since you laid out this game With Rol-
land Lande’s Sister.”

“ I thought I was, pretty liberal in my offer." »_ I '

“Mighty liberal; but, you see. this girl has
been bad medicine. Revolver Rube and’ Du-’
range Dave got counted out on the first fly;
Sam is looking out for his ovan interests exclu-
s1vely, or I’m a bald-headed idiot; and m the
only chancedeftu The boys behind me don’t
count—I’ll pay them if the game goes on. What i
do you say; and say it quick?”

“Halves—it you get these men out 01 my
wa . and help with t e work.”

‘ Your hand for ninety days. I knew we’d
get together if we chinned long ough. 1 don’t
go so much on your heiress; but ’11: all one on
the child with the chestnut curls. If it a lturne

 

 

Give your boys: '

1’11 ,

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

.e. .g, , 

r- on}:

 

 5: 25"} ~

 

 

 
   
 
 
 
   
   
 
   
 
 
   
 

.,..«.».4.., :

 

 



. 

'i/ '5

i 4! .
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t.
;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

l‘

   

‘ V ,4 I .. . ,:,-. _ m x n, ,

‘ Pinnacle Pete.

 

25

 

 

out a rich as we anticipate, I wouldn’t mind
Settling down. I’ll attend to that part of the
ame, though. lt won’t be any harder than
or you to make an impression on the charming
Theodosia.”

“Make a fool of yourself as you please. 0!
course this leaves nothing for Sam.”

“ What in Hades did you take him in for?”

“Because I knew he had an eye on the lad
as soon as I saw him get oil? the train; and it
didn’t he would sell us out. He was the only
one that could do it safely. You know he kick-
edgike a Texas steer when we came in from the

o .

“Yes, Sam is a nervy little fellow; but he
never got much above cards. For red work he
hadn’t the head. I’ve got him under shadow;
and now that we’ve come to terms, I’ll give you
one pointer that maybe you know, and maybe
you don’t. Pinnacle Pete, the Short Sport, and
the simple Uriah, are all the same erson.
When you touch one you tickle them all, ’

“ You’re dreaming!”

“Nary dream. \Vhat Uncle Davy didn’t re-
mark I figured out myself a. little later. It
makes the job a heap shorter.” .

“ And the woman?” '

“ A female detective, that’s fooled us too cute
for anything. She and Pete work together—
Vaudeleur is one of the names she goes under—
aud if they’ve disappeared, it’s because they
thought they had been dropped to. Bet your
life they break out in a new place. Now, I’m

oing; but I’ll see you later.

I and the boys are in town, all dressed up, and
when you need us we’ll be around. Don’t look
so likeafool. Good men get away ofi‘ some-
times, and it was just luck and nothing else
that put me solid on the game. Halves, re-
member. I’ll let you know when the racket
begins.”

“Halves it is,” answered the judge, again
shaking hands with his old comrade, who linger-
ed no longer, while Rivers was so busy with his
own thoughts that he did not ask for any fur—
ther explanations, or attempt to stop him.

“It may be true—it must be true. If Jack

Stevens had got in his work the other night,,

when I gave him the signal, the whole game
would have been saved. Now—I’ll carry her
‘oif if I have to join the Daisies and spend the
honeymoon in the mountains. Curses on it!
The irl could have cared for me! The chances
ai'ct at she ‘will take fri ht and run for it. I
must watch her, and at t e first sign shut down.
Twenty-dour hours! If Dan fails me I’ll do the
work myself. But Dan never fails. I wonder
when he is going to begin? It’s a big stake he
plays for; but hang me it he don’t propose to
earn it!” i '

Dan had, in fact, already begun.

Once again in the open air and he was the
drunken stroller that had accosted the judge.
If any one had noticed him in the earlier part
of the night he would not have found any sud-
den conversion to .wonder at. Only a little
nearer to being sober, perhaps, but ev1dently
still on the same drunk. Toward the Mint he
wound his way, and only pausing a moment at
the door, to stare stupidly at the blazing lan-
tern that hung above, he stumbled into the
room swinging h_is battered old hat. ,

“ hoopeel hyar I be! What’ll yerall hev?

Name yer vauerties 311’ then ax me up ter juice.
I’m dr ez a herrin’—boue, an’ hun ez a young
b’ar. bar’s me ole side pard,’ obb Rice?
They said he war ’round town hyar, an’ bin ter
every gin-mill in ther bur ,but he don’t show
u fur ickled lums. An whar, oh, whar, are
Illikel Bavy? wo ole ards ov mine ramb‘lin’
throu h ther groves ov ay Back, an’ pore, ole
Olly otz stampin’ ’round, dead broke, flat
bu’st, an’ dyin’ fur one more drink! Ain’t ther’
noboddy hyar ez hez pity fura miser’ble orphan?
Jest three fin ers and thum’ over ther top ov
ther glass. ess see me tremble.”

And with a lumbering sort of grace he began
to shume his well-worn brogans, ringing them
down with a deftness that was surprising, con-
sidering  appearance and condition. As he
rattled his heels on the floor, and gave a heavy
strike fora finish, he turned squarely to the bar
and added: .

“ Johnny. Won’t yer trust?”

“ Johnny,” who was the bartender on duty at
theximo, reached down_ for a convenient club,
and there was business in his eye; but before he
bagged time to straighten “ Olly -Ootz ” had

“ ’Cause of yer won’t, set ’em up fur one, an’
take yer change eaten that.” .

On the bar, as he spoke, he spun a. twenty-
dollar gold-piece, and finished his speech with a
drunken wink.

' “Many more where that came from?” asked
. Johnny, 8. little doubtfully.

“ A few—jist uite a; few. ’ Oll
backup ez be 100 s; an’ at no
he treats hisself.” ,

From his pockets he fished .upa handful of
gold and silver; and the mind of the tumbler-
Juggler was relieved, forhe noted that the gold

was of difllerent denominations. The chances
were that the piece on the bar was good. He
set downthe, decanter and a tumbler.

, 5‘ There’s one thing

x , .

ain’t ni h so
dy else 3 outs

 

You understand

 

   
  

gentleman. The Mint is not exactly a hoodlum-
hall. We do things quietly and in order here.
Whena gentleman gets full he must not slop
over. If he does, whether he begins it early or
late, we fire him out. You seem to be a stran-

er here so I give you the rules of the place.
i abbe?” ,

“ Yer Uncle Oliver are fl , an’ you’ll find him
gentle oz :1 spring lamb. I ve hed my blow-out
an’ are jest taperin’oflt. Thor furder I goes,
now, the milder I git, and there ain’t or hit ov
danger. But say, you all; hev yer seen my
thing ov me ole side—pard? They tole me all
’long ther road he war jest ahead but nary thing
hev Isee’d ov him; I know he couldn’t steer
through \Vay Back. ’thout stoppin’ some’ei‘s,
an’ I’ve stopped at all ther gin-mills in camp,
but nary sight hev I hed 0v him. Say, hez ary
galoot hyar seen him?”

“You d better simmer down on that, old man.
There’s too much wind for the size of your
mouth—organ. tho is this side-pard that you’re
hunting now i” '

“Didn‘t I say it loud, an’ say it early? It’s
that long—légged, limbergshanked son ov a gun,
Uncle Davy. I‘m chusin’ him with a hot stick,
and I want ter ketch on afore he hez a chance
ter cut a throat aii’ raise the town. Mebbe
he’s hed his chance, got in his work, an’ skipped.
Don’t noboddy know ov him i”

“Who’s that you’re chinnin’ about?” asked
another outsider.

“ Never heard of such a man around here by
that name. Who is he? What has he bin a
doin’?”

“ Ef you goes over tor Carter’s Fork an’ axes
that question they’ll p’int yer to a rope a—dang-
lin’ in front of ther stage ofliss; an’ they’ll say
it’s fur him. Why, doggone him, his scalps
wu’th a cool thousand, an’ that’s what I’m a
chasin’ him fur. Thort everyboddy knowed ez
he’d slit Lame Johnny’s therpplel That’s jest
it, au’ yer know what store ther Fork sets on
him.” . I

“Then he’s not altogether your most devoted
friend?” ,

“Nary. Him an’ me traveled tergether fur
’bout a week, an’ that’s why I’m lookin’ fur
him. 'When him an’ me meets ther’ll be blood
on ther floor. Tei' think of him er-playin’ OE.
Borried ten dollars, did a job like that, an’ then
stam edright erlong, ’thout givin’ me back
my nuckats, let» erlone a sheer ov ther plun-

er.

“ Much plunder goin’l” /

“ That’s what gits me—ef I on’y knowed.
But I’m givin’ yer all notiss. I’m a-huntin’ 0v
Uncle Davy ter take him back ter Cactus Fork,
an’ claim ther reward. Ef thar’s arybody ez
helps I’ll pay him accordin’; but he’s my meat,
an’ I’m bossm’ ther job.”

A tough-looking fellow, in the garb ot a miner
leaned over the bar, speaking in a low tone:

» “ Touch him easy, Johnny. It’s big money
that he’s a ’tective, an’ jest lettin’ on ter be
soaked tell he kin sight his man.”

Johnny winked slowly.

“Don’t advise your uncle. I see the tail of
the mouse. Let her wiggle.”

“ Au’ ef ary gerloo sees this informal cut-
throat, Unele Davy—”

“W’y, jest stick a pin ther, an’ tie er knot.
Hyar’s Davy ter shout fur hisself."

And to the surprise of every one a second edi-
tion of Olly Ootz came shufling through the

‘ crowd.

 

CHAPTER XXVIII.
'rwo OLD "PARDS MEET.

UNTIL Daisy Dan had mentioned his name, no
one at the Mint had heard of Uncle Davy; not,
certainly, for some years. There had been such
a. vagabond once upon a time, and possibly some
one had at some time heard of him; but u to
the present the li ht of his countenance ad
never shone upon ay Back. If Daisy Dan——
under the guise of Olly Ootz—had intended to
discount any revelations he might make, he had
an unexpected opportunity to see how his scheme
was oing to war .

“ 7 all bald-headed liars, this hyar man,”

continued Uncle Davy, “jest takes ther cake.

W’y, do -rot his dirty picters, he ain’t bin ter
Cactus Egork—he dassn’t go thar! An’ him a-
shootin’ofi his dirty month, about ole Unkel
Davy, ez hez bin knowed all erlong ther coast
an’ over ther plains sence’forty-nine, ez ther
squar’dest gerloot ez ever flipped a keard er
downedaquart ov benzine ter a settin’l Jest
look at him, an’ then look a me, an’ say w’ich
are ther, honest man-w’ich actus Fo’k ’u’d be
likely ter be gunnin’ fur.”

He pointed his right hand with scorn at the
fictitious y. Who 31p eared amazed at his
coming, and with his eft fist thumped his
breast vigorously while his cheeks swelled out
till his face locker like an inflated bladder.

The, surprise died out of Olly’s face, and
through the dirt there beamed a sheenlot radiant

Joy. .- I

v “ Unkel Da ! ,W’y. dog-gone yer dod-rotted,
black—spotted, imber-j’inted long-legs! Put her
thar, pard! Put her right ther! ’m gladder
an: hev met yer then et I’d struck ile—a hundredJ

 

 

. , _ ml ter ’, _ » »
1’“ W910“ rematk’mld floor “sites.” we “1°”..‘7’n‘ti9lgr‘39m

  

“Pard, did yer say? Did I onderstand yer
her say, pard? W’y, ’pon me soul for glor l I
never see’d him afore! An’ me, Unkel avy,
ther ’rig’nal ole ink-slinger, ez writ ther lives 0v
every pilgrim ez walks this side ov ther slope,
an‘ kin call"em all by name when I it my two
eyes on ’em. Ye’r’ a fraud, on e, an’ a
drunken ole sack ov bones, wat ain’t sense
ernuf ter know they’s dead‘ an’ orter be hurried.
Call me an ’ole side pard, will yer? Take it back
er fl htl”

“ ightl Fight’s w'ot I kim in h ar fur.

Fight’s w’ot I bin chasin’ yer all over t er burg ‘

fur. Fight’s w’ot I want, an’ w’ot I’m gwine
ter,hev; an’ all I’m askin‘ are—how ’ll yer take
it'.l

Yet, in s ite of this des erate talk, it did not
seem that lly Ootz was a together happy. He
looked around anxious-l at the bystanders, and
apBealiugly at Johnny ehind the bar.

no and all failed to respond in the we that~ ‘ '

he appeared to desire. No one came to t e res-
cue; no one gave any signs of wanting any share
of the reward that was waiting back at Cactus
Fork.

lt was not fear that paralyzed the bystanders, \

an how. . ‘

Xlthough there were some few that still gave
the fellow credit for being a detective, every
one was laughing more or less at the different
changes of tone that had followed each other
so closely, while sympathy, outside of the desire
they might have to shore in the reward, was en-
tirely With the second comer, though, so far as
looks went, there was little \to choose between
them. With Paddy Milligan out of the room,
and Johnny inclined to be complaisant, there
was every prospect of a heap of fun.

“‘ Sail right inter him that way!” sung out one
of the boys. “ We’ll back yer high, Uncle
Davy. You couldn’t hev come ter a better
place than “Way Back ter git fair play. Git up
an’ git at him afore he dusts, fur he’s thinkln’
strong ov goin’.” . '

The two men were watching each other with
the eyes of hawks. Whatever they might say,
and however they might act, they were not
overlooking any movements. The encouraging
shouts did not cause any haste tr! be made.
When Olly stepped forward two paces the other
stepped as many back. It might have been
from fear; or just as likely to get into the cor-
ner at the bar, where he knew there was no one
behind him.

Then he put up both hands in a by no means V

inartistic attitude of ofl’ense, while he ‘ wled:

“Yer carn’t fight one side ov me, an it’s jest
wastin’ time I be, on a blame poor show fur
fun; butef yer wants ter try it on hyar I be,
an’ hyar I come. Knots an’ pins! Ther cyclone

are a bu’stin’, an’ every thin’s loose at one end 1’3 , '

Then he ran at his man, and shot his flst‘
straight out when he got within distance, in a
we that was awkwar to look at and mighty
aw ward to get awa from. it seeme to
be‘ only a' straight ab, but the fact was
the wei ht of his body went pretty well
along wi h it, and Dan the Daisy, to his surprise
and disgust, went reeling back, hisarms sawi

the air, while it was all that he could do to keep ' l ’J

from measui’in his len th on the floor.

He recover himsel , however, by dexten,
ous twist, and then sgrung forward to a close.
There were few such ghters as be when he was
on his mettle, but the‘ attack had found him a
little ofl his guard.
Rather, if anything, he looked (or lead or steel;
and had held himself ready to pull at the first
motion for a gun.

“ Here, here!” shouted Johnny, making a ‘V
movement to come from behind the bar, and fl ,_

givin a .wave of the cudgel he had caught up.
“I you gentlemen want to fight, at outside

justtoo uick. You’ll have all out corn to do '
(k

our wor in—you. can’t do it in here—land I’ll
t five to four on Uncle Davy.” ;

“ Four tar five on ther other man, an’ let ’em

fight it out right ther.” shouted the tough who

lyd suggested that Ootz might be a detective. ,
“ M man hez ther underholt; don’t yer
break it, er thar’ll be blood on ther floor!”
The tough flourished a wallet in one band and

a revolver in the other; and a dozen or more

men of the same ilk were crowding are d in
great excitement. Such a skirmish didn’t come

of! every day in the week, and it was more than 
into something. 7

likely that it would develop
lar er before Johnny cleared the room.

he .two,were clinched. back-hold, each with i

one upper and one underhold.
There was no more talking now, but all silent,
honest industry. ' '

Backward and forward they swa ed, thelrf

He had not expected it. '

forms closely knit together. and each mind that '

the other had the bug of a bear. First one,,tl_ien
the other, gave back a little, each recovering by
a powerful efl’ort, the! ground he had lost.

A little ring are nd them the crowdmade,
half a dozen deep, e ch neck craned forward to,

see every mave, more than one hand graspiu a" .

istol, though as yet there was nothing to call or
he exhibition. s . .
Then the struggle grew flercer. There’were
tugs and wrench , locks and twists, and then,
suddenly one wen thundering to the floor, the
other a ding his weight to the tall.
4 ~ ‘ i , .

    

 

 

._ 

 

 
 
 
    

'3 26

 .t'
/

Pinnacle Pete].  

 

“ Didn’t I told yer soll Stick er pin thar, an’
tie er knot! Ole ’forty~nine are hard ter beat.
Lemme see what ther crloot looks like when
ther war-paint an’ fixins are washed off. Yer
Unkel Davy are a boss tor trot, an’ a bad man
at Way Back.”

Gas ing a little, his breath somewhat quick-
ened y his exertion, he sputtered out these
words, while he twisted his left hand into the
hair of Olly Ootz, seizing his chin with the
right, meanwhile staring down into the face of
the under man.

“ Thor’s yer pin l”

A swinging hit from behind straightened him
out almost senseless. and as he lay there faintly
guivering there came a rush of footsteps.

ohnuy had only time to get in one good, honest
blow with his club when a gang closed in
around him and hustled him away with much
laughter and rude Cjlollity. Both the wrestlers
were out of time, an they had opportunity to

v attend to him. While he struggled frantically
to shake loose from the half-dozen that hamp-
ered him so much that he could not strike, Olly
Ootz bounded to his feet and without a word

_ rushed out of the open door.

  “ Oook—ook-ook—aw!” crowed Uncle Davy,
rising to a sitting posture and watching the re—
treating form.

“ I knowed I could git him ef I bed room ter
spread ’cordin’ ter my size. Sumbody stop
him 1"

But his words were too late. Olly ran so fast
he fairly flow, nor did he tarry outside. When
Uncle avy came staggering out in his wake he
had disappeared.

‘ The one blow of Johnn ’s cudgel had done

._ , the business. Olly was 0 and away, nor did

:7 . he stop until he was fairly out of town.

 Certain there was no one in sight be seated

 himself. In ten minutes more he was joined by

several others who seemed to know just where
to find hi . ‘

“All rrect, ca tain,” said the first, a slender
you man. “Jo nny stuck to his fort likea
fine ellow, as long as he could stand it, but
when he. ave me a chance it didn’t take long to
_ . seethe as e.. There’s the impression of the lock;
-’. and by to-morrow I’ll have the key to fit it.
 . It’s got more weight than strength, or I’m not
'r'" ' J imsey the Driller.”

' i “A thundering sight of rumpus to fix that

safe; but we got them. To-morrow we’ll inter-

view the stron box and see what its hows that
is worthy of 'ng.”

CHAPTER XXIX.
. wan wma’s LITTLE rom'mn.
Tan young ladies ate their breakfast with
’ about t 6 average a petite with which the
awn inspired them. It

 

 
   
  
   
    
  
   
    

cuisinepf the Early
_. ,2 had been a long time since Miss Theodosia had
 seen her brother, so that the intelligence that
' she had received the preceding evening was not,
. j , since she had a night to sleep over it, quite so
. 1 saddening, or altogether so terrific as it- might
] have been if heard before she had had personal
} experience with the uncertaintities of the
, “ wild and woolly West.”
, ,., And it was a great deal easier to remember
the general unreliability of Uncle Dav ’8 ap-
pearance, than the earnest truthfulness a had
managed to instill in his tones. His revelation
was worth looking after,anyhow, though it
miglliat not be just so easy to do so without re-
vea ng to Eric Rivers its substance, which she
did not wish to do.
“Serena, dear, we are just wasting, time,”
:23: her remark, after leaving'the breakfast-
e.- ‘
 . “ It is positive that no one hereabouts knows
' ’ an thing of the name- or re utation of poor
, d, I begin to think ncle Davy was
more knave, even than he looked; and I can-
"f ' not conceive how I came to give any credit to
hisstory.”
' “ The dear judge is not tobe doubted, then.
, I I'wouldn’t doubt him either—if I were on.
;~ Of course it’s oulya friendly interest an a.
that rubbish. Come, be honest, now. Are on
’ thuntin Rolland in particular—or mankin in
’ nera fora l’air specimen to be ucstered
or your especial use? Indeed, I woul n't hesi~
.4 v' tats between the two if it is the latter you are
_,  after. The judge is considerably your senior;
 go isml'ichalliamlisome, 8.111% seegs to under—
nwt peaseaa.uposeou
take him and be happy.” y p y
' “Oh, Serena!" -
- ,. . F‘Young lady! For a person with as much
ions of character as I know you to possess. you
do and say someof the most ridiculous things!
You [want to find out the truth about Rolland?
v-Well, Uncle'Davy’s story is a suggestion. any-
, . You have spent eleven thousand dollars
'Vithout getting along that far,, and then be
,, Mines and gives you one for ten. It’s cheap.
at but a. very com lete article. Until you can find
.. a better one. w y not follow it out and see what
p-it isr-worth?”
, “ Serena, you have seen the judge—tell me
truly.  on think it possible that he can be
suehavil in? Icannotgandlwould be
ashamed t3 let him know that I had heard such

a V r. ‘
“ You needn’t.”

 

  

  

  

  

    

 
 

   
 

with Uncle Davy this morning.

 

“And how then am I toflnd out an
about it! Make a journey to Walnut
Hard Luck?" I

“Perhaps; but there are other things you
ma do first. No doubt he will call to—day—
per aps this morning. You can easily see if it
is worth while to investigate, without letting
him know what you are at. ’

“Not so easy asyou seem to think. What
excuse can Igive should I ask any questions
that will bear on those points?”

“ Mercy! Excuse? Ask him if he was ever
at Walnut Bar, and if so, you can invent a
dozen ueries that could give no offense. Ask
him if 9 ever metaboy that was called Soft
Jimmy. Say that in one of his letters to our
uncle he mentioned that name. How wil he
know what you mean if he is innocent? If he is
guilty, I will Wager anything that his face will
show it. ”

“I might try it, orImight mention some—
thing about the prosipecting party. What more
natural than that ollan sent a letter full of
regrets, and saying that he was just starting on
a desperate journey. I will try it. since no
harm can be done in any event; and if he does
not come in soon I, will ask for him, or send for
him. We will know the worst.”

There was an interruption—Wan Wing with
a letter—or, a note, rather. The judge knew
how to handle a pen as well as he dida revol-
ver. It was short, yet it expressed a thousand
regrets without saying so.

usiuess called him to the Red Rock. If
needed, would Miss Lande send for him? Other-
wise he would be detained until evening. He
hoped to be able in a day to get things in such
shape that his presence would not be needed for
some time, so that he could be at Miss Lande’s
servkice for any investigations she might wish to
ma e.

That was the substance of the note, only he
hardly used that many words.

“ T ere. In the face of such kindness as that,
could I call him away from his business on ac-
count ot sucha brutal suspicion as we.have
been harboringl The thought of it makes me
blush all over.’

“ I see it does,”answered Serena, dryly.

“You will have to have another interview
tone you up.
As the judge does not mention him, no doubt the
two fai ed to meet. Perhaps our valuable Celes-
tial could drag him in.

“ Wau Wing, do you think you could find the

more
ar and

' ragged old rascal you introduced to us last eve-

ingl‘

“ Gloly, no! Him heapsee bad man. Him
cut-thloat, flom Cactus Folk. Pleecyman come
las’ nighty, say lopee allee ledd , tlousan’ tolla
allee ledd , him takes back. im gone;‘ him
ho see ’ii; him skin outee;vhim maskee him
be ey muc ska’se. Wau Wing no can findee
an I suck piecey man. But t’e tluth, belley much
ga ow.

The young ladies looked at each other inquir-
ingly. The Chinaman’s words were tolerably
plain—they were almost sure they caught his
meaning.

“ You say the policemen came for him last
night, and said there was a rewardof a thou-
sand dollars oflered for him at Cactus Fork, and
that he would be hanged if taken there?”

,Wau Wing nodded his head vi orously. .

‘.‘/ T’at allee plopa. Unkey avy one bad
piecey la—li-lung—one piecey lobber man. W’at
tim’ t’e pleeceyman cohom. t’at, tim’ Unkey
Davy go. No hap pidgin he’ah; hap belley big

pid 'n th’ah.”
“ hat will do. I feared that we would find

the Vagabond that style of man. ‘ Had he been

of such a secret as that, he would
never have sold it for ten dollars. Either he
would have imparted it freely and without
price, or he would have asked a great deal more.
After all, Mr. Rivers is our onldeegendence.
We can do nothing by ourselves. e ave tried
it, and accomplished positively nothing.”
“How ’bout Pinnakee Petee? Him heapsee
good man the to. , Him be loundee soon. Betlee
tie to ,he. When shootee begin, findee he ’way

up . r ,
$3.. Wing lingered, and threw in the sugges-
tion for what it was worth. .

“ The Chinaman is any man forever 1” ex-
claimed Serena.

“ If you can find the gentleman of the high
altitudes, you will do us an everlasting favor.
But he has kept himself wonderfully well hidden,
and if you know where to find him, you are the
wisest man in \Way Back.” ~

“Wan Win no can findee be; he findee she
belley much. an Wing no can say what side
he go—he cohom out top side fitee—fitee when
him ’gins to loll on wheels. Gliltwantchee Pin-
nakee Petee, she no talkee—talkee; she no chin-
chin: shelkeepsee dla’k. Him be allee loundee,
allo lightey, a’n’heapsee sma’t insides! He findee
glil’s butta; he hlingee he top sides fitee—fltee,
fu’st chop. Eh, ch’ho l” - ' . ,

With a succession nods and winks the little

entleman from the flower-land twisted out his
information, and then skipped out otthe room.
' The girls stared at each other. ' _
‘  rophetsl”. exclaimed Se;

 

  
 

fi

“ Wau Wing giving us a point! Say nothing
and do nothing; this mysterious Pinnacle Pete
is workin in our interests, and may perhaps
bring bac the missing Rolland. I must say
that prefer trusting the Chinaman to letting
the judge further into our confidence.
dosia, that is certainly the best news that I have
heard yet, if it be really founded on anything
like fact. All I want to know. at present is
whether Wau Wing speaks by card, or is only
making a shrewd guess.”

“ A wild guess, indeed l” ventured Theo-
dosia.

“Speaking by the card, as I am a miserable
sinnerl’? retorted Miss Wild.

“ Just wait and you will see.”

“ Perhaps that is the scheme—to have us wait.
Yet another day can make but little diflerence.
I shall do nothing and say nothing more until I
can see Judge Rivers.”

“On your life don’t you tell himaword of
this! One side or the other is for you, and I be-
lieve in Pinnacle Pete. If you give away any
information you are working against your own
interests—it may be for your own ruin. You
have no idea of the danger yo stand in. I do
not want . to alarm you: bu ‘ I see more than
ever that here we are beyond the law, and a.
prize that these villains will never willingly let
slip through their fingers. I believe there will
be bloodshed, and there may be death before we:
see home again.”

For about the first time in her life Serena
spoke not only solemnly but impressively, and
Theo, who was ordinarily too headstrong to be
easily influenced, was affected even more than
she knew, and she knew it was a great deal.

“ What have you heard?” she exclaimed, in a
thick whisper. “ Certainly more than you have
told me.”

“ Veryrlittle: but that little was a. warning.
We have talked very bravely about shooting;
but the time may come that we will have to do
something at it in good earnest. But never
mind me. I am nervous: I am worn; I am not
near as courageous as I thought; and instead
of being an aid and comfort I am doing my best
to frighten you before the time. You knew me
better than I know myself.”

The increasing nervousness of her companion
had a calming effect, strange as it may seem.

“ Humbug!” she said, quietly. "

“You have bad a long 'ourney, and several
very exciting adventures. ow we have had a
day or so of rest and quiet, and the reaction has
come. Here, you must move about. Fresh air
and sunshine are the medicines that Doctor
Lande prescribes. They will be better for you
than lavender and valerian.”

“ If taken anywhere else than in Way Back. I

But come! we will try your prescription. There
can be little danger in daylight; surely, you will
not venture beyond the limits of the town.”

“ Have gen got your revolver with you?”

“ Yes. at where are you going?”

“ Where the spirit moves us. Something tells
me that our excursion will not be without its
profit.” ‘

The jesting tone of Theo had its effect. Her
friend brigh ened. lau bed, and followed with-.
out a wor . As they ascended the steps of the
porch Wan Wing came skipping down. -

“ Girley go walkee? Wau Wing go walkee.
Bad man come him an’ be levolver maskee Lome
howlee, belley much alle way uppee.”

CHAPTER XXX.
URIAH DROPS.
Tun presence of the Chiuaman had not been
specially desired; but since he had made his a
.arance neither thought of sending him bac .
omehow he had dropped into their confidence,
and without any great faith in his courage or
his wit they tacitly acce ted him as aboutas
cod a makeshift as We ack could produce in
t e line of disinterested riendship.
He dropped behind a few ces, and followed
with a. gravity that woul have been really
amusing it the young ladies could have only seen

 

it. , .
Way Back did not offer much of a field for

romenaders, nor much of beauty to sight-seen.
t was a straggling, miserably-built little camp,
the Early Dawn Hotel and the Mint Saloon be-
ing the largest, and indeed about the only good
buildings in it, than h there were a few others
that were comfortab e by comparison with the
rest, and the post-ofice was in a small but sub-
stantial house. « ’ 2
Sid Compton’s residence was not within the
limits of the town proper, and so didn’t count.
Theo and her friend had already explored the
town, and knew about what to ex 1 t. The
streets showed no sign of the late to n, the ’red

clag being baked to an almost brick hardness; '
an

save a. roughness here and there the walk- _,
ing was very fair if one was willin to keep in.l
the middle of the road between the cases. 7

Without making deliberate choice. .they. ,, .,

strolled along in the direction they had taken
the evening of their flight from the Mint, and

finally found themselves just where they had, » I

been when the two outlawsghad recaptured
them. .. -

 

lp They fancied they could see, as they looked

around, tbsvery spot whence ,,the 3f

\

 

 

Theo- .

Mum“ .34ng ~'  v.2nesszcmsfz.e»..fi.w «

2'.

_. y
g.

. ‘ ‘hflufi ....- ..,.

.

 

-flx,‘

, I- __M I so,
x...,.«.......e,~;;.3;,  r-r

.,, ~;—-.

' Va“: .

 
    

  

 
    
   
        
       
          
     
    
   

 

           
     
    
   
   
   
  

«I,

I,

l I
. I

i

'K

 

 

. Pinnacle Pete.

 

 

 

up, and where the stutterer stood when the
sound of his voice caused them to run away.

For almost the first time they realized how
much they were indebted to Uriah for his ap-
pearance.

“Serena, it is very queer that the mystery
never before appeared to me so strange.”

“ What mystery, dear?”

“ Or our indebtedness so deep. Really, we
have been very ungrateful, or—or—something
else. It uddles my head to think of it.”

“ \gain I fail to understand you.”

“ hy, you see, if the stammering man they
call Uriah, and the Fool from Way Back, and
all that, had not been just where he was we
would have been carried awa again to the
mountains. It is evident that t e. outlaws be-
lieved him to he the man who, single-handed,
fought almost their whole band, and was on the
point of effecting our rescue.”

H I see 7)

“ But if that man was Pinnacle Pete—I can

, well believe it from what they say of him~and

if Pinnacle Pete and the Short Sport are the
same. this could not have been he, since we left
him behind us when we ran away from the
Mint.”

“ Very true.”

“But this was the man that was taken from
the stage at the same time that we were. How
do you suppose he got away; where bad he been
meantime! And you heard what Sally Rice
said? I am afraid we made a very great mis-
take when we failed to have Uriah hunted up.”

“ As no doubt we would have done had not
the jud re disparaged the man with whom he
lives. t looks as if every one had taken a. little
too much for granted when a few moments of
sober thought would have shown that there was
a mistake somewhere."

“ I wonder if we could find him now?”

As they had slackened their pace Wan Wing
had ained on them so much as to be within
hearing distance.

“Hi-yah! You wanchee see Uliah? Him
Missee Campton’s compladoah. Walkee-walk
one littee piecee fiuddah glil flndee Campton
house. T’at t’ing be fu’st—chop, numbee one.
He allo time t’ere. Askee whatchee wantee him
talkee talkee tluth allo time. T’at w’y him
callo Doolee flom Way Back.” .

“Is it worth our while?” said Theo, in nir-
inqu. “Where does this Mr. Compton ive?
How far is it from here?”

“ One little pieces stlaight ahead. You go so
fashion you findee chopchop. Maybe maskee
bi t'ing on ice. Eh, ch’hoy!’ I

9 pointed along a narrow trail that was al-
most hidden among the mesquites, and it was
evident that he meant it was only a short dis-

tance.

The town had almost disappeared from sight,
but there seemed no danger near; no reason
why they should not continue their stroll if it
was likely to lead to anything.

“ Show the way,” said Theo. ‘

“We will follow you, but keeep an eye out
for danger. There is no telling what is gomg
to happen before we get out of these woods.”

The fresh air, the sunshine and exercise had
produced ,a very stimulating effect, certainly,
or the would scarcely have thrust themselves
into t e line of adventure so soon after their
doleful conference at the Early Dawn. Wau
Wing was in front now, and went forward like
one who knew the road, until there was a break
in the shrubbery. ' .

“ Hi-yah l” he exclaimed. ,

“ T’at’s one pieces Uliah now. He cohom to
Way Back. Glil wautchee talkee-talkee w1t‘ he,
sta light heah." I

I'Zwas a. good enough spot for an interwew,
and they took the advice, seating themselves
upon a {convenient bank, and watching the ap-
proach of Uriah, the stutterer, Whom they rec-
ognized without any difliculty.

“ Supposing; Theo, that the gentleman should
turn out to (5 your long-lost brother, what
would you do about it?"

.There was a twinkle in Serena’s eyes as she
asked the question. The idea had occurred to
her, and it seemed too comical not to ventilate
it; and she was surprised to note the start that
Theodosia. gave. It led her to continue the bad-
inage. . .

“ Come, now’ on asked him no questions,
and I’ll wager t at he has never heard your
name. Why might it not be? The transition
from Soft Jimmy to the Foo! of Way Back is
not so hard to understand, and with allidue re-
spect to your feelings, from what you have said
of Master Rolland this fresh young rustic would
just about fill the bill.” I

“Hush, den 1 Don’t jest on such a. seriOus
subject. Rollénd was easily led, though hard
to drive; but he was not precisely a fool.”

“ And this young gentleman is not as big a
fool as he looks. v Note the color of his hair and
e es. and his walk. Really—oh!”

The brief exclamation was wrung from her
in her surprise, but it had hardly escaped her—
had he been listening so near were the. watchers
that he could have heard iii—before she clapped

1,61..th to her mouth  cowered down, I

' in silence.’ _
Pfigmt the rest could both see 

\

  

 

 

While the two young ladies were watching
him, there was a shar ) report, and then, with
outstretched arms an the blood Welling out
over his face, Uriah fell headlong.

CHAPTER XXXI,
THE DAISIES AGAIN AT THE FRONT.

THE Fool from Way Back lay motionless as
he had fallen, and for an instant the spectators
of the trn edy cowered as silent, waiting to see
what we d come next.

Perhaps the late jesting conversation of
Serena now bore its fruit.

“I can stand it no longer,” whispered Theo-
dosia. _

“ It must have been an accident. Surely no
one could be so brutal as to shoot him down in
cold blood. See, no one appears the report
seemed to come from a distance. I’erhaps he is
not dead. I will go to him.”

Hesitating no longer, she ran down the path
along which he had been advancing.

The distance was nothing—~01in a few yards.
Before the others thought of whispering a can
tion or stretching out a hand to detain her, she
was at his side, and holding his head in her lap,
unmindful of the blood that was staining her

 

Bands and slowly dropping down upon her
ress.
Serena for a moment did not move, but

watched in breathless eagerness for some sign
of recognition.

None came. Half hidden though his features
were with the crimson stain, it seemed certain
that Theo would have recognized him, had he
been her brother. Before she had laid his head
down softly, Serena had come forward, and
Wau Wing was by her side.

“ What shall we do?” cried Serena, looking
helpless] at the body. \

“ Ha, al Do nothing at all, little one, but to
raise your hands up very empty, and very high,
and keep them there until you get your orders.
And you, Miss Lande. don’t ‘worry about the
guileful fraud that has managed to steal the
title of the Fool from Way Back. I generally
know just where 1 put my leadyancl though this
seems to have hit a little deeper than I intended
it, you can safely take your affidavit that he’s
all right up to the present time, save and except-
in a slight thump on the skull that will end—if
it astime—in a thumpinger headache. Here,
three or four of you fellows! Here’s the big-
gest piece of luck I ever prayed for. Took in a
whole flock with one stone. One of you tie the
crittur upso he can’t do no damage when he
begins to try to kick, a couple of you lead of!
the young ladies; and as for the Chinaman—
blame his infernal Mongolian features l—I guess
you’d better cut his throat.” .

The speaker was Dan the Daisy himself, and
he seemed to be backed by force enough to make
all thouglht of resistance or escape a folly. He
had as e had threatened, kept an eye on the
trail, and when Uriah came alon without a.
word of warning, down he went. 9 came out
quietly from t e mesquites and at his heels four
or five of his enchmen. JWhen Uriah fell they
remained hidden long enough to see if an one
was in hearing distance: when the young adies
appeared they found they had done more than
they had counted on, an came into the open si-
lelgly and withouthesitation.

very one of the three was taken ofi’ guard,
Theodosia still knelt over the senseless man,
Serena was at her shoulder watchin them both,
while bending over, with a curious 00k of con-
cern in his yellow face, Wau Wing had eyes
and ears for nothin else

So it was that w en Daniel 5 ke his first
word Theodosia felt his hand on ,er shoulder,
tightening slowly into a grip that she knew no
strength of hers could shake off, Serena was
looking into the muzzle of the captain’s revolver
while two of the road-agents, one on each side,
had seized the Chinaman in no gentle grasp.

Between the shock of seeing what the be-
lieved was a cool—blooded assassination, an the
reappearance of the Daisies, the two friends had
nothing to say.

With Wau Wing it was different. For him
the danger was more immediate and ressiiig.
There was no joke in the tones of an the
Daisy. With'other men than outlaws the life
of a. Chinaman was held scarcely so high as that
of an ox; and his order wasve likely to re-
ceive a literal interpretation. he man on his
right let go his hold and stepped a pace back,
drawing his knife and looking at the little fel-
low with a ferocious lare.

“ Jest turn his hea back. an" hole his chin up
a bit till I kin git a fair sight at his thrapple.
Betcher a slug I kin slice his nutt clean off at the
fu’st chop.”

“ Wal, jest see er don’t slice me. It’sdurned

  

‘little out while he gave a jerk at Wan Wing’s
head, \which he was clutching, by the pigtail
that had become unwound.

Wan Wing’s tongue was silent. but his mind
was wide. awake. ‘ Like a flash his little hand
that bad Just received its freedom shot out, and
down dropped )the speaker more suddenly than.
if the knife had struck him as he feared. Then

 

 

   

    
  

 

WW.

. around wh ’ d, the-Chinaman, and darted“ t
«the knife H? viede a

- way to meet this voung man.

easy ter chop a eetle too fur,” and he stood a'

 

' ustflomand'might have given a reckless one

     

cat and struck like chain-lightning. Before
the outlaw had his blade poise there Was a dull
crash, and he went rolling end over end.

Just then was Wan Wing’s chance to escape.
A short run. a spring into the mesquites, and
with his knowledge of the lay of the land he
could not have been seen a min until he was I
fairly within the limits of Vay Back. The “
trouble was that he was not half enough scared ‘
for his own good. He had sent two men down .
without their having uttered a sound; he l(.0k€d 7
for a third victim, and found him. , ,

Near at hand one of the Daisies was so busily .
engaged tying the limbs of the prostrate Uria
that he had not seen what was going on. ,

Perhaps he did not want to see, after having 1 i
heard the captain’s order. ;

The sudden cyclone struck him as‘it had done ,
the others; and then Wau Wing, having put
three men out of the way in about five times as
many seconds, leaped to the side of Theodosia
anddrew his revolvers. \ 

The worst little man in all Way Back could' . 
not have done his work more promptly. but the ' " 5
contract was a shade too heavy. As his hand.
came up Daisy Dan sprung in, caught his wrist,
forcing his hand upward, at the same time
deftl tripping up his heels.

“ less mvsoul, little heathen, who a hum-
mer from Hummersville, and 0. ad man from
up the creek! Here! Don’t kill him; take him
along. We need just such a man to cook; and.
before he’s been in camp a week he’ll be as good
8. Daisy as any of you. The unsanctifled little
villain was using a slung—shot! Tie his hands
behind his back, and march him off with the
ladies.”

In the grip of the captain Wau W'ing was per-
fectly he pless and he recognized the fact, Since
he made neither outcry nor struggle, and sub.
mitted to having his hands tied and his slung-
shotdand revolvers taken from him without a. ,
wor .

“ This one’s a reg’lar leetle cat," remarked the
road—agent who had Serena in charge. .

“Got out this hyar op-gun, an‘ would ’a’ used
it fur keeps. too, of I edn’t been spry. Blame _
me, ef I don’t begin ter b’lieve they’r’ bad medi-- - - Li
cine fur us.” 4 *

“ If you’re afraid of two women and a heathen
Cilhinele pass in your resignation!" retorted Dan,

s a y.

“ n’ my checks along with it? Eh! No,
siree. I’m only a-tellin‘ ov yer how things war
a-workin’.”

“ I don’t just remember asking any questions.
When I do it will be time enough to ventilate
your suggestions. You’re taken in on the ~

ound oor to be spry. You’re runnin hes. ' «

ig risks when you ain't. That’s all t are 3
about it. Now, to get out of this. ’

“ One moment, if you please. Of course I un-
derstand what this means, I have bought my-
self out of yourhands once; and I so pose I,
must do, it again. But this time I must argain ,
for more than myself and friend. I was on my - . ‘

I do not know
yet with an certainty: but somehow I suspect I
that I may ave a peculiar interest in him. Be-
ware what you do to him, for I swear that 1111- '
less he leaves your hands uninjured, and comes
safely into town, not another cent of mine do
you see. So help me Heaven! If you harm
another hair of his head I’ll die in your hands
before I give another dollar to such unfeeling
wretches. Balsa him u tenderly. Ibelieve he
is more seriously injur than you think. And

I speak for the Chinaman, too. If he has done
any injur to any one it has been in my defense; ‘ ‘4.
and I wil not knowin ly desert a friend.” ’ “

“ That’s enough. e know your platform . ,
now; and we'll and on it—if convenient. For .
the peresent—with you to look after—Uriah is a
whi elephant, but unless Way Back makes it ,‘
too hot to hold him he need not come to anypei»
manent harm. Alwa 3 provided, of course, ..
that you make it of Sn cient importance for us '
to look after him. When we get through with '
this little set-up I don’t think it will make much
difference whether or not Uriah takes our trail. ’ . '
But if I couldn’t buy you a better brother than ' »<
he is for half the money he’s going to cost lyom ‘ 9|,
before you get through, I’d go to kingdom g cry ‘
on a white mule.”

“ And do you think he is her brother?"

Serena turned upon him sharply, and thrust H .
the guestion as though it was a. sword. '

“ h. glory! I don’t know. The family rec-
ord has not been in my keeping. Any man that
will desert such charming society ashe evident]
had at home, and come out here to work for his
board and clothes, must be just such a. flat as 
Sid Campton is supposed to have. That’s gen; 
oral rinciples. Be ond that I know nothing.”

“ at you she d. Is he or is he. not the
young man you and our comrades in 
robbed of teh thousan dollars and threw over
the rocks on the road from Bard Luck to Way
Back?” - .

“ 0h, Serena!" , ,,

Theodosia heard her with surprise and grief-u»:
would have stop her had she known in, time
what she was going to say. ~ .

The interruption was unfortunate. Dan the
Daisy was more than su rised at the homey

 

  
   
  
    
   
  
   
  
     
  
   
  
   
 
  
   
   
  
  
 
    
  
 
    
  
   
   
  
  
 
  
   
   
   
    
   
  
   
         
 
  
 
      
      
     
   
 
   
 

  

   
     
  

".

   

  
 
  
 
 
  
 

QG

28.

.  ., l ;.
.’1< .. an,”

Pinnacle Pete.

 

 

 

swer had he not had time to reflect. While a ] primarily because Ca taln Dan proposed to take
lady was speaking or about to speak, he was 1 a hand anwow, a'nd e did not care to trust his

privilefied to keep silence.

But iss Wild had never taken her eyes from

. his face, and still insisted:

* “ I am waiting for my answer.”

, ,r “’Which is your blessed privilege. There’s
time enough for such nonsense elsewhere; just

.a at present it is time to be making ourselves
scarce.”

“ You think Way Back might give you some 1

thing to do besides catching inoffensive women,

if it was known that you were so near? You

are right. Be prudent If one man could stand

off your whole gang, as did Pinnacle Pete, about
. . three would exterminate the clan.”

“ To Hades with Way Back! We’ll give them

a. rustle to-night—such a rustle as you read

about. I’ll tell you of it to-morrow, when we’ve
sacked the town. Now, forward!”

The. outlaws intended to move, and they

moved; the girls and Wan Wing at the oint of

, the istol, and Uriah in the arms of the rawny

,; roa -agents.

 

CHAPTER XXXII.
MAJOR GAY BUCKS THE TIGER.

Tun absence of the young ladies attracted no
attention at the Early Dawn until dinner-time.

Possibly it would not have done so then; but
to provide for it, a boy brought in a note to the
proprietor, written in a flowing, feminine hand,
and signed Theodosia. Lande.

It Simply said that no uneasiness should be
felt on accountof their absence, as they had ex-
tended their walk as far as Sid Compton’s. and
were beingyentertainod by his sister. If They
would probably remain there during the day,
since they had unexpectedly met with congenial

_. seciety.

‘ia Very natural all that seemed, and sothere was
1,, no commotion through the camp—no mass-
;z- ' 'meeting ,to express the indignation all felt—as

 there would have been had not everybody been
__ left to attend to his own business.

At the Mint there was a. very full attendance
that night, including Eric Rivers.

The judge had taken’the chances, and gone
out to the ad Rock with Armadel. Theodosia
eVen believed in the story of Uncle Dav , as re-
hearSed by Dan the Daisy, he doubte if she
‘ would or could take any action in the matter at

‘  once and within twenty-four hours the outlaw
x could act. — . '

“Lightnings blast it! Were it not for those
sleuths I might—yes, 1 would stay. and fight it
3 out from within the lines. If Dan removes
,them, well and good. I will leave the mine in
safe hands-—Armadal is the man for that, in
spite of what Dan and I said last night—take

my departure openl , and then hark back to the
Daisies and Miss two. If he fails in that I‘ll
' , take a hand in the red work and risk the mine.
)Sam could safely try the freeze-out on my wick-
red partner, while I would scarcely care to meet
him if- he comes in such dubious company as the
' Short Sport.”
; ' In some such way as that had run his reflec-
g’.‘  V tions in the early morning. and he had taken
Armadal With him, to view the property and re-
,rceive instructions what he was to do in case of
‘cmergengy.

The ju go too had received a. note, but it was
not iua feminine hand, and it bore no signa-
1?ture,th01}§h he knew at a glauce that it was,

from the I aisy captain. It read:

"“Luck by the harrelfull. Corralled the whole
herd at the first clatter. Be at the Mint to-night.
Take everything easy. no matter what on see and
if there‘s an explosion, you and your riends he in
the way of every one but me. For the present I am
' =.safe, wher: hawk nor hound could follow. Will
give you directions when we meet."
“ Confouml him, what does he mean? After
«the late rackets at the Mint, Paddy will have
' his corps of heelers under strict discipline, and
.. .if he attempts to start a row there there will be
a heap more lead than glorygoin . If I don’t
take hold and run thin 25 as l u to. we'll all
memo to smash. An I suppose, since he’s
fitheredu a gang of his own, Daniel would
2 ck like a esas steer on that. I can’t blame
 for it stands to reason that we can’t both
.be hos-lees. I’ll be there though, and perhaps
fie him a. word of warning, in time to prevent

g, should I see that it is needed.”

6 did not think it worth while to explain

', everything to Specter Sam.

 

 

  
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
   
    
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
   

He intended to use
him in the mine, if necessary, but concluded to
trust him as little as possible concerning his
plans in regard to the youn ladies. Sam ac-
-' cepteri the position provisions 1y tendered with-
out objection, seeming to believe that it was
what Rivers had in view for him all the time.
He also accepted the hint that he might see
.istrauge visitors at the Mint, and that he should
keep watch on his tongue, and be careful not to
go for the wrong man.

‘, And of course the judge did not go tothe
.Mlnt alone, leaving Sam out of the account.
5 There were half a dozen men there, who moved
r ' at the crook of his finger, and Jack Stevens was
gmeirleader. The outside world did not know
’ it; but the reader by this time knows that he
had his resources, and that if he preferredan
Daisies in his game for Theodosia, itV

  
 

 

I heelers in

 

ay Back with that secret, e cially
when there was danger that his past its was
going to rise up against him, and he might want
to abandon everything here, and leave no trace
behind him.

Supper had been over some time and the judge
was just starting out when the stage drove up.
There were three or four passengers, and with
natural but meaningless curiosity he watched
them descend.

Several of them were ordinary enough-look-
ingfindividuals; but there was one who attracted
his attention, a tall, handsome, well~prcserved
looking gentleman with locks so gray-as to be
almost silvery, and apparently not far from
sixty, He had the somewhat stiff bearing of a
military man. and replied curtly to the saluta-
tion of John Partridge, and then strode into the
house. -

" Hungry as a bear, sir,” he said, to Part-
ridge, who followed him in. “ Let me have sup—
per as expeditlously as possible. Half—starved
in this infernal country, sir.
I rode over it a dozen years ago at the head of my
troopers, Show me a room, if you have such a
thing. Show me the room, otherwise. Grad,
sir! must get some of this alkali washed off.
Feel like a pore mbnlating mountain of dirt.”

“ Sartain. Ther Early Dawn’s no slouch ov
a hotel. Mebbe you‘d like ter wush aleetle ov
it out, fu’st. Hev a private demyjohu that’s
hard to heat~an’ hyar’s yer register.”

“ Set it up, sir; set them both up. Can look
at them, anyhow. Ah, this promises well.”

Evidently somewhat surprised at the looks of
the liquor he continued pouring until his g ss
was even full. Then after sampling it, e
drained it slowly and with the air of a connois-

seur.

5‘ I‘ll take the barrel, sir, at your own price,"
he remarked, deep satisfaction in his tone.

“ Now for the register.”

‘Vith tolerable distinctness he made an entry:

“ MAJ. JOHN GAY, BROOKLYN, N. Y.”

Then he looked over the names.

“ Ahl” he said, pointing with his finger.

“These young ladies! Are they with you yet?
Are they stopping here?”

“ So ter speak they be. The’r baggage are
here, an’ the’r room waitin’ fur ’em; but'tbey
went out ter Sid Cam ton’s this morninl an’
ain’t got back yet. She I menshnn yer name
of they come?” i

“ Not necessary; not necessary. They are al-
most neighbors of mine, know them well. Now,
the room, and then supper.”

“ All right! This hyar way. That infernal
Chinyman are out er that way ag’in. I’ll
bounce him this time, sure.”

“And this Campton that you mentioned,
where will I find him?” I

“ He gin’rally drops ’round to ther Mint S’loon
0v an evenin’, when he comes ter town. Ef
yer don’t find him thar you’d better wait till
mornin’. Ther road’s kinder lonesum, an’ ther
Daisies hev bin makin’ things lively ’round Way
Back.”

Heard of them.

“ Um! Infernal scoundrels.

Ou htto be exterminated. Driver’s talked of‘

not ing else all the we. down. Give us a. rest.
Tired, dirty and sick 0 the subject.”

So the military-looking gentleman followed
Partridge, made himself presentable, took his
supper with an appetite that was undeniably
good, lit his ci er, threw his military-looking
cloak over his 5 oulders, and strolled out with-
out taking further counsel of any one.

Eric Rivers, who had only lingered long
enough to see him enter the hotel, started ‘in
s ite of himself when, on looking up, he saw
the major at the door. Their eyes met unre-
ly and the stranger stepped forward w thout
hesitation. ,

“ I have been informed, sir, that there was a

chance. of findin a Mr. Sid Compton here.
Can on tell me w ether he is in the house.”
j‘ eis not at .present, but possibl may be
soon, as he calls in quite frequen y; though
lately he has not lingered as long as usual when
he does come."

“ Thank you. If there is a, chance I can af-
ford to wait. What sort of a man is this Cam
ton, sir? Is he a gentleman; is he a reliabe
man, sir?” ‘

Rivers laughed.

“ As far as I know I should answer yes. We
don’t know much about him here, as he does not
carry his heart on his sleeve; and has not been
with us so very long. A pretty clever man, all
round, plays a stiff game of cards when he is in
the humor, don’t seem afraid of anything, and
just now is diggin a hole that the most of- us
think will strike hina before it does nartz.
No telling, though. There’s a heap o luck
about such things.” .

“ What, sir, is his-object in digging that hole
if his chance is so slender?" '

“Wh , the fact is, I suspect he bought a.
salted 'm; and is goin ahead on it just as a
man backs a losing our right straight along
bet-an? he thinks luck is bound .to ,turn on it

30011. "
'.‘*Ah..~s.me 

    
  

 

he will gay

 

Worse than when

 

. armstrap.”

for his experience. A good deal of card- la in
in Way Back, is there not?” p y K

From what John Gray could see going on
around him he had good grounds for his re-
mark; though Rivers was inclined to un-
derstand it use challen e. ,

“ Considerable, thong I must really be
toexcuse me for not offering to furnis
With amusement. l have sworn 011’.”

“Indeed!” said the major, lifting his eye-
brows ina way that represented incredulity.
“Once in grace always in grace. You will be-
gin again. Meantime I scent fare in the dis-
tance. What sort of a game do they deal here;
and isitheavy enough to justify a gentleman
wasting his time over lit”

“ I‘rlon’t remember any one ever exhausting
the capital of the bank, which I behave is
limited to five thousand; but Billy Morgan, the
gentleman at the box, is considered to be a.
square little sport. He attends strictly to busi-
ness and has hosts of friends—the more per-
haps, because it has been discovered that he is
an uncomfortable man to crowd. Yet if he
had been suspected of playing advantages the
men of Way Back have nerve enough to make
the charges.” I

“ Very well then, very well. I will fill in a
little time while. I wait. Should Mr. Campton
come in would you kindly point him out?”

The two men moved u to the table together,
and the major bought is chips and proceeded
to business in a way that showed him to be not
altogether a. novice.

His appearance had already attracted atten-
tion, and his game was watched with some
curiosity.

Billy Morgan acknowledged his presence by a
nod and laid 011‘ card after card with the usual
cold smile on his face; but the major showed
such strong signs of eagerness and temper that
he was set down as one who played for excite-
ment rather than profit.

And the major, from the very start, played a
loading game. Now and then he hit the right
card; but it was seldom. For several deals he
was a steady loser ; and he bet with more and more
recklessness as luck became pronouncedly
against him. ' ,

" Five hundred on the turn,” be said sharply.”
“ Deuce, ace, and the kin in the box.”

“ So you think,” said illy, looking quietly
around to see if there were any more bettors.
“ One guess is as good as another till we know
different. Are you all done?”

And when no one responded he pulled the
cards more like a machine than ever, while he
muttered. ,

“' euce, king, and the ace, in the door. Bank
wins.”

“ A moment, sir, if you please. Will you
kindly pull that ace forward just a trifle?”

The major was quivering all over, but Bill
only answered by‘giving t e ace 8. shove wi
his thumb. -

The act Seemed mechanical—and also unfor-
tunate. '

Behind the ace lay a duplicate king of hearts.

you
you

“Ah ha! you robber, robber, robber!”
shouted the major, whipping out a pair of re-
volvers, and coverin Bil y’s head. ‘ '

" You have cheate me,sir,all the way through.
Give me back my money instantly, or die l” ‘

CHAPTER XXXIII.
ran BIG RACKM AT WAY BACK. ,

BILLY MORGAN was the coolest man in the ‘
room. The revolvers were vei close but he
did not wince, nor did he try to raw a weapon.
There was one right at his hand, but under the
circumstances it was three to one that the
stranger had the best of it, all around, and that
if he shot the dealer the latter was all paid for.

“ Put up your p0 uns. old gentleman, and
talk a. little sense. out are a stranger in the
camp, while I am pretty well known here. You
can’t make any of them behave thatIpla a
skin game. The men of Way Back would rat er
swear that you had been putting up some sort of
a sine, yourself' and got left.’

‘Cannot they helieve their own eyes? Who
of them has ever one away ahead of the game?
Convicted cheat. want mymoney back, or I
will shoot you while you sit. ‘ ,

“ Don’t, pop! You d only mussthe floor up and,
not a cent would you ever see. Come outsides,
if you want to use your barke and I’ll '
mine. We’ll just have an elegant time. We’
make that street swim in gore.” * '

“ AM You would make fun of me.
shoot you where you sit, but I can aflord to,
wait. Inside or outside, it makes but little dif-
ference to me so that 1 have my moneyand '
revenge l”

“Whist, there ye bloody spalpeenl” shouted
a new voice. “ it out or this, er it’s or skin
Oi’ll be afther crackin’ wid this swam it ova
switch.” /

Paddy Milligan had noted the scene from a.
distance. Now he was flourishing a club as big
around as his arm. ‘ ' ‘

“Yes, out with you. I’ll put you to bedj
tucked in with a lead blanket,” shouted Billy 
Morgan. "‘It‘s your game or I' don’t know 4
‘when a sanded deck has been wrung iuwithen ,

 

   
  

 
    

 

 

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I .3.

 

 

 

 

 



l
‘1
l

«‘45:  r 

r

. 

 

 

 

Ishould V.v

 

 

 

 

     
   
   
 

, being with

 

.,...,....W.}.: I .,..,  l _,,_..‘I ‘ y:  ,

,Pinnacle Pete. J

29

 

And then Billy rose quietly.

There was a wonderful amount of excitement
in the room the larger portion of its occupants

Morgan, and when it began to look
as though a duel was going to be the result there
was more of a flutter than ever.

“ Come on, Paddy. Bring the tools and give
us the send-off. The gentleman says pistols for
two and I never make a deal that I wasn’t ready
to back that way.” I

“ Will you arrange?” asked the major, turning
to Judge Rivers.

“ Certainly, sir, if you don’t demand too
much punctilio. If you are anything of qShOt
the hour is as good as noonday, and I thillk‘I
can assure you that there Will be no untair
advantage taken. You will have to run your
chances, though. Billy is a. dead-shot and Will
try to kill.” ' '

“ Don’t‘ be concerned, Sir. If he 18 a fancy
shooter, so much the better. When he comes to
meet a. gentleman that understands the business
he may be nowhere. The very fact of his being
a. convicted cheat Whom I might have shot down
like a mad dog, will unsettle his nerves.”

“ Don’t gamble on that; Billy has no nerves
to unsettle. And if he had he would be too rav-
ing mud to be bothered with them. You‘ve got
a sharp eye, though. No one in this camp'ever
drop ed to it that he was using a spring box.”

“ ut, tut! They’re all spring boxes. Never
saw one that wasn’t. But we’ll talk all that
over after I’ve potted my man. Arrange it;
any way you choose.” '

A little apart from all the rest stood Major
Gay, with his military cloak wrapped around
him, the observed of observers, while Rivers
conferred with Paddy Milligan. _

The saloon was thoroughly emptied of all its,
visitors and mosn. of its attaches. Such a sudden
clearing out had seldom been seen;lfor every
one was interested in the duel, which was a.
great deal more comfortable to witness than the
average gromiscuous riot, where bullets were
prone to I}; very Wild. .

Althoug Billy had dropped his man more
than once, and was a bad man among the Wick-
ed, there was very little odds going. Somethi
about the major, stranger though he was, sai
he was dangerous. After it was once arranged
that they were to meet, his cool, Silent way was
as perfect as that of Morgan. .

‘ All right,” said the judge, coming 

“Paddy will place his man in the middle of
the road, below there, and you will take your
station over yonder. That Will be about thirty

aces. They wouldn’t agree to any frills; so
when I dischar a my revolver you are both fat
liberty to cut oose, any way_ on choose With
this proviso, that if any outSi ers are hit the
balance are at liberty to take a hand.” _

“Perfectly satisfactory—anything is satisfac-
tory so that we get to business. Point out my
position.” . _

The jud 6 led his principal to'the center of the
street, an placed him facing Billy Morgan.

“ You have two revolvers, have you not, and
you are satisfied to use your own tools?”

“ I would not carry them if I was not."

" Then kee your ears open‘and your wits
about you. might say that my svm ethics
are with Billy, but‘I shall do my whole uty by

u.” ’

“That’s all right Lucifer. And if you/hear
the highest old racket this side of Texas walk
the other way, and strike for the Cave of the
Winds.” I _

“ The devil l” exclaimed the judge.

5‘ Don’t give me away,” responded the major,
in a low tone, that unmista. ably belongs to

Dais .
D?th cooyl and let things settle. Join me
soon. verything is in the corral, and you can
pick your cattle. Now, go.” «

Without another word the judge turned and
strode away toward the sidewalk.

“ All ready l” he shou . . I

And then the sharp crack of his own revolver
echoed onvtbe night air.

At the signal there were two other reports
followin each other so quickly as almost to
blend. illy Morgan winced, staggered and
settled down to the ground in a sitting position;
but those who were watching his antagonist
saw him drop at the flash, and remain stretched
out. So motionless was he that more than one
thought the ball was over.

Just in time to check the rush for the fallen
men he was, seen to rise a little, and thrusting
his weapons forward begin a. fusilade that look-
ed very much as though he was firm at n-
dom. First came a. couple of shots, t en an n-
terval, then more shots as fast as he could work
thumb‘and finger, until a dozenehad been fired.
AItogether there was noise enough Jor a. small
army to have made; and the citizens of Way
Back were worked to the highest pitch of ex-
citement when there came a variation not down
on the programme, as they understood it.

Around the corner of the Mint came a. little

uad of horsemen, half a dozen in number.

ho they Were, how they came to be there, was
[1 y dashed straight toward where

a mystery. T e ,

the ‘ ' entleman was lyin and as the
near-:11] it8 could be seen that gay had with
than; a. lad hf?!”- , .

 

Holland

 

Up from the ground sprung the recumbent
man, vaulting into the saddle Without percepti-
ble slackening of the speed of the party, which
Swept away at a great rate.

There was a calm such as precedes the storm, .

and floating back came alaughing voice.

“ Ha. ha!
the best compliments of Dan the Daisy! Sold
again!”

Then there was a hubbub of voices, and as
about every one was armed the crowd ran
along the sidewalk—or what went under that
name—and began to shoot, though Paddy Milli—
gun and a few others hurried out to where
Billy Morgan had settled down, in a half-coma-
tose condition.

“ Inter the house wid him!” exclaimed Paddy,
“ an’ we’ll see how bahd he's plugged. Sure, an
no one kin till, out here in ther darruk. Lift
him jontly, though. Au’ it’s that thafe ov ther
worruld ’u’d be lyin’here ef Oi‘d had ther sinse
ave. goose. Wan poult av me cloob, an‘ Oi’d
hev sittled it all, an’ saved poor Billy.”

Billy was in a bad way; but it might have
been worse.

He had been struck twice. A ball had hit
him fairly in the thigh, another had grazed the
side of his head. \

Fortunately Doctor De France was at hand,
and took hold in an experienced way, that gave
him a very good chance to pull through. The
doctor was not only an expert, but an enthu-
siast in gunshot wounds, so that he was not di-
verted from his occupation when every one else
rushed to the bar at the sound of a deep groan
from behind it.

Investigation showed the bartender and his
assistant, in whose charge the room had been
left, were lying in a heap. Each of them had
been knocked senseless, and then bound and

gassed- . . . . .

“Phat the leln” exchiimed Milligan, as he
hastily looked around. '

His suspicions were realized all too soon. The
safe door stood wide open, and the iron box was
as empty as it was when it came from the
maker.

Though called a safe, the article was more
properly a chest, secured by a. lock that opened
and shut by the turning of a large iron key.

It only took a moment to discover the absence
of its late contents, and another to understand
the nature of the plot.

When nearly every one left the saloon to wit-
ness the duel, the Daisies had boldly made their
attack, opened the safe, abstracted its contents,
and sprung out of a window. Mounting on the
horses they had waiting for them, they had
picked up Captain Dan and made good their es-
cape. The whole thing was remeditated. be-
cause the safe had been open without injury
to it, and Paddy Milligan had his own key in his

pocket. 

“ An’ sure it’s not me own money that’s ther
botheration, but the moneyathat war left wid
me for safe-kaping. How s 11 I iver look the}
joodie in the face, ter so nothin’ av ther rist
an’ t er Short S rt, av ecomes? A thousand
dollars is riddy ther mon as brings ther spans
back!

The liberal offer was of no use, however.

The dropping shots had long since ceased, and
the citizens—more ashamed than they were
ready to confess—came wandering.back, talkin
of pursuit, but no one showin a lead. Had
they been able to see Dan the Daisy and his men
'ust then they would have seen a more disgusted
coking partyvthan could be found anywhere
else, even at say1 Back.

“That was a isy racket,” began Dan, as he
drew in his steed.

“ Before we go any further, J imsey, suppose
you turn over the'spoils. I can hear em howl
when they know the big pot isn’t in Paddy Mil-
ligan’s chest.”

‘/ Take it easy, captain,” responded the driller.

“ Bluff they were playing, wasn’t it? And
the biggest kind of a blufi it was. Some code
got the stakes, for here’s the Whole boodle, and
it don’t pan out a thousand dollars. I brought
the old hat alon to see what kind of stuff Paddy
keilfls in his VB. is.” .

'lligan’s hat was filled Wlth. per and a few
ieoes of fiuartz. What the ca was in that
an the aisy could not min he, and did not

try. Like another historic gentleman, he
stood in the middle of the road and swore at’

bar e. « . v

filter a little of this soul-satisfying exercise
he drew along breath, and was another man,
He gave a few brief orders, and sent the rest
scurrying along the road. Then he drew from
a saddle- uch a set of mufflers, which he fas-
tened on shorse’s feet. and then turned sharp-
ly aside and pursued his journey alone.

At that moment there was but one pair of
eyes on him, but the were sharp ones.

They belonged to pecter Sam.

CHAPTER XXXIV.
, wan WING as A SHEET-ANCHOR.
DAISY DAN had spirited away Theodosia and
the_rest of his captives so neat] that no sign of
trail was left behind, by’whic they could be
followed, had they been and sought for.
evidentlygnoved‘ his quarters to the

 

  
 

 

   
  
 

 

How is that on Way Back? With 1

1 regions lying on the opposite side of Way Back

and the young ladies found themselves in alto1
1 gather a new country, though this second lurk-
. lug-place was very little different from the first.
l is may have been that it was on account of
I Theo’s threat, or the captain of the road-a ents.
may have had some other motive; but riah
l was treated with all the tenderness that cii'cumo
stances admitted of. As the outlaw had said
he was not seriously injured. That is, the ball
had not bitten deep, and the Daisy would have
been up and about in an hour after the same
amount of injury.

Uriah took his time to it, and when he did
recover his consciousness, he looked around him
with a vacant sort of stare, not seeming to
recognize either the young ladies or the road-
a cute.

an Wing had wits for four, if any judgment
could be formed from the way his heady little
eyes roved around, and it was big odds that.
when he saw the intricate and dangerous road
again, he would know it.

The lane into which they finally turned was
not so distant from Way Back to one who knew
the route' and yet it was ten to one, or any
other odds, almost, that it would never be ‘
found.

“ his time, ladies, we will have to work the
mine for all it is worth. Pity for you that you
didn’t take warning and evacuate before we
had a chance to set up this second game.”

“ch. Pity it was that we did not suspect
that you had less honor, less principle, less man-
hood than even the average rufilanl” snapped
Serena. “When we had said you your price-
once that should have ma e us safe from you
for all time."

“ But it didn't, my child,” laughed Dan.
“Next time so nominate it in the bond, and.
don’t expect more than we promise. I see you
are in a very unsatisfactory frame of mind'
and I’m not ready for business myself. I‘ll.
leave you all to meditation and prayer, and to-
morrow we’lla rec on terms. I have business
in Way Back t is evening. and will be pleased.
totake an messages that you have for our
friends. othing to say, eh? So—long. 1' see»
you later.” -

He left them to their own devices—but under\
the charge of a. double guard. No getting away‘r
this time for Uriah, for he and Wan Wing were
handcuffed. . ,

They were huddled in a small cavern, one
side open to the air the outlet being a narrow _
passageway that led right down along to a little.
plateau on which the hand was camped, a dozen.
strong. Two men had charge of this avenue,
while in the prison-chamber itself, untteda.
raw—boned shaky-eyed, black-skinned 
woman. She glared at them with no friendly,
look, and fingered the knife in her belt at inter: I '
vals, staring at them in a. way that set Serena’s
teeth on edge, as she said in a whisper. The hag
had also a pair of serviceable-looking revolvers;
and would apparently have been guard enough.
of herself it she had a relief, as did the others.

Uriah went of! in a corner and Seating him—
self, dropped his chin into his manacled hands
and looked, as he usually did under adverse clr-~
cumstances. the very picture of despair. '

Theodosia was excited, was despondent, was
almost e erythin that a reasonably brave
young w man co d be under the circumstances;

at s e as not forgetful of her mission, norof‘
the half-formed idea that she was ashamed to-
acknowled e as a suspicion.

She wen over to him quietly—looked at him .
learchingly. Then, in a. ow tone: , ,'

“Tell me truly youn man, who are you!
Are you. can you he, R01 and Landei” ‘

‘ ggo ’way from me!” shouted Uria
throwing up his hands. “ I w-w-wish, Si
Cam ton ’d run his own weemin. G-g-go ’wayl”

“ newer me truly. I am your friend—per—
haps more. But I must have this suspense -,
settled. Who are you? Where did you come
“from?” ,

" I’m Uriah Snodgrass, from Boston w-w-way. ‘
I d—d-don’t know no Landes, an’ I d-d-don’t
w-w—want ter. G—g-go ’way or I'll h-hohurt yert'
I’ll stomp on yer w-w-with bb—both feet l” n

Then he a min ut up his hands sulkily to his
face and he not ing more to‘say. .

The last doubt of Theo was removed. This
was not her brother, anyhow. She turnedfrom
him to Serena. ‘ 7

“I’ve had one h of adventure, dear, and
when we get out 0 this I'm willing to go home,
and leave the m stery toothers to solve that can
do it with less gar. I don’t care who else
this young mania, he is not Rolland. and I
doubt very much if he will be able to glVe us
any real assistance. We must trust to the .
length of my purse.” ’ ’ ~

“ However long it is there’s a bottom some»
where. We are in more danger than I 111K910
think of. If Pinnacle Pete, of whom we have ,-
heen hearing everything and seeing nothing, is ’
gomg to do anythinfisnow is his chance. ow 
is it, Wan Wing? you think he is going-to
bearoundi” r ,

_The Chinaman grinned, and rolled his eyes ,
sideways till they rested on the Mexican woman ~-
squatted at the point of exit. . ,
“ Wan Wing no hop got one pieces t’inkee int

 

 

 

w ‘, ,  :.;..«,.‘..w-~13m~»... . . ,.  ' W,  

 

 

 

 

/.

3o

 I

'1

Pinnacle Pete. ‘ ‘

 

 

side w’at tim’ he cohom, but he be longey bim-
, by, soon. Glil dly uppee. No chin-chin. Keep
he eyes open, mout’ s’ut. Wan Wing takes
cake. Sabbe’! Eh, ch’hoyl” .
Everybody seemed to want silence, and silence
they had. The hours )assed slowly; but, all
the same, they passed. ‘hey had supper; eaten
in silence by seine, not at all by others. A cur-
tain of darkness was let down in front of the
cavern; and afire was kindled in one corner.
In another the Fool of Way Back snored loudly;

near him “You Wing seemed to be sleeping ‘

soundly, while Theo and her friend lay on the
only bed the room afforded, their arms clasped
around each other, now and then whispering
softly until they, too, fell asleep.

Something awoke Serena.

The fire was low, and their prison was full of
shadows. - She looked around her and saw the

-' Mexican woman stealing past her, aknife in
one hand, a revolver in the other.

From Uriah’s corner there were groans and
gnashiug of teeth. Perhaps he had the night-
mare—~it might be something else. The grena-
dier~like female was going to investigate.

As she stooped over him Serena saw another
shadow, and heard another sound. Wau Wing
hurled himself at the hag like a panther, struck
like a prize-fighter, and sent her down like lead.
In his hand he held a rock, and he used it for
what it was worth. She scarcely gave a moan,
and he had her bound and gagged in a jiffy.

Serena started up, but uttered no cry. She

- understood that the Celestial had slipped the
handcufls from his wrists and disposed of the
’1", woman, but to what good? They could not fly

aw.
au Wing came gliding to their bedside.

“ Glil wantchee tly, blake he neck one piecee
so fashion. Glil stay heah, Wan Wing fetches
Piunakee Petee. You sabbe?”

 

:- “Are you going to desert us? Cannot you
'.‘ , ' takeuswith you?”

. _ Wan Wing shook his head.

a “He no desult. He come mau—mau. He

., maskee much bobbely! He steallo one pieces
 lope, he climbee down lockee. T’at ghl no can
= .‘ -do; t’at Wau Wing can do. Be 010 hand at
, tlapeze. Him climbee ’way uppee. Girley go
_ sleep, see not’ing; t’at be how—tak-tsei—belley
. So—longee! You no belongee how fashion
au Wing waillo. You be allo lightey ’nother
tim’. Hi-yahl”
And Wau Wing stole away to the edge of the
rocky floor, and vanished over the ledge.

CHAPTER XXXV.
THE CONTENTS or MILLIGAN’S CHEST.

Pnauars Rivers made the mistake of his life
when he failed to‘keep a closer watch on Spec-
_ ter Sam. The fact was. the judge had barely
n, suspected that under the one of Major Gay
,, ‘, , might be found Pinnacle ate—and that, not-
'r-‘J‘ , ' withstanding what Dan the Daisy had told him.
' When the mask was thrown 03, no one was
.1, ,' , more surprised than he. His attention to the
it“ ‘ little game made him oblivious of his friend,
9. who was left to his own devices, and putting to-
gether what he saw and what he had known,
Armadel had already, beyond a reasonable
'doubt, solved one question. Before long he was
satisfied on another.

‘ . There was much land talk and a good deal of

‘ desperate language at the Mint as he entered.
Every one was sampling Paddy’s extract of
corn, and for once the proprietor was as bad as
the rest.

Mildly as he had championed the fictitious
major, there. was considerable talk about the
jud e, and though there were Plenty to take up
for m, Milli an was especial y bitter.

“Looks as t ough there was going to be a re-
volt here. One-man power is good enough for
the man, as Ion as it lasts; but when the other
'men begin to ick there’s the deuce to pay.
' _ Wonder where the bold Eric is?”
Armadel got that far in his thoughts, as he
. .looked around; and then an idea dawned upon

, “ It’s the Red Rock to acake of soap that he’s
gone out to join Dan. Heavens! I’ll have to be
moving. ,Dollars to dimes they have the girls
-a in! '

‘» He had heard the story that the ladies had
, one out to Sid Campton’s, and had not doubted
t: but now he suspected somethin else.

To the Early Dawn he hurried. artridge had
1 been listening to the story of the trouble at the
t: nearly every one else about the house
was around helpin him to digest it.’ It was
_ not hard to find out that the ladies had not re—

turned, and that Wan Wing was still missing.

“ Heavens! I’ll go out to Compton’s myself,

if. I can find the way,” he thought, and he
turned back again, toward the Mint. '

 

 

   
    
 
  
 
  
  
  
   
   
 
  
 
   
  
   
 

   
   
  
   
    
  

   

  
 
 
  

sw ering through the doorway, an
ad his steps, for he had recognized the

Sport. .
A ' “Hyar I he!” shouted the latter, paying no
Y‘attention to what was going on through the
 but diifting'straight to the bar.
. “Set ’91:: up, Paddy! Set ’em up five fingers
deep, and then trot out that poker party ez war
’rdund ther other night. I’ve got a power ov

:me

 
 
    
    
    

’ ~As he approached he saw a squat-lookin .

 

’tetney from Seirey an’ we'll settle up on that

game an’ mebbe start a fresh ’un, a big ’un, a
roarin’ one, fur heaps an’ keeps. ”

“ Pardon me, but just a word.”

Sam Armadel, sliding through the crowd in
his wake, touched him lightly on the shoulder.

He wheeled and recognized Sam on the in-
stant. As one of that poker party he had in-
quired for he could scarcely help but listen to a
few whispered Words.

“Dan the Daisey raked ther ot, er say?
Hould mo Dennis, Oim kilt entirely! ead me
out an’ 1‘]! start on ther war-path. After that
I’ll get no satisfaction here!”

Milligan would have detained him for an ex—
planation, but without listening, be seized Ar—
madel’s arm and strode away, until, at the door,
Sam stopped him firmly.

“ See here. Before you go a step further just
you understand that it’s big chances three or
four men are laying for you outside. I’ve no
objections to walking down the street with you;
but keep your eyes open. When they begin to
shoot I’ll begin to dodge.”

“ Let them shoot,” was the savage retort. “If
the judge’s heelers come for me I’ll begin to
murder them. I only wish I could meet him“
You sure he has left town?”

“Just as sure of it as I can be of a thing I
didn't see. He has slipped off in the racket.
But this is not the place to talk.”

“You’re right; if it’s all true. We’ll know
before very long. ’ ‘

He started away again, Sam walking by his
side, and keeping a sharp lookout around him.

That he had made no mistake was proved even
sooner than he expected. There was a flash,
followed by two more, and the ping of bullets;
but the Short Sport was already down. . He had
seen the lurking shadows 9. second before, and
thrown himself forward, pulling Sam with him
as he touchedthe ground, beginning to shoot at
the flashes. '

1 Three shots he fired, and then sprung to his
eet. .

“ Come on. There’s no use to look after my
work; it’s always done clean. They’ll never
shoot again.”

Armadel saw the crum led heap dimly visible
and shirered in spite o himself. or the old
lea e of five he was the one who avoided blood-
Sheal He had never shot a man save in self-de-
fense. He leaped to his feet and followed some
little distance. Then he spoke again:

“ It is folly to waste time. I know as well as
if I hadlb'een told where to find them. Dan the
Daisy has; started for the ‘ Cave of the Winds,’
and Rivers is tomeet him on~the way. There
are probably not more than half a dozen of the
$gents there. The rest are laying a false trail.

ith such shooting as that you would scarcely

fear a,dozen. By morning t ey may he 01!, and
awe. .
“ I understand—and I know the spot. There
are very few spots around here that I do not
know as they. Come. I have horses. We will
follow them.” .

u Agreed.”

“I’ve been at Hard Luck hunting for truth.
Found it, too, b the bucketful. I’d give a thou-
sand  Lucifer ightning had half an hour’s less
start.

“ Ah, you know the old name?"

“Yes, Specter Sam, and a good many of the
old secrets. That’s the reason ’m trusting you.
They tried to’kill you once—so you suspected—
and now you are goigg to get even. Rest easy.
Eric Rivers has play his st me.”

“ Perha ;. but hope he on’t suspect it.
They mig 1; make awful work before we get
there.” ’

“ Have no fear. We will be in time.”

It seemed strange; to Armadel to hear the
man speak so con ently, but all the same he
was right. _

Dan had traveled slowly until met by the
judge, and as the trailers were moving free and
fast they were gaining rapidly, and both parties
were likely toreach the Cave of the Winds, or
its neighborhood, before morning.

“Something like old times," remarked Dan,
changing the subject as they turned into a can-
yon among the hills.

“Pays about‘as well as anything if you knew
when to stop. Have most too big a gang for
profit, and it takes a wholesale grocery and pro—
vision store to keep the grub up till the campaign
is over. But we’ll disbaud now till the chest gets
em .
StaIi'ttya ain with half a dozen of the picked men
that I’ keep track of. I‘m going’to get even
with Paddy yet, Where do you suppose he hid
that pot?” '

" That’s cool talk considering that he was only
protecting my interests. You knew why the
mono was left in that shape— aud that I never
aban, oned my claim.” ’

“ Don’t fight about it—I didn’t get it. It
strikes me that as a bait it was working both
ways. That’s what’s holding you to Way Back
now. To thunder with your mines when you’ve
got all above ground to work on!” .

“Hist! Go slow! Yonder!” 1 .

The judge suddenly interrupted and pomted.

Among thorocks there was a faint fl cker'and
glow,asthou’gho£asmall ‘ .l >

Danlookedup and:

  

         
  
   
 

  

  

That’s a. wrinkle I learned from you. '

 

.  havethe nee to pick

“ Queer, that! None of my boys there; must
be some one camped. If so, they must go un-
der. Looks infernal sus icious. Some one
sneaking round the back oor. Stay here and
I’ll scout around and see. Lucky we came this
way. Have your irons ready, for if it’s needed
you’re bound to chip in.”

They were drawing nearer as he spoke, and
the Daisy pushed on, his pistols in his hands.
The spot was well known to him, though he had
not visited it for some time, and he knew just
how to approach. Rivers, in spite of his order,
left the horses behind, and followed at a little
distance.

He saw Dan peer cautiously over a jutting
rock, and then bound like a tiger upon a lonely
figure sleeping by the waning fire.

“ Heavens an’ earth!” exclaimed Dan, as the
jud 0 came rushing up to his side.

“ t’s that blamed slippery Chinaman of
yours. I had him cooped up there, safe enough,
with the rest of them: how in blazes did he get
away. and what’s he doing here? And has he
yanked the rest out through the same hole? It’s
time this gang broke up.~ I’d have to do some
lively killing. Here, you! What you doing
here?” '

The Chinaman, rudely awakened, was yelling
with pain and terror.

“Don’t hu’t Wau Wing, him le bloke all

pee. Him tumbles down locks. im waillo
faddah t‘at him no can do.”

“ A healthy old tumble that. At least half a
mile,” muttered Dan, looking up at the cliffs
above.

“ And scrape my soul with a hay rake, if he
ain’t heeled! Here! Let’s see what he’s got.

Hades! What’s this? Chinee, where did all
Ehis cgme from? Speak quick or go up the
ume ‘

No wonder the road-agent was surprised.
There were more funds about the Celestial than
if his pockets had been the vault of a bank——
especially after the cashier had taken his sum-
mer vacation.

“By heavens!” interrupted the judge.

“There’s something stran e about his. Ire-
cognize some of those bills. e’s captured the pot
that was in the safe at Paddy’s. Now, where
did he get it?” " ‘

There was suspicion in the judge’s tone.

“We'll now quick, or there’s be adead hea-
then. Chirp, oun man, or die.”

The Celestia how ed:

“ Wan Wing he he see Shlot S oltee. Shlot
S lice sa ‘him kee. Wan ing walke'e.

e see Mil ikan chesey full imgéii cashee, hop got
tooplen tolla inise. Wau inf got largey
Biecee tola, t’en lun away. Fa] ovel lock,

ult he leg, sit light heah. What for elican
man so feet-mean how fashion so iron facel
You belongey too muchee bad heart. You
ketlzchefi, much pieces tolls, why you so sassy,
ga ow

“ Do you mean to say that you robbed Mini-
gan’s chest?”

“ So we talkee.” ,

“‘I’ll be hanged! How did you get away from
the ho , and where’s the girls and the Fool of
Wu. ack?” .

“ au Wing no undlestandee. Him lun
awaiy fiom WayVBack. He no see glils; be no
See 0010 flom ay Back. Him allo lonee.”

“We’re wasting time here, Dan. D him
along, and find out the balance when we ow
the rest are safe. These Chinese thieves would
steal the lashes 03 of a dog’s eye while he
winked, and the cur would never see him. At
all events, we have the money, and it’s a haul.”

“Right you are; but he’ll steal no more. He
and the gentle Uriah swing together. when .we
get to the bottom of things. And we won’t uit
new till we’re there. Come up, heathen. 'he
rope is waiting.” ‘

CHAPTER XXXVI.

PINNACLE PETE GETS THERE, WITH BOTH FEET.

THEODOSIA slept serenely, and Uriah was left '
alone to struggle with his nightmare. Miss
Wild was bus with her own thoughts, and did
not care to wa, en them. Afters time she heard
a low gurgle, and a, faint noise of struggling
showing that the Mexican woman had recover
her senses. '

Wau .Wing had done his work effectually,

however, and gradually the useless stu‘u%gles

ceased. Listening for their renewal an to
Theo’s . re lar breathing, Serena. fell asleep
again,'an did not awaken until there, was a
fall of footsteps along the rocky floor, and the
sound of several masculine voices. ‘ _

She was wide enough awake then, and found
Theodosia sitting up by her side, staring wildly!
around. a good deal excited and bewildered. .-

“ It is all right now, Serena, I heard hisvoicen
The judge bascome and will take us away hem
this horrible place.” ' ‘ ' I

“ Young lady,” said Dan the D ' , “will
you please be quiet? There’s a little p _'minary
work to be done here before we attend to your
case. You don’t 0 out of he e a single woman.

That much isce in. A y of our » 
bettercazeofhm ’
' and I think

 

 

 
  
   
 

  

   

 

      
     
    
  

  

and wealth that can’t take
must have a all protector,

  
  

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\ fact as were the tones of the captain.

 

‘7' "Ascream’from behind him

.,,

“ Pinnacle Pete. V

 

  

 

 

 

ible candidates. You can be di esting that
while we are gone. \Vc must sett e first with
the charming Uriah, but that won’t take more
than a minute. Hero, you!”

After a kick like that the Daisy bestowed, even

‘the Fool of Way Back could not well be sleep-

ing Very soundly.
glanced around.

“Just follow us, young man. The court. is
waiting, to see why your neck should not he
elongated.”

He marched the young man out, down the
ledge, and into the general camp, where the fol-
lows were all collected, and the Mexican woman,
released from her bonds, was staring about. As
Sam had explained, there were only half a dozen
of the outlaws there. Dan had arranged to
telliporsrily dishaiid the Duisics, and had sent
the rest away to lay a false trail. There were
enough here for ordinary purposes. such as
keeping guard during the retreat which the cap-
tain had planned.

“ There’s nothing like getting rid of odd jobs
when you have them on hand. There’s a certain
law in our little commonwealth that says when
one of thefiaisios turns his toes up the causes are
to be inquired into, and if any man is found to
be the cause. near or remote, that man is to be
planted likewise.

“ We have before us here a youth about whom
not much seems to be known. Sometimes I
think him a blamed good man—and sometimes-I
think him a. bigger fool than he even gets credit

He sprung to his feet and

or.

“But this thing seems certain. He is a handy
man with the tools; and he dropped poor Tom
Hall for permanent investment and seriously in-
jured several other friends of ours. Whether,
under such circumstances, he is or is not a detec—
tive makes little difl’erence. Under the case as
stated he could deserve nothing more if he was a
dozen Pinnacle Petes, all rolled into one. Un-
fortunately, I am only acquainted with that dis»
tin uished gentleman by reputation, and unless
Uriah decides to open up down to the bed rock I
do not see that we can get a much more definite
idea. of who he is.

“But Pinnacle Pete, or the Fool of Way Back,
what’s to be done with him? Altogether, now;
and speak it loud.” .

“ Death!” ‘

They spoke so near] together that the word
seemed to come from t e lips of one man rather
from th of half a dozen.

“ Ver fairly done; one more question. How?”

“The rope!” ‘

“Good again. And now, to finish up the
business of this court as a court, here’s this in-
fernal Chinaman. He oes along with him,
without saying; but I’d ike to know just how

‘his little games are to be explained. Brigade.

was knocked senseless by him; but was Uriah an

active accomplice? And how does he come to

have the contents of Paddy Milligan’s safe in his
pockets?” _ _ _
“ No rope for him, the 7118 thief!” exclaimed
the Mexican woman, stridin forward.
Heretofore, since her re case, she had not

spoken a word, not even to Captain Dan, when,

first of all he set her free.

“ My kn’lte shall let out his red heart’s-blood.
I, Bri ada, would ask it l” .

“ If it's any satisfaction you can have him, if
you don’t let him get away. I did think of
throwing in a few extra trimmings for the sake
of example; but, no matter. Now, Uriah, do
you want to give us a little information, or shall
we send you over the range at once?”

“ B—b—hut I d-d-dunno what y-y-you mean,”
stuttcred Uriah. “ I m-m-inissed ther s-s-s stage
an’ d-d-didn’t g- -get ter Way Back t-t-till ther
f-f-fun war over." ‘

“ Tell that to tclle marines.
knife read an _
One minus; for ’them to talk, and if they ve
nothing to sa over they go!”

Joli ny an brigade. were as coldly matter-of-

e rope
was around the neck of Uriah, and the knife al-
ready drawn. Even the two guards, though
they stood on the pathway. were devotedly lis-
tenin . v

n, o“, 1”

Captain Dan saw that all things were ready,
and waved his hand. I

At the same time there was the sound of two

nick b10ws, as the sentinels‘ went down; and
t en two figures'sprung into the open, with pis-
tols raised and ready. First came the Short
Sport, and at his shoulder was a duplicate edi-
tion of Wau Wing! ‘

“ Hands up! I m a. man of the_law—ah!”

At the challenge, Dan the Daisy reached for
his istols, and he reached like lightning, but a

sha 9 too slow. .

Without seemin to take aim the Short Sport
pulled trigger, an with a crash the outlaw cap-
tain fell to the floor. Then, while his comrade’s
pistols weretaIking at a great rate, he_sprung at
the 'udge, and bore him_ own.

“ we got you, Eric Rivers,'for the murder of
Abner Gates: and Wmomw I‘ll have the Red
Rock for I’m Roland Lands,” Eric Enters, and
the trial: on tried to murder. .

And still he shot with his free hand.

Brigada, get your

\

Johnny, bring out the r0 9. ,I

 

told that Theo- .

dosia heard him through all the noise—and be-
lieved at last.

“ Go back, Miss Lalide! This is no place for
you,” shouted the other, as he dropped the last
of the standing outlaws.

“ Your detectives are very much around: but
there may be more of the out-laws ill the bush.”

The clothing of the speaker was like to that
of the Simon-pure VVau Wing, but the voice was
the voice of Millie Vandeleur, the lady detec-u
tive.

“ G—g-got thar with li-b—b—both feet, as u-usu’l,”
chuckled Uriah, as the rope dropped from his
neck. “ I d-d»didn’t g—g-give yer away, Man-
missus Campton."

‘»‘ Many thanks, Uriah,” replied the duplicate
Wau Wing. “ You’re an awful fool, but you
have a heap of nerve, all the same.”

And then she turned to Theodosia, who was
staring at her in a bewildered wa .

“ Yes, my dear, it is Millie andeleur that
was—Mrs. Rolland Lande that is, though at
Way Back we pass as Sidney Compton and Sls—
tor. As soon as Rolland finishes tying up the
slightly wounded he’ll have a greeting for you.

“ The Short Sport?” gasped Theo.

“Yes, and Pinnacle Pete, J ehu Jones, Uncle
Davy, Sid Campton, the Fool from Way Back,
and a dozen others as the occasion demanded.
Fortunately we were here, hunting down those
men. and olland found out the judge’s game
after it had fairly started. He still lacked evi—
dence about the murder you heard him mention,
but obtained it to-day in Hard Luck, and so
could draw the long trail to a close. Strangely
enough, we had been hunting Rivers. ever -'
where but here. But here is your 'brother. e
can tell you more.”

_ He came forward, having finished tying the

Judgsez. .

“ es, my dear. You said in one of your let-
ters to that fraud, that you would come, any-
how, since you yearned for adventure. I think
you have had enough to last you the balance of
your life—considerable more than I intended
you to have. Fortunater I got a chance to see
those letters, and provided accordingl . I sent
Uriah to Coronado as a blind. and illie went
down on horseback. Then I came back ahead,
and when I found that the agents had Uriah I
went out and exchanged places with him, for I
learned the secrets of their retreats when, as a
boy, I as prospecting here; and have explored
them, in company with Millie, since. I would
have got you all away if Rivers had staid out of

the ame, but I wanted to ive him r0 e.” /
E P

“ ut, oh, Rolland, why ave you kept silence
all these years? If you had only written!"

“ I did write till I was tired of it, and con-
cluded that you had dropped me to get the old
gentleman’s fortune. And I didn’t want to in-
terfere until this old gang developed the size of
their hand.”

His sister was holding his hand now, staring
at him, tryin to trace in this man some resem—
blance to the air boy that ran away from home.
She ave it up.

“ y wife,’ he added. “Perhaps we can a
little further ex lain the mystery. We have
both been in the etective business, and I got a
letter from headquarters asking me to look after
you in case their other man failed, and sending
credentials for myself and wife, separately.
That was what started me on the judge’s racket,
and it roved fortunate all around, as the man
from eadquarters failed to connect. Well, I
tried get them somewhat in detail—for when
I saw the old pards together at Coronado I
knew they were all on the same lay—left Du-
rango Dave and Revolver Rube out of the
game in the very start and I’ve taken in what’s‘

oft of the Daisies and burst the ‘udge’s bubble.
Wau Wing was the sharpest of t 9 lot, for when
took him out to my place and put Millie in
his stead, at the Early Dawn, after Sally Rice
went 03 the carpet, be skipped the ranch,
robbed Milligan’s safe, and lit out. Fortunately
we’ll get a finger in the spoils. and divide that pot
according to merit. But the balanch of the ex—
]voéranations will keep. We must be getting to

ny Back. I’ll take the judge and Daniel
along, and leave these wounded rumans and the
she~tlger to nurse each other. They are of no
great. account; but if they are here when the
investigating committee comes out it will be
exceedingly sultry. That’s all. You can stick
a pin there and tie a. knot.‘

 

As Sid Campton, Theodosia. found her brother

quite a genial gentleman; and she loved his wife
on the s at.
She as ed Rolland some questions in regard to
Specter Sam, whom With a. woman’s wit when
'once started, she suspected of having had some-
thin to do with Eric Rivera’s plot.

“ om! Your friend Serena is not the most
guileless innocent in the world. Mr. Armadel—
in spite of his antecedents, is now a detective, at-
tached to an eastern bureau to which she applied
for a ide, who would keep himself shady, but
be on ad if needed. and assist in their search.
It was a- little rough on him, to be pi
against his old pards, at he ke‘pt'his eyes 03::
looking for Rolland Lands. an
when the. rest. did not.

the Cave of th

 

 

    
 

      

  
  
  
    
   

 
    
  
  

    
 
   
     

 

  

    
   
     
   

He’vwis lesdin meto
Wind: fiercest, '

   
  

 
 
  
  

  

l-..
.

 

dropped to me '

had made her escape. We left him on the watch
below, and when he was sure that we had made
our points he returned quietly to Way Back.
Rivers and the Daisy intended to go back, Oil
him again, as they did once before, but he did
not care to appear too far to the front, when he
was not needed. You can see him to—morrow
and thank him—I’ll pay him. When this thin
settles down I’ll take you back East in self; bil
there is going to be n. thundering rac cet before
its ,all over. Way Back can’t believe its seri-
ses. ’

A racket there was; but it was alto ether to
the disadvantage of the plotters. an the
Daisy recovered from his wound, but received
the slow-coming but heavy reward, reserved by
a fostering Government for the mighty chiefs
among the road-agent’s; while Eric Rivers went
back to California with the evidence dead
against him in the case of Abner Gates. There
were a dozen other charges against him; but
that one was solid and suflicient. \

When, in due course of law, Eric Rivers had
been frozen out of the Red Rock, and the mine
stocked and sold,,it proved an immense thing -_
for Rolland Lande; but he only returned from
the East—whither he had escorted his wife and
the young ladies—long enough to accomplish
this. Then he went back again to the home of
his boyhood, where, perha 5, he will some do
almost forgot the years he ourished as Pinnac 9
Pete, and the wind-up of his revenge at Way
Back, where his- sister was so narrowly saved
from falling in love with the villainous Rivers.

Uriah is with him still. ,

“ He’s my mascotte,” laughed Rolland, when
Theo asked him what he was going to do with
him. “ I haven’t made up my mind et whether
he’s‘as big a‘ fool as he looks; but I’ keep him,
for good luck, anyhow.”

Specter Sam went back to his detective work
in the East. Serena remained with Theo as
companion; Revolver Rube and his ard had
disappeared when the party reached oronadO'
the true Wau Wing aviug his pockets well «‘
lined, continued his flight, and the rest of the
characters have not been heard from. But
Way Back still goes round on wheels.

, THE END.

Beadle’s girlie library.

BY WILLIAM B. EYSTER.

145 Pistol Paras; or, The Silent Sport from Cinnabar,
160 Soft Hand, Sharp; or, The Man with the Sand.
182 Hands Up; or, The Knights of the Canyon.

192 The Lightning Sport.

214 The Two Cool Sports: or, Gertie ofthe Gulch.
229 Captain Cutsleeve; or, The Little Sport.

288 Magic Mike, the Man of Frills,

300 A Sport in Spectacles; or, The Bed Time at v,
Bunco. ‘

838 Derringer Dick, the Man with the Drop.

844 Double Shot Dave of the Left Band.

356 Three Handsome Sports; or, The Double Oom-
hlnation. . ,

 
    
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
     
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
   
    
 
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
  
 
 
   
 
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
   
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
      
   
  

 

x,

375 Royal George, the Three in One.
896 The Piper Detective.

402 Snapshot Sam; or. The Angels’ Flat Racket. ’ >
439 Hair Trigger Tom at Red Bend. ‘ l '
459 Major Sunshine, the Man of Three Lives.

nv‘ cubism MAYNE 1min. ' . t

8 The Headless Horseman; A Strange  ,-
Texas.

12 The Death-Shot; or, Tracked to Death. -. .

55 The Scalp Hunters. A Romance of the Plains. v y

66 The Specter Barque. A Tale of the Pacific. — ‘ , i

74 TllIeaEaptain of the Rifles; or, The Queen of the .
es. '

$00 The Rifle Rangers; or, Adventures in Mexico.
208 Tlile White Chief. A Romance of Northern Mox-
co.

213 The War Trail: or, The Hunt of the Wild Horse; ,

218 The Wild Huntress; or, The squares; van-‘-
geance. ~ ‘-

238 The Maroon. A Tale of Voodoo and Obenh.
234 The Hunter’s Feast. \
267 The White Squaw.

 

BY COL. THOMAS H. MONSTERY.
82 Iron Wrist, the Swordmdster. '
126 The Demon Duelist; or. The League of Steel.
143 The Czar’s Spy; or, The Nihilist League.
150 El Rubio Bravo. King of the Swordsmen.

157 Mourad,.the Mameluke; or, ThelThree sword-
masters. '

169 Corporal Cannon. the Man of Forty Duels. . .y i
236 Champion Sam; or, The Monarchs or the Show.
262 Fighting Tom, the Terror of the Tougha, ‘
832 Spring-Heel Jack; or, The Masked Mystery. V
A new issue every Wadnuday. .

name. Dime Library is for sale by an‘
Newsdsalers, ten cents per copy, or sent by mail on

 
  
 
 

   
   
      
  
  
  
    
   

 

Who'

reocin ofvtwelve cents eao‘h. BEADLEd'ADAMB. "
W 98 WSW NewYoi-k. ‘ ‘1 "14

 
   
  

 
 

BEADLE’S*DIME*DBRARY.

Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers.

 

 

BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM.

2 The Dare Devil; or, The Winged Sea Witch.
85 The Cretan Rover; or, Zuleikah the Beautiful.
89 The Pirate Prince; or. The Queen of the Isle.
94 Freelance. the Buccaneer.
103 Merle. the Mutinevr; or, The Red Anchor Brand.
104 Montezuma. the Merciless.
10‘ Captain Kyd. the King of the Black Flag.
11 Black Plume; or. The Sorceress of Hell Gate.
121 The Sea Cadet; or, The Rover of the Rigoletts.
128 The‘Chevalier Corsair; or. The Heritage.
131 Buckskin Sam. the Texas Trailer.
134 Darkey Dan, the Colored Detective.
139 Fire E e; or. The Bride of a Buccaneer.
147 Gold pur. the Gentleman from Texas.
155 The Corsair Queen: or, The Gypsies of the Sea.

162 The Mad Mariner; or. Dishonored and Disowned‘

168 Wild Bill. the Pistol Dead Shot.

172 Black Pirate; or, The Golden Fetters Mystery.

177 Don Diablo, the Planter-Corsair.

181 The Scarlet Schooner; or. The Sea. Nemesis.

184 The Ocea '1 Vampire' or, The Castle Heiress.

189 Wild Bill‘s Gold 'i‘rai ; or, The.Desperate Dozen.

198 The Skeleton Schooner; or, The Skimmer.

205 The Gambler Pirate; or. Lady of the Lagoon.

210 Buccaneer Bess. the Lioness of the Sea.

216 The Corsair Planter; or, Driven to Doom.

220 The Specter Yacht; or, A Brother‘s Crime.

224 Black Beard. Ihe Buccaneer.

231 The Kid Glove Miner; or, The Magic Doctor.

215 Red Li htning the Man of Chance.

at ueen eleu. the Amazon of the Overland.

255 he Pirate Priest; or, The Gambler‘s Da hter.

259 Cutlass and Cross; or, the Ghouls of the .

281 TheSea. Owl; or. The Lady Ca tain of the Gulf.
' 307 The Phantom Pirate; or, The ater Wolves.

318 The dish Buccaneer; or. The Red Rovers.

825 The entlaman Pirate; or. The Casco Hermite.

829 The League of Three; or, Buffalo Bill’s Pledge.

836 The Magic Ship; or, Sandy Hook Freebootei‘s.,

311 The Sea Desperado.

846 Ocean Guerrillas; or, Phantom Mldshi man.

362 Buflalo Bill's Grip; or Oath Bound to uster.

884 The Sea Fu tive; or. The Queen of the Coast.

369 The Coast ‘orsair; or, The Siren of the Sea.

87:! Sailor of Fortune; or, The Bzme at Buccaneer.

877 Afloat and Ashore; or, The Corsa r Cons irator.

388 The Giant Buccaneer; or, The Wrecker itch.

808 The Convict Ca tian.

399 The New Monte risto. _

418 The Sea Si ren: or, The Fugitive Privateer.

425 The Sea Sword; or. The Ocean Rivals. _

4‘!) The Feral. Frigate' or, Rivals in Love and War.

435 The One-Armed Buccaneer.

446 Ocean 0 re. the Outcast Corsair.

4.57 The Sea nsurgent.

469 The Lieutenant Detective.

BY WILLIAM H. MANNING.
279 TlLe G'pjld Dragoon, or, The California Blood-

, on .

297 Colorado Rube, the Strong Arm of Hotspur.
885 Will Dick Turpin, the Leadville Lion.

405 Old Baldy, the Eu adier of Buck Basin.

415 Hot Heart, the De ective S y.

427 The Rivals of Montana Mil ’

437 Dee Duk r. the Silent Sleuth.

4-42 West Walt. the Mountain Veteran.

449 Blul! Burke. of the Rockies.

455 Yank Yellowbir , the Toll Hustler of the Hills.
468 Gold Gauntlet. the Gulch Gladiator.

470 The Duke of Dakota.

1
,BY CAPTAIN HOWARD HOLMES.

278 Hercules Goldsnur the Man of the Velvet Hand.
294 Broadcloth Burt, the Denver Dandy.
821 California Claude, the Lone Bandit. I
835 Flash Dan. the Nabob; or. Blades of Bowie Bar.
840 0001 Conrad, the Dakota Detective.
847 Denver Duke, the Man with “ Sand."
852. The Desperate Dozen.
355 Keen Kennard, the Shasta Shadow.
874 Major Blister, the Sport of Two Cities.
882 The Bonanza. Band; or Dread Don of Cool Clan.
892 The Lost Bonanza; or, The Boot of Silent Hound.
400 Captain Coldgrip- or. The New York Spotter.
40? Captain Coldgrlp s Nerve' or. Injun Nick.
413 Ca tain Coldgrl in New ‘Yox-k.
1' her Ferret. t e Frisco Shadow.
484 Lucifer Ly nx. the Wonder Detective.
'441 The California Sleuth.
447 Volcano. the Frisco Spy.
453 Captain Coldgrip’s Lough-ail.
400 Captain Coidxzp the ity Sleuth.
as 00 dgrlp in De wood.

BY ANTHONY P. MORRIS.

5 The Fire Fiends; or. Hercules. Hunchback.

05 abort. the Amn; or. The Palace Secrets.
100 The French Spy- or. The Bride of Paris.
167 The Man of Steel. T in of Love and Terror.
186 Man 8 ider; or. The utiful S hinx.
2118 Han ound the Crescent Citv etective.
960 The Masked M tery; or, The Black Crescent.
$8 Electra Pete. t e Man of Fire. ~ .
806 The Roughs of Richmond.
818 Mark Magic, Detective.
384 Tl'il‘ohfiipber Detective; or, Mark . Magic‘s New
843 The Head Hunter; or, Mark Magic in the Mine.
$7 Jock Simona, Detective. ’

 

 

BY BUFFALO BILL (Hon. “7. F. Cody)..

52 Death-Trailer, the Chief of Scouts.

83 Gold Bullet Sport; or, Knights of the Overland.
243 The Pilgrim Shar ; or, The Soldier‘s Sweetheart.
304 Texas Jack, the rairie Rattler.

319 Wild Bill. the Whirlwind of the West.

394 White Beaver. the Exile of the Platte.

397 The Wizard Brothers; or, White B ‘aver‘s Trail.
401 OneAi-med Ford: or, Borderland Retribution;
414 Red Renard, the Indian Detective.

BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR.

28 Three-Fingered J ack, the Road-Agent.
30 Gospel George; or, Fiery Fred. the Outlaw,
40 LongHaired Pards; or, The Tarters of the Plains.
45 Old Bull‘s-Eye, the Lightning Shot.
47 Pacific Pete, the Prince of the Revolver.
50 Jack Rabbit, the Prairie S art.
64 Double-Sight, the Death S at.
67 The Boy Jockey; or, Honesty vs. Crookedness.
71 Captain Cool Blade; or. Mississip i Man Shark.
88 Big George; or. The Five Outlaw rothers.
105 Dan Brown of Denver; or. The Detective.
119 Alabama Joe; or. The Yazoo Man-Hunters.
127 Sol Scott, the Masked Miner.
141 Equinox Tom, the Bul'y of Red Rock.
154 Joaquin, the Saddle King.
165 Joaquin. the Terrible.
170 Sweet William, the Trapper Detective.
180 Old '49; or. The An'li‘gzon of Arizona.
197 Revolver Rob' or,. 6 Belle of Nugget Cam .
201 Pirate of the Pincers; or, Joaquin‘s Death ant.
233 The Old Bo of Tombstone.
M1 S itiire San , King of the Rustlers.
249 lephant Tom. 0 Durango.
257 Death Trap Diggings; or, A Hard Man from
1 ’Way Back.
283 Sleek Sam, the Devil of the Mines.
m6 Pistol Johnny; or, One Man in a Thousand.
292 Moke Homer, the Boss Roustabout.
302 Faro Saul, the Handsome Hercules.
317 Frank Lightfoot, the Minor Detective.
824 Old Forked Lightnin'r. the Solitarg.
331 Chisps Char-leg; the Gold Nugget port.
339 S read Eagle m, the Hercules Hide Hunter.
345 asked Mark, the Mounted Detective.
351 Nor‘ West Nick, the Border Detective.
355 Stormy Steve, the Mad Athlete.
360 Jumping Jerry. the Gamecock from Sundown.
367 A Royal Flush; or, Dan Brown’s Big Game.
372 Captain Crisp. the Man with a Record.
879 Howling Jonathan, the Terror from Headwaters.-
887 DJI‘k Du . the Ishmael of the Hills.
895 Deadly Aim, the Duke of Dex-ringers.
403 The Nameless Sport.
409 Rob Ro Ranch; or, The Imps of Pan Handle.
416 Monte im the Black Shee of Bismarc .
4% The Gliiost Detective; or, T e Spy of the Secret
rv ca.
433 Lou hing Leo; or, Sam’s Dandy Pard.
418 Ok oma. Nic . _
443 A Cool Hand; or. Pistol Johnny’s Picnic.
450 The Rustler Detective.

458 Dutch Dan. the Pilgrim from Spitzenber .
466 Old Rough and Ready, the Sage of Sun own.

my nnwum wrnnnr'r.

129 Mississippi Mose; or. a. Stro Man’s Sacrifice.
209 Buck Farley, the Bonanza nee.

2‘22 Bill the Blinard; or. Red Jack‘s Crime.

5348 Montana Nat the Lion of Last Chance Camp.
274 Flush Fred, the Mississippi Sport. ,

289 Flush Fred s Full Hand.

298 Logger Lem; or. Life in the Pine Woods.

308 Hemlock Hank. Tough and True. \
815 Flush Fred’s Double' or, The Squatters’ League.
as: Terrapin Dick, the Wildwood Detective.

837 Old Gabe, the Mountain Tramp.

848 Dan Dillon. King of Crosscut.

868 The Canyon King; or, a Price on his Head.

BY LEON LEWIS.

428 The Flying Glim; or. The Island Lure.
456 The Demon Steer.

BY NED BUN'I‘LINE.

14 Thayendsn%en, the Scourge- or,'l'he War-Eagle.
16 The White izard; or, The minole Prophet.
18 The Sea Bandit; or, The Queen of the Isle.
28 The Red Warrior; or. The Comanche Lover.
61 Captain Seawall, the Privateer.
111 The Smuggler Ca tain- or. The Skipper‘s Crime.
122 Saul Sabberday, n e Idiot sfiv.
270 Andros the Rover; or. The rate's Daughter.
1161 Tombstone, Dick, the Train Pilot. _

BY JACKSON KNOX?“ Old Hawk.” ;

386 Hawk Heron. the Falcon Detective.

424 wk Heron’s Deputy. _

444 he lo Detective; or, The Hidden Hand.
451 Griploc , the Rocket Detective.

462 e Circus Detective. I

467 Mainwaring, the Salamander.

BY PERCY 3. ST. JOHN.

The Silent Hunter. '
The Big Hunter; or. The Queen of the Woods. v

i

V!
86

 

BY PHILIP S. WARNE.

1 A Hard Crowd; or, Gentleman Sam‘s Sister.

4 The Kidnap er; or. The Northwest Shanghai.
29 Tiger Dick, aro King; or, The Cashier’s Crime.
54 Always on Hand; or. The Foot-Hills Sport.

80 A Man of Nerve; or, Caliban the Dwarf.

114 The Gentleman from Pike.

171 Tiger Dick. the Man of the Iron Heart.
207 Old Hard Head: or. Whirlwind and his Mare.
251 Tiger Dick vs. Iron Despard.
280 Tiger Dick‘s Lone Hand. .
299 Three of a Kind; 01', Tiger Dick. Iron Despard

and the Sportivi: Sport.

338 Jack Sands. the Boss of the Town.
359 Yellow Jack. the Mestizo.
380 Tiger Dick's Pledge; or. The Golden Serpent.
401 Silver Sid; or, A “ Daisy " Bluff.
431 California Kit. the Always on Hand.

BY ALBERT W. AIKEN.

27 The Spotter Detective: or. Girls of New York.
31 The New York Sharp; or. The Flash of Lightning.
33 Overland Kit; or, Theldyl of White Pine.
34 Rocky Mountain Bob. the California Outlaw.
35 Kentuck. the Sport: or, Dick Talbot ol' the Mines.
36 Injun Dick; or. The Death-Shot of Shasta.
38 Velvet Hand; or. Injun Dick‘s Iron Grip.
41 Gold Dan: or, The White Savage of Salt Lake.
42 The California Detective: or, The Witches of N.Y.
49 The Wolf Demon; or. The Kanawha Queen.
56 The Indian Mazeppn; or. Madman of the Plains.
59 The Man from Texas; or. The Arkansas Outlaw.
63 The Winged Whale: or, The Red Rupert of Gulf.
72 The Phantom Hand; or The 5th Avenue Heiress.
75 Gentleman Geor e: or. Parlor. Prison and Street.
77 The Fresh of co; or. The Heiress.
’79 Joe Phenix. the Police Spfi.
81 The Human Tiger: or. A cant of File.
84 Hunted Down: or. The League of Three.
91 The Winnin Oar: or. The Innkeeper’s Daughter.
93 Captain Dic Talbot. King of the Road.
97 Bronze Jack. the California Thoroughbred.
101 The Man from New York
107 Richard Talbot. of Cinnabar.
112 Joe Phenix. Private Detective.
130 Captain Volcano: or. The Man of Red Revolvers.
161 The Wolves of New York; or, Joe Phenix’s Hunt.
173 California John. the Pacific Thoroughbred.
196 La Marmoset. the De tective een. -
203 The Double Detective: or,The idnight M stery.
252 The Wall Street Blood: or, The Telegrap Girl.

82) The Genteel Spotter; or. The N. Y. Night H wk.
849 Iron-Hearted Dink, the Gentleman Road-Ag nt.
854 Red Richard; or The Crimson Cross Brand.

368 Crowning-shield. the Sleuth; or. Pitiless as Death.
870 The Dusky Detective; or. Pursued to the End.
370 Black Beards; or. The Rio Grande High Horse.
881 The Gypsy Gentleman; or, Nick Fox, Detective.
384 Injun Dick. Detective: or, Tracked to New York.
391 Kate Scott. the Decoy Detective.

408 Doc Grip, the Vendetta of Death. .

419 The Bat of the Battery; 01-. Joe Phenix. Detective.

‘423 The Lone Hand; or, The Red River Reoreants.

440 The High Horse of the Pacific.
461 The Fresh on the Rio Grande.
465 The Actor Detective.

LATEST AND NEW ISSUES.

471 The Heart of Oak Detective. By E. A. StrMox. I
4'72 Sig, Foot Si; or, The Man to “Tie To." By P. S.
arne. '

47:) Gilbert of Gotham, the Steel-arm Detective. By
J. o Cowdrick. .

474 Dadd Dead-E the Des to! Dew Dro . B
JOSYE. BadggfiJr. W p y
475 ChAikahin, the Chinese Detective By Albert W.
en.

476 Bob Brent, the Buccaneer. By' Col. P. lngnham.

477 Dead-arm Brandt. By Jackson Knox.

478 Pinnacle Pete' or. The Fool from We
Bme.R. yster. Ready December .

4’79 Gladiator Gabe, the Samson of Sassojaok. By
Wm. H. Manning. Ready December S.

480 Hawks ar the Man with a Secret. ByCI t.
Howard Holmes. Ready January 4. ,p

481 The Silent Sleuths By Leon Lewis. '
Ready January 11. ,

482 Ocean Tramps. B Col. P. Ingraham.
Ready January 8.

488 Flush Fred, the River Sharp. By Ed. Wilton.
Ready January 25.

484 0a tain Ready. the Bed monomer. By Leon
lyewis. Ready February 1.

A new ism every Wedneoday.

Beadle’l Dime Library is for sale by an
Newsdealers. ten cents per copy, or sent by mail on
receipt or twelve cents each. 7

BEADLE 1ND ADAMS. Pumsnns,
98 William smut. New York. 3

I

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