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J uuuury d, 189&

 

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Copyrighted, 1393. by Bunny AN

w°d“°‘d”' as WILLIAM STREET. NEW YORK. “'00 “ Y°"‘

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Ranch ‘hut in Ar.

BY ALBERT \V. AIKEN, -
AUTHOR OF “THE DICK TALBOT " seams,“n'ro. ' ‘

CHAPTER I.
A VILLAINOUS BARGAIN.

BERNAL, the Brigaud, lay in Guaymas’s strou —
’doby jail. Chains were on his wrist-z ans
ankles, and with a. despairing gaze be beheld the .
last rays of the setting sun, streaming in through
the little barred window high up in the wall,
which gava light to the cell.

No wonder the face of the chief was troubled.
; It was the last sunset he was to beholrll

0n the morrow he was doomed to die.

Two hours after daybreak, in the court-yard _
of the jail, he was to face a file of Mexican sol-
diers, and their bullets would bring to an end UNDAUNTEDLY DICK TALBOT FACED THE THREATENXNG MIN.

 

2

Talbot in Arms.

 

 

 

 

the career of the greatest marauder who ever l
flourished along the whole line of the frontier.

Then the Mexican haciendcros of Sonora could
breathe in peace;—the American ranchmcn of
Arizona need no longer watch their possessions, .
rifle in hand; the Hawks of Cababi had lost
their bold leader, and the brigaiid band without
the daring Fernando Bernal was like a body
Without a head.

“ A few hours more of lii’e and I will cross the
dark river from whose silent shore no mortal .
returns," murmured the brigund. as he reclined
upon his rude couch, and gazed at the sunbeauis ‘
now flushing the gloom of the dungeon.

“ To die like a rat in a trap—~shot to death by
a file of miserable Iouts, who would run like
rabbits if they had to face me in the open field!
Audit is to this American Ranch King I owe
my doom 3”

At which thought the prisoner ground his
teeth fiercely, and shook his list in menace as
though die man he hated was glaring at him
from the gloom.

“ Ah, Dick Talbot! Well for you the bullets
of the soldiers will soon end my career, for I
would have brought you to a. bloody reckoning
for the destruction of my band i”

The meditations of the condemned man were
brought to an end by the grating of the huge
key in the massive lock of the door. The door
opened, and the jailer appeared, conducting two
strangers.

They were well-dressed men, with full beards,
and looked like Americans.

“ There he is, senorsl” remarked the jailer,
“the biggest scoundrel that Sonora has ever
known, ut the leaden pills will settle his busi-
ness for him to—morrow— ills warranted to cure
all mortal ills l" and the o cial laughed heartily
at his gruesome jest.

“ Yes, gentlemen I am the wild beast !" ex-
claimed Bernal, defiantly. “Gaze on me! Get
the worth of your money, for I presume you
have paid something for‘the enjoymentof this
privilege !”

“ Oh, yes; do you think I’d take the trouble
for nothing i” the jailer demanded, with a leer.

“I hope our vigit gives no offense,” the fore-
most one of the strangers said, a tail, light-
haired, blue<eyed man. “We came out of curi-
osity; happening to pass through Guaymas and
hearing that the man who so long set all the
powar of the Government at defiance was caught
at last, we thought we would pay you a visit.
Is it against the rules, jailer, to oflcr the prison-
er a drink of geiid brandy from my flask?” he
continued, turning to the warder.

“ 0n no, provided there is enough to give
the jailer amouthfull” that worthy replied, with
a rim.

‘ There is plenty for us all,” the other as-
sured.

Then the brandy was passed around; but, al-
though a pint flask, it was soon drained. for the
jailer was a man with a prodigious swallow, and
when the liquor was gone lamented the short
supply.

" l’m sorry there is no more,” said the blue-
eyed stranger. “ I suppose you could not go
and get the flask tilled? ’

And as he spoke he drew a five—dollar gold—
pioce from his pocket.

The prison-keeper’s eyes sparkled.

“ Give me the coin and I will attend to it, but
I’ll bring a bottle!” he cried. “ That flask only
holds a mouthful. It is nobody’s business, you
know. so long as we keep this matter to our-
selvus. The on] thing is I shall have to lock
you gents in whi e I am away.”

The strangers assented to this, and the jailer .
departed.

“ Now, Bernal, to business l” the blue-eyed
visitor exclaimed, when satisfied that the jailer
was out of hearing. “Do you wish to escape
from this hole and the doom that awaits you?"

“ y, a thousand times, yes!”

“ ou owe thfzplight you are in to Dick Tal-
bot, the Ranch ing of Ari vaca?”

“ Yes; a million curses upon hlml”‘

“ And it you were free you would be rovenged
upon him?

“ Yes; I would not rest until I had his heart’s
blood! But, first, I would like to make him un-
dergo some of the tortures which I have suffer-
ed lu this den of horrors. Two years have I
lain here in chains, cursing the hour which
brought this American into Arizona.”

“Ho ism foe, tool I hate him so bitterly
that only h 5 death will satisfy me!" the stran-
ger added, impressively. “But I know I am
no match for the man—"

" Aid me to escape, and I will take such ven-
geance upon him that he will rue the hour he
provoked my hatred i” the brigand interrupted,
fl's eyes glittering like those of an angered rat-

er.
“ It is a bargain! I will aid you to gain your
freedom if you will swear to rid Arizona of that

human pest.”

“ I will do it! I swear by all I hold sacred!”
at which the strangler produced a small parcel,
wrappid in oiled 31 k.

“ 's contains laws and files,” be announced; ';
“tiny tools,such as burglars use, and warranted
focut throu h the toughest iron as though it ,
was but w .”

 

1 seized the lackage and secreted it under the

" Thanks!” cried the brigand, as he joyfully
straw. “
placed.” ,

“ Only one man—a sentinel who keeps watch
at the gate.”

“ I can easily scale the wall in the rearl”

“ You will need money, of course?”

" Yes, for I haven’t got a copper l” the brigand
declared. “The rascals stripped me of every-
thing after I was captured.”

The stranger counted fifty dollars in five-
dOllill‘ gold~pieces into Bernal’s hand, and then
gave him a small revolver and an eight-inch
bowie-knife.

“There, now; you are provided with both
money and weapons, and if you do not succeed
in making your way to the mountains, where
you will find secure refuge, you will have ex—
tremely bad luck. ”

“ Don’t, sefiors; I will be able to take care of
myself once I am free from these chains and out
of this accursed hole.”

The grating of the key in the lock interrupted
further convarsation.

The jailer had returned with a bottle of the
fiery Inescnl, the Mexican whisky. The party
soon disposed of it; then the strangers departed.

“ I hope I shall not be disturbed to—night,
since it is to be my last on earth,” the brigand
remarked.

“ Make your mind easy; no one will come
near you,” the jailer averred. “ I will bring
you your grub right away, and then you can
rest in peace until the soldiers come for you in
the morning.”

The prisoner finished this with a good appe-
tite and then went to work upon his chains.

Industrlously he plied the saw and at last was
free from the fetters. Then he began on the
iron bars which guarded the Windows.

He sawed two of them through at the bottom,
and was thus able to wrench them away.

It was a close squeeze, but he managed to pass
through the window. The ’doby wall in the rear
was easily surmounted.

“ At last I am free !” he exclaimed, as he hur-
ried forward in the gloom. “ And now, Dick
Talbot, Ranch King of Arivaca, look well to
yourself, for the avenger is on your track 1”

CHAPTER II.
THE MAVERICK MAN.

[1‘ was early morning and the inhabitants of
the little mining-camp of Silveropolis situated
in the southern foot-hills of the old Cababi
mountain range, were just beginning to rouse
themselves from their slumbers.

A busy, bustling little town was Silvero olis,
for the mines were panning out well, w ' e, to
the southward, were many large cattle-ranches,
which procured all their supplies from the town,
for the camp was full of go—ahead traders, and
it did more busmess in a week than the sleepy
old towns down by the Mexican line in a month.

The principal butcher of, the place, Big Ben
Perkins, as he was usually termed, was in his
corral, engaged in conversation with a rough—
looking fellow who had just brought in the car-
cass of a steer.

Michael Castillo, the man called himself, but
he was seldom thus addressed, for, as Mexican
Mike he was far better known.

Mexican Mike. the Maverick Mani

Maverick is the name applied to cattle with-
out brands, which can be taken by the first man
lucky enough to discover them.

And Mexican Mike, although he only had a
small ranch, and could not boast of many
beeves, yet sold a goodly number of carcasses
to the butchers of the nei hboring towns. He
was a notorious Maveric -hunter, always on
the lookout for tho strays, and gossip said that,
if he came across branded beeves he did not
hesitate to appropriate them if the risk of get-
tin caught was not too great.

The Maverick Man was rather undersized,
but broad-shouldered and muscular, and b re
the reputation of being an extremon ugly man
in a row.

“Two cents a pound, hey?” said the butcher
as he surveyed the carcass.

“ That is my price. Caramba .' is it not
worth it! See! it is a noble animal l”

“ Well, it is a fair beef, but I cannot go you
two cents a pound on it!” the butcher replied.

“ And why not! Is it not the going price?”

“Yes, but I reckon Iwouldn’t her to ve
more’n a cent a pound for this hyar critter. ’

“ Why is that? Why offer me but a half of
whim it is worth?” demanded the Mexican, an-

ri v.

s “Because I must have something for the risk

ow tell me how the guard without is

 

“ Yes, risk! Didn’t I have trouble ’bout the
last critter I bought from you? No less than 3
three ranche’rs were arter mo, swearing that you
had taken one of their cattle.” 3

“ Was it not proof that the men lied when all ‘
three claimed the same boast?” the Mexican de-
manded.

“ Well, of course it could not have belonged
to them all, but each man had missed cattle and
all thou ht you were the fellow who had got
them. hey couldn’t prove it, of course, for as

the hide was gone, no brand could be found,”
the butcher explained.

“They are a set of lying rascalsi” cried the
Maverick Man, angrily. “ Because I am not
rich and cannot boast of a fine ranch, these
ranchers would like to drive me out of the coun-
try; they think there is no room here for a poor
man and so they lie about me i"

“ Well, you know, Mike, you have got kinder
a bad name on account of being mixed up with
Fernando Bernal's hand. You were one of the
brigands, and the folks lay it up ag’in’ you,”
Ben Perkins observed.

“Did I not do what was right in the end?"
demanded Mike.in asulky way. “ l was young
and foolish, and so was easily led away; and
at last I saw my error and did all in my power
to correct it.”

“ Yes, when the band was broken up you
turned traitor to your Comrades and helped to
convict them, and so escaped punishment your-
self,”the butchcrretorted. “ It is an odd thing,
Mike, but a good man people in these parts lay
that up ag’in’ you. ’Fhey think it was might y
rough on you to go back on your cont-ram s
when they got into difficulties, and I have heard
many a man predict that if Fernando Bernal
ever escaped, and came back to this section, he
would go for your scalp the first thing.”

“ Bah l"cricd Mexican Mike, contemptuously,
“ what care I for their idlechatterl And as for
Bernal, he was shot to death a week ado at
Guaymas and by this time he is food for
worms. Ihapgened to know of this, for I left
Gusymas the a before the one on which be
was to die, and a l preparations had been made
for his execution.”

“ Yes, I heard he had been shot but we never
hear much from Gua mas up this way,” Ben
Perkins remarked. “ at to come back to busi—
ness: a cent and a half is all I will give, for I
have got to have something to pay me in case
any mad rancher comes raging round hyer and
swears it is his critter."

“ Ah, you ought not to take advantage of a
man’s bad namel" protested the Mexican, an-
grily. “ But I need the money, and so will take
your offer. Count me out the cash and I will
be off!” _

At this paint the conversation was interrupted
by the appearance of two horsemen, who rode
into the corral.

The first wasa well-built, muscular man, with
piercing gray-blue eyes, brown-black hair,
regular, handsome features, and a soldierly ap-
pearance. _

He wore a dark suit of corduroy, high riding-
boots, no vest, and his broad chest was covered
with a ruffled shirt, in the bosom of which shone
a costly diamond pin. _ . _

Rare articles are “ b’ilerl" shirts in the mlds
of Arizona, where the average man seldom
wears anything but flannel, and usually very
dirty flannel it s. _

This was Dick Talbot, the Ranch King of Ari-
zona.

His companion was an Indian—a brawny
brave, attired in the prairie garb of buckskin,
but sporting on his massive head a battered silk

at. I

Those who know Dick Talbot and his friends
——the men who have aided him in many a doe-
perate adventure—will, in. this dusky red-mun,
recognize the Blackfoot chief, Mud Turtle. '

Mexican Mike scowled as the Ranch King
rode into the inclosure, and the butcher ap-
peared ill at case.

He had been satisfied, from the beginning.
that the odds were big the Maverick Man had
not come honestly by the beef; hence, the mo-
ment Talbot appeared. Perkins suspected he had
come to lay claim to thc carcass.

The Ranch King dismounted, and, advancing
to Where the beef was deposited, gazed at it for
a moment, then fixed his keen eyes on Mexican

ike.

“ You worked this job pretty well," he re-
marked, “ but, cunning as you are, you could
not hide your trail from such a tracker as my
red-skin yonddeié:i soltI hpve been able to follow

on without i on . .
y “ What do you meal; i” demanded the Maverick
Mun, angrily.
“ That you stole thisbeef from my herd, drove

- it to the outskirts of the camp, here, and killed
H

.“ You lie on cursed American !” fairly
howled the ’Mincan, his hand making a dive
for the knife in his belt. I

But, just as he got it out—just as the bright
blade flashed in the sunbeams—quick as he was,
the [{3an King was quicker still.

Out shot Talbot’s muscular right arm, and
over went Maverick Mike, failed by the tremen.
dous blow, the knife flying from his hand as
though it was endowed With wings.

The rufiian was game, though, and struggled
to his feet at once, at only to be knocked own
by a second blow, even more violent than the

rst.
fl The second stroke moderated his rage, and
when he slowly rose to his feet be manifested no
intention of renewing the battle.

By this time half-a—dozen citizens had congro
gated at the corral gate, attracted by the fight,
and in eager curiosity gazed upon the scene.

 

 

 

“For the present I have had enough but I
will some day call you to a bloody reckoning
for this!” the Mexican hissed, in his fierce rage.

“ I shall be ready for you at any time!" was
Talbot’sassurance. “ And now, let me give you
a warning, Mexican Mike: in the future let my
cattle alone. This is not the first beef belonging
to my herd you have taken, and though I should

. h to to take the life of a man for a steer, yet I
must protect myself. You have had fair warn-
ing, so look out! And you, Ben Perkins," he
continued, addressing the butcher, “you will
get into trouble if you buy from rascals like this
Maverick Man, without being sure that the cat-
tle are not stolen.”

N ow, though the butcher was a turbulent fel-
low, and seldom took any “ talk” from anyone,
yet on this occasion he was rather awed, and so
did not reply with his usual insolence.

“ I give you my word, Mr. Talbot, I wasn't
going to buy the critter until I was sure it was
all right," he protested.

“I hope so; I only wanted to caution you.
This steer is mine, but as it is dead, you can cut
it up and give it away to the poor of the town.”

“ Bully for you, Mister Talbot!” cried one of
the bystanders.

There was a cheer: the Ranch King mounted
and rode away with the Indian, leaving two
re angry men behind.

wo more enemies had Richard Talbot madel

CHAPTER III.
THE GAMBLEa’s DAUGHTER.

ON the one street which the mining~camp of
Silveropolis boasted, about in the center of the
town, was a good-sized, two-storied building,
the lower floor occupied by a saloon which dis~
'pla ed a Sign announcing that it was“ The City
of Iexico otel.”

This place was kept by a real old Spanish Don
as the miners were wont to term him, an aged
gentleman with iron-grayhairand a famous long
beard of the same hue.

D spite the name, the place was merelyagam-
:ingsaioon with a bar attached.

Spanish monte was the one game provided for
the amusement of patrons, and the owner, Don
Pedro Santander as he was called presided at
the table with all the di nity and grace of a
gentleman of the old Casti ian School.

The saloon was a popular one. notwithstand-
ing only one game was played, but it was be-
lieved that everything was run “ on the square,”
and the gamesters thus had a fair show for their
.m

oney.
The Don lived over the saloon, a widower, but
with as fair a. daughter as all Arizona could
.boast.

She was a true S anish beauty, with jet-black

eyes and hair, an the creamy-hued skin com-
mon to the daughters of Castile.

Guadalupe she was called, and there was no
girl in the town, or, indeed, in the country for
leagues around, who cou'd compare with her.

In the Wild West no particular disgrace at-
taches to a man because he keeps a gaming-
,saloon, provided everything is honestly con—
ducted; therefore the old Don was considered
one of the leading citizens of Silveropolis.

Few young men were there in the camp, or
old ones either, for that matter, who would not
have been glad to win a smile from the peerless
maid: but she was proud, this Guadalupe, al-
though only a gambler’s daughter, and kept all
wooers at a distance.

The most persistent of all who admired the
charms of this fair young girl was one of the

roprietors of the leading saloon in the town,
ifinown as the Cowboy’s Ranch.

Jefferson Clairborne. he was named, and
prided himself upon being a high-toned gentle-
man. He was a good-looking man of thirty-
flve, or thereabouts, with sandy hair and a
tawny beard. '

Geor e Oglethorpe, his partner. was like him-
self, a outherner, hailin from Georgia, but he
was far from bein like t a polished gentleman
from Alabama, w ich State Clairborne came
from.

On the afternoon of the day on the morning
of which the incident described in our last chap-
ter occurred Clairborne called upon Miss Guada-

lu e.

The old Don and the sport were cod friends,
and so Clairborne was usually Wei -1 eceived by
the girl.

On this occasion, though, he found Guadalupe
inclined to be reserved, and with that strange
blindness, so common to men in love, Clairborne
determined to question the girl in regard to her
feelings toward him.

“ Miss Guadalupe. do you know that you are
looking more beautiful than ever today?” he
began. abruptly. .

“You are leased to be complimentary,” she
returned, lig tly.

“ Oh, no; it is the truth, believe mel Happy
will be the man who wins such a. charming girl
as yourself l”

Guadalupe shook her head, and the expression
upon her face showed that the subject was dis-
tasteful to her.

“ Your words are too flattering to be hon-

 

est,” she remarked. " And I beg mu will cease.
Many girls would be pleased to so compli-

mented,but I am not one of thatkind. Ido not i “ Well, now, if I were you, I should be in-

3

care for suitors, and it will be many years, I n clined to ‘go’ for this Ranch liingi"()glethorpe

trust, before I leave my father.”

“ Then you will not allow me to hope that my
earnest suit Will one day find favor in your
eyes?”

“ I feel flattered, of course; it is natural for a
girl to be pleased when she is admired; but I
have no thoughts of marrying, and, you will
pardon me for saying it,I trust, but the business
you follow is not one which 1 should wish my
husband to be engaged in.”

A frown gathered upon the face of Clair—
borne.

“ Why, your father is in the same line. The
only difference is that I make four or live times
as much out of it as he does.”

“ Yes; but you must remember that my father
was not always as he is now,” the girl replied.
“ I can remember the time when we had a beuu-
tiful home and my father was a rich man; then
the demon of phi y took possession of him and he
lost all, until finally he became a gambler him-
self. But this life will not last always; some
day we will go far from here and strive to for-
get how the new fortune was made.”

“ There is no hope for me, than?"

“None; I am sorry to say it, but in such a
matter the truth must be told,” the girl answer-
ed, firmly.

The gambler hit his lip and was silent for a
moment; then, with an effort to appear uncon-
cerned, he said:

“ Well, I am sorry that things are So. I had
hoped that my devotion would have touched
your cold heart. By the way, did you hear of
the trouble this morning between Mexican
Mike, the Maverick Man, and this Ranch King,
Dick Talbot 9”

A faint flush appeared in the girl’s face, which
the gambler, watching her with the eyes of a
hawk, was quick to perceive.

“ Yes, I heard of it." ,

“ This Talbot is a noble fellow!” Clairborne
averred, but there was a sneer in the speech
which belied the words.

“ I do not know much about him,” the girl
answered, evasivaly.

“ Oh, don't you? Why, I thought you were
great friends!" the gambler exclaimed.

“ N 0, we are not—mere acquaintances.”

“Quite romantic, I understand, the way in
which you became acquainted with 'him.”

“Well, hardly that; my rein parted when I
was out riding one day, in horse took fright,
ran away, and Mr. Talbot appened luckin to
be hear at hand-J

“And so rescued you from your peril. It is
the old story, you know; I have read it a hun—
dred times; and of course you have lost your
heart to the noble gentleman who rescued you;
now, in regklar sequence, you ought to marry
the Ranch 'ing: and I don’t doubt you would
gladly do so, only he happens, unluckily for
you, to have a wife, so that spoils your little

ame."

The girl’s face became scarlet.

“Mr. Clairborne,I do not like the tone in
which you speak l" Guadalupe exclaimed, rising
indignantly. “ Mr. Talbot is nothing to me nor
I to him. He did me a service once, but that is
no reason whyl should fall in love with him;
and I um acquainted with his wife, too, who is
a perfect lady: you have wounded me by your
words, and I trust you will excuse me.”

And then she left the room.

“ I have done it now i” exclaimed the gambler,
seizing his_hat and departing. “ But I couldn‘t
[181% speaking, for I know it is the truth, for un-
til a hot and she became acquainted she was
rather inclined to favor my suit.”

CHAPTER IV.
Ta is PARTNERS.

CLAIRBORNE went directly to his saloon.
where he found his partner, burly George Ogle-
thorpe, smoking a cigar.

At this time of day there was little business
done, for, like all mining-towns, the camp was
almost deserted during the day

“ You look out of sorts, ’
marked.

“Good reason for it," and then the other re-
lated what had transpired.

“ What on earth did you want to bother the
girl for, when you saw she was not inclined to
be sociable?”

“ Well, I was a fool to do it, of course,”Clair-
borne admitted. “ But men are doing such fool-
ish things all the time.”

“ Do you think there is a love affair between
her and Talbot i”

“ Oh, no, but the girl has got a romantic no
tiou in her head that Talbot is a sort of a hero.
I don’t suppose she would be willing to admit to
home]! that she has fallen in love with him, see-
ing that he is a married man,and there isn’t any
chance for her while his wife lives; but while
she has this notion she is not likely to look with
favor upon any other man. It is that sort of a
feeling, you know, that makes a girl go OR and
turn nun,” the gambler explains .

“ Yes, I understand; and your cake is all
dou h until she gets the romantic notion out of
her cad!”

“ I am afraid so.”

. Oglethorpe re-

\ .

 

remarked. “ llluybo if you could suci eed in
cutting his comb, the girl would think you
were a bigger here than he, and cotton to you
right away.”

“ Yes, that idea occurred to inc."

“I reckon we owe this Ranch King a dig,
anyway."

“ How so?" Clairborno asked.

“V\'ell,I hear—~from pretty good authority,
too—that he let on the other night in the SllVQ‘r
Ship that we did not play as square a game here
as we might."

‘f Is that so?" Cliiii‘borne asked, his face dark—
ening.

“So Iwas told, and you know if that im-
pression gets abroad, it Will be good-by to our
business here.”

“ I should not be surpried if he did say it,”
Clairborne observed. “ I noticed him watching
the game closely the other night when you tried
the ‘ brace ’ on that big fellow who was Winnin
so steadily. I was afraid then that he hag
tumbled to it.”

“ I had to do it!" Oglethorpe exclaimed.
“ The galoot was playing in big luck, and if I
hadn’t rung in the brace on him, the chances are
great he would have cleaned us out.” -

“ Yes, I understand; of course it had to be
done; we could not afford to let the fellow carry
off all our cash; but if Talbot has commenced
to shot off his month about it, he must be
stopped.”

“It will be no easy matter,” Oglethorpe ob.
served. “ The fellow is ame and a good flgh ter.
They say that he cleaneg out Mexican Mike this
morning in no time, and the Mexican, you
know. has the reputation of being a pretty bad
man.”

“There never was a Mexican 'et that was
worth his salt in a fist fight!" 0 airborne de—
clared.

“ That is a fact!” the other admitted. “ They
are no bruisers."

“ And this Ranch King is, from all accounts.”

“ Mpu don’t think of trying him in that
wayl

“Not muchl" Clairborne exclaimed. “That

isn’t in gait either. I shall take an early 0
portiLnity to get acrack at him ina gentleman y
way.
“Well, I propose to climb him myself, but I
don’t want any dull business. I’ll get a chance
at him in some saloon, and then the quickest
man with his gun will be the big chief,” Ogle-
thorpe observed.

" Go ahead any way you like! The one point ‘
is, he must be settled. ’

“ Correct l"

‘ ‘ Shake on it!”

And the two sports clasped hands.

CHAPTER V.
A CRY IN THE NIGHT. l

DARKNESS had descended upon the mining-
camp. It was after nine, and all the business-
places in Silveropolis were in full blast.

The aflray between Mike and Talbot had cre-
ated reat talk.

Bot of the men had remained in town
and as the Maverick Man had filled himself
full of liquor, and then began to “ blow ” about
what he was going to do to Talbot when he met
him—“knife him, 611 him full of holes,” and a
lot of other interesting operations, the town was
on the alert for a light.

Dick Talbot had remained in town on account
of some cattle business, but the party whom he
had expected in the afternoon had scnt word he
could not come until evening, and so the Ranch
King waited for him, making his headquarters
at the Silver Ship, and, to pass away the time,
had joined a little poker game in the back room
in the rear of the saloon, and when the man for
whom he waited came he sought the Rand!
King in the poker—room, and the business was
transacted there.

There were quite a number in Silveropoiis
who were anxious to see a fight between the
Maverick Man and the Ranch King, and they
took pains to find out where Talbot was and
carry the news to the Mexican.

But, despite his loud vaunts, the Maverick
Man showed no disposition to seek the innn
whg, ,he declared, he was going to kill “ on
si t.

hen some of these same busybodies sought
Talbot and repeated to him the threats that the
Mexican had made, hoping to excite him to
seek out the other, but the Ranch King only
lau lied.

“ hreatened man live long," he remarked.
“ If the Maverick Man is anxious to see me, he
will not have any dimcult in discovering my
whereabouts. I am read 0 give him al the
satisfaction he can possib y desire, whenever he
comes to claim it. ”

Midni ht approached; the poker party broke
up and t e Ranch King rode off homeward.

About half an hour after he departed, just as
the saloons were he nning to thin out, there
rung out a loud shrie through the stillness of
the night which, for the moment, almost froze
the blood of all those who heard it, so full of
horror was the cry.

 

l

,3

. standers.

led to make the net, which was beginning to

 
   

'4

Talbot in Arms.

 

Play had ended in the saloons, and, in the '
majority of them, the customers were taking a

rting drink, a “ night—cap,” as more than one
Jovisl soul termed it, but when the cry of hu-
man agou pealed forth on the air, the glasses
were hastily emptied and all, who heard the
cr , rushed out into the night. |

own the street, just about half-way between
the Cowboy’s Ranch and a low Mexican “ dive,”
knewn as the Hotel de Sonora, lay a man, face
downward, groaning in terrible agony.

And as the crowd hurried to the scene they
were horrified at beholding a bowie—knife handle
sticking trom his back, between his shoulders,
plunged into the body up to the hilt.

J eiferson Clairborne, who, with his partner,
was one of the first to arrive at the scene of the
tragedy, removed the knife, and aided by the
others, turned the man so his face could be
seen.

The moon was high in the heavens, so that all
objects were distinctly visible, and a great shout
of surprise came from the crowd when they
looked upon the face of the stricken man.

it was Mexican Mikel

Plain was it to all that the blow had been a
fatal one, and that the Maverick Man was now
stru gling in the agonies of death.

“ n Heaven’s name who has done this deed?”
Clairborne cried.

“ The coward—he struck me in the back—”
the wounded man gasped.

“ Yes, but who—who?” Oglethorpe cried.

“ Yes, who?” the crowd repeated.

“If he had only 'veu mea chance—I could
have killed him— never was afraid to meet
him—I am his match, 1—”

A few convulsive gasps and the soul of Mexi—
can Mike, the Maverick Man, had fled.

For a moment the members of the crowd
gazed at each other in horror; rough, bearded
men were they, rude in speech, gifted with but
little refinement, yet this awful death terrified
them into the gentleness of children.

Who was the assassin! The thought was run-
ning in each mind, for that Mexican Mike had
been assassinated, stricken from behind, with—
ou't being given a chance for his life, was appar-
on .

The position of the wound, which had sapped
his life awn , amply proved that, even if he had
not been ab e to speak.

But Mike’s words seemed clearly to point to
one part , and there was hardl a man in the
crowd w 0 was not sure he co name the door
of the deed.

Clairborne held up the knife.

“ Whose knife is this! Does anybody recog-
nize it?” he asked.

“ Shiver my timbers!” cried Ski Bill,
“ but I reckon that is Dick Taibot‘s knifel”

 

CH APTER VI.
ran aaansr.
A LONG breath came from the lips of the by- ,

The name was spoken at last—the name which
was on every tongue, for under the circum-
stances it seemed sure that the Ranch King was
the man who had done the deed.

In the excitement of the moment the crowd
did not six) to calculate that Dick Talbot was
not a man ikely to stop to play the part of an
assassin.

He and the dead man had quarrelod—they
were enemies, and the words too of the dying
lliifexican seemed to clearly pointto the Ranch

ing.

“ Say, gentiemen, we don’t want to make any
mistake about this matter,” Clairborne declar-
ed, earnestly.

His joy was great, for he thought the chance
of fortune had given up the Ranch King to de-
struction, but he concealed it well, and proceed—

tighten around the man he hated, as strong as
possible.

‘f I reckon thar ain‘t ary bit of a mistake!”
Skipper Bill declared. “ That ’ar knife is jist
like the one that I hev seen in Talbot‘s belt: still
it may not be his’n for all that, though it ain’ts
common kind of a knife. ”

A half—dozen of the crowd made a careful ex-
amination of the weapon, and then one and all
declared that if it was not Talbot’s knife it was
exacaly like the one which he carried.

“ ell, gentlemen, i reckon this is a mighty
serious matter,” Clairborne observed, after the
members of the crowd had delivered their opin-
ions. “ This seems to have been the foulest kind
of a murder. The man who owned this knife
came up behind the Maverick Man and struck
him down without (giving him a chance for his
life; his dying wor s provo that, and thou h I
hate to say it for I have a high respect for r.
Talbot, yet Mike’s declarations seem to point
directly to him as the man who did the jo .”

“ Let’s git bosses an‘ go arter him l” cried one
of the crowd.

The speaker was a cowboy who had formerly
been in the Ranch King’s service and had been
discharged for drunkenness; therefore he bore
no love to Dick Talbot.

“ Yes, yes; that‘s the talk i” cried another of

, inliquor as to be unable to act, whic
i almOst daily occurrence.

 

the crowd.

“Git bosses, git bosses!” chorused a dozen
voices.

‘ Hello! what‘s the matter!” asked a rather
undersized, fat, gray-bearded man, as he pushed
his way through the crowd.

And then there was a general cry of:

“Hello, Doc!"

It was the medical man of the camp, Doctor
Solon Brown, a gentleman who was a pretty
go (1 doctor when he was not so deeply steeped

was an

As it happened, the doctor was all right, and,
when he learned what had happened, proceeded
to examine the stricken man, for some of the
bystanders had suggested that Mike had only
fainted.

“ Oh, no; his hash is settled,” the doctor de-
clared, in his cold, professional way. “ This
hyer lick is big enough and deep enough to let
out the life of a dozen men.”

At this point the town marshal of Silveropo—
lis appeared upon the scene, a big, brawny, red-
haired, red-bearded fellow, J obn Livingstone
by name.

He had been made town marshal on the theory
of set a rogue to catch a rogue, for, previous to
his appointment, he bore the reputation of being
as bad a man as there was in the town.

He was quickly apprised of the murder and
the suspicions which had arisen.

A ood look he took at the knife.

“ on are right, boys, for a thousand ducatsl”
he cried, in his rough way. “ This hyer is Tal-
bot’s toad-sticker! I reckon I have seen it in his
belt a hundred times."

“ Let’s go for him!" cried the cowboy who had

before sp Jken.

“ That’s the talk! Hesses and w’epons, boys 1"
the marshal cried. “ Inside of ten minutes we’ll
take wingi”

The crowd dispersed in a twinkling, a couple
on) remaining with the doctor to attend to the
body.

The camp could boast of a goodly number of
horses, for a pony could be ha for ten or fifteen
dollars, and within the time specified by the
marshal, a dozen men were mounted and ready
for the start.

All were armed, and the majority carried
rifles, for the hunters, who embarked thus
eagerly on a man-chase had an idea that the
Ranch King might show fight, and although
apart from his quarrel with the Maverick Man
t at morning, the town knew nothing of his
abilities as a warrior, yet the impression was
abroad that he could makea desperate fight if
the notion seized him.

Out from the town the party rode, the mar—
shal in the advance, with a Winchester rifle in
the hollow of his arm.

“We will have him, boys, or have his
hide!" the red-bearded ruflian declared, boast-

full .

The posse pushed on at a good pace, but as
Talbot had nearly half an hour’s start, none of
the party believed he would be overtaken before
he reached his ranch.

As it happened, though. fortune favored the

ursuers, for the Ranch King was detained on
his homeward road.

He had not proceeded more than a mile when
he discovered that his saddle was loose.

Dismountin to examine as to the cause, he
was astonish to discover that the “ cinch ” had
given way, and upon looking carefully he was

orced to the conclusion that it had been out
nearly through, so that the strain would cause
it to part in time. .

The Ranch King was puzzled.

“ Now, what does this mean?” he exclaimed.
“ What idiot tampered with my saddle? Is it a
practical joke, perpetrated with the hope of
giving me a tum lei Upon my word! I would
give a trifle to be within arm’s length of the
man who did it. I would be apt to warm his
ears in a way certain to keep him from playing
an practical jokes for one while.”

ick Talbot was too old a traveler not to b a
able to repair the damage after a fashion, but
the accident delayed him some twent minutes,
and then when he again proceeded e did not
hurry himself, so he had not got over more than
half his homeward road before the posse from
the town caught sight of him. i

The clatter of hoofs in his rear attracted Tal-
bot’s attention,but when he turned his head and
recognized the town marshal at the head of the
party, although he saw the moonbeams playing
upon the rifles carried by the horsemen, yet he
had no thought of danger to himself, and there-
fore neither quickened his pace nor made any
effort to escape.

The marshal rode up alougsideof Dick Talbot.

“How are ye?” sai Livingstone, in the most
friend] manner.

The anch King returned the salutation.

“ Lend me your knife a moment, w1]l you?“I
quoth the marshal.

“ Certainly l” and Talbot reached forhisknife.
“Hallo!” he exclaimed, “it is gone! I must
have lost it on the road.”

“ Is this it?" said the marshal,showinga knife.

“Yes.”

“ Dick Talbot, you are my prisoner l" the mar-
shal cried.

 

CHAPTER VII.
IN rim cananoosn.

THE marshal had ridden up on the right hand
of the Ranch King and had his revolver all
ready cocked for action, but the was n was
hidden by the body of his horse; the nife he
held in his left hand, which grasped the reins of
his steed, but until he displayed the weapon:
with the question as to its ownership, he con-
cealed it by pressing it up against the inner side-
of his arm.

But as he uttered the words, “ my prisoner,”
3}) came the revolver, and lie leveled it full at. ‘

albot.

At the same moment every man in the party
leveled a firearm at the Ranch King.

“ Don’t attempt to show fight, or runl” can-—
tioned Livingstone. “We have got the dro
on you in the worst kind of way, and we will
plug you for keeps if you ain’t keerful l”

A dark look came over Talbot’s face, and
there was a glint of fire in his dark eyes.

All of the arty had come to a halt.

The Ranc King looked around him; for a-
moment the Wild idea of offering resistance-
came into his mind, but when he saw how com-7
pletely he was surrounded, he banished it.

“anow up your hands while we git your
we‘pons, Mr. Talbot," the marshal commanded.
“ Sorry to trouble you for ’em, but you are
too good a man for us to take any chances.
with l"

“ Well, under the circumstances, I reckon I
will have to oblige you ” and up went the.
Ranch King’s hands. “Rut I as , gentlemen,
isn’t there some mistake about th s matter? I
l have not done anything that I am aware of to
warrant an arrest. ’

The marshal carefully removed Talbot’s wea—
pons, but, diligent as he was in the search, he

ailed to discover the small revolver which Tal—
bot always carried in the secret pocket on the
inner side of his shirt, under his flowing neck~
handkerchief.

“ Oh, I reckon, Talbot,that you know mighty
well what we want you for!” the marshal ex—
claimed, after he had secured the weapons.
“The fact that we have got your knife ought
to show you that we have got you foul; you are.
in a. tight place and no mistake!"

“ Well, I am puzzled to know how the loss of."
my knife can cause my arrest- I suppose it.
dropped out of the sheath at the hotel, though I.
don’t understand how such an accident could.
have he pened.”

“ Neit er do I,” responded the officer, dryly.
“ Right about face, and back to Silveropolis we»

11

“Of what crime am I accused?” asked the
Ranch King, as the return march was taken up.

“Oh, you know well enufl'l" the marshal re»
torted. “ Don’t go to try and play the innocent
dodge on us when there is sich overwhelming
proof against you.” .
“ hat proof? What crime have I commit—-
ted?”

But the marshal did not give the prisoner an)r
satisfaction. . _

The matter had been discussed during the
pursuit, and the conclusion had been reached,
that it would not be wise to allow the Ranch.
King to know the full extent of the accusation.
brought against him, although, if the arty had
carefully reflected u on the matter, t ey might'
have known that if ick Talbot had committed
the murder, the moment his knife was pro—
duced he would understand the nature of the
charge, for that he was guilty none doubted.

The party hoped, too, that by keeping silent
the prisoner might by some uncautious obser—
vation help to tighten the noose around his

neck.

But when the Ranch King found that none of ‘
the party were disposed to give him the infor-
mation he sought he relapse into silence.

Although it was after one o’clock when the
party arrived at Silveropolis, the town was
wide awake to receive them. The terrible
tragedy had banished sleep from the eyes of the-
inhabitants for awhile.

The mayor was at the calaboose, waiting for'
the arrival of the prisoner, for no one doubted
that the marshal would be as good as his word
when he declared before leaving the town that.
he would “ fetch Dick Talbot alive or dead l”

Nathan Plunkett was mayor of the town in‘
which he was the principal storekeeper; a Jew,
his enemies declared, an Englishman he said,
although his features were decidedly of J ewish,
cast.

He was a busy, hustling man, who had the
habit of always greetingleverybody, no matter A
if an utter stranger, as t ou h he was the dear-
est friend he had in the worl . ,

“Aha, this is a very bad business, Mr. Tel.
bot!" he exclaimed, when the marshal conduct-
ed the prisoner into the calaboose.

“ Well, I presume it is by the trouble that has -
been taken to bring me here,” the Ranch Kin
rejomed. l“ But at resent I am hardly qualifl
to give an opinion, or I have no notion of what
has occurred.”

“ Didn’t you tell Mr. Talbot!” the mayor in-
quired of the marshal in su rise.

“ We reckoned he woul find it out soon:
enufl." ' ’

 

4.

9

at.

4..

 

 

 

   

 

- on the Jury.

Talbot in Arms.

5

 

 

“ He might as well know,”the official said.
"‘Mexicaii Mike was killed to—night, right in
the street, stabbed in the back, and as your
knife was found sticking in the wound, you are
believed to be the man who did the deed.”

Dick Talbot was an old-stager, and had been
through many strange adventures in his time
and therefore was not a man easily surprised,
but on this occasion the unexpected charge
rather disconcerted him.

He saw in a moment, too, that he had been
caught in a trap. His knife had been stolen
from his belt—not a difficult feat to accomplish,
for just before departing he had spent ten or
fifteen minutes in the crowded saloon, and had
taken a couple of farewell glasses of ale w ith his
poker—game companions, and while thus occu-
pied an expert hand might have got his knife-—
then with the knife the murder had been coni-
mitted, and the weapon left in the wound so as
to fix the crime upon him; his cinr-h, too, had
beeg cut so as to detain him on his homcward
.roa .

Dick Talbot's face grew grave, for be fully
comprehended that he was in a tight place.

“ Well, Mr. Mayor, I am going to tell you the
truth about the matter,” he said. “ I am inno-
cent of this crime. I thrashed the Maverick
Man in the morning for stealing my cattle and
warned him that if he did not stop more severe
punishment awaited him : that is rancher’s law,
_you know, but as to stealing behind the man's
back ani killing him like a hired assassin—that
‘is a Mexicali trick and one that I would not be
,guilty of under any circumstances.”

“Well, I trust you will be able to show this,
Mr. Talbot,” the mayor said. “I am sure no
one regrets this unfortunate circumstance more
than I do. This Mexican Mike was a bad egg.

~ I am outten dollars by his death, as I was fool

enough to let him have goods to that amount a
few days ago; but I assure you I shall not lay
that up against you,although if Mike hadn‘t
been cut off, in time I would probably have got
my mone . You shall have the fairest kind of
.a. trial. _ will call a jury to—morrow, so that
twelve men will decido the matter. We don’t
go much on law in Silveropolis, but we are
death on justice.”

And with this assurance the Ranch King was
locked in the strong-room of the celaboose.

CHAPTER VIII.
THE TRIAL.

WITH the rising of the next day’s sun people
'began to flock into Silveropolis: so great. was the
excitement aroused by the murder and the com-
ing trial that business was almost suspended,
just as if it had been a holiday.

The mayor was puzzled for some time about
'how to get the jury of twelve men to try the
case. .

He did not want to appoint them, for in that
event, whether the trio went for or against the
prisoner, he would be pretty sure to be accused
of showing partiality. ‘

The mayor consulted with the prominent citi-
zens of the town in regard to the matter, and
finally the conclusion was reached to select the

' jurors by vote.

r This decision pleased the citizens immensely,
and candidates were at once nominated.

Clairborne began to Ipull wires immediately,
:and, as a result, himse f apd Oglethorpe were
mamed. - .

Don Santander was another candidate, and as
soon as the gambler learned this fact he set to
work to do all in his power to have the Don

‘ beaten, for he had a suspicion that Sautander

had been induced to run b the solicitations of
his dau hter, and he feare that if the Don was
«one of t e jur he would hesitate to bring in a
verdict of gui t , influenced by Guadalupe.

Perkins, the butcher, had also been nominat-
ed. He would have declined to run on account
of bein able to bear witness in regard to the
«quarre between the Ranch King and the Mave-
lrick Man in the morning, but luckily his assist-
’ant witnessed the affair from heginnin to end,
standing at the gate of the corral, an so Per-
.kins was able to run. ‘

' Herwanted to get on the jury,‘for he bore Tal-
bot a grudge, and here was an opportunity to
“get even.

, Skipper Bill of the Silver. Ship was also a can-
didate, and against him too the gamblers exert-

ed all their power. I .

They were afraid that the rough old sailor
would favor the prisoner. ~

The election came on? about noon, and as the

Ranch King had no suspicions that any attempt
would be made to pack the jury and so did not

, warn his friends to be on the lookout, the gam-

blers succeeded in their plans. .
. Santander and Skipper Bill were defeated,
Clairborne, Oglethorpepud Perkins elected,
other with nine other townsmen, all tolerab
fan” average men. _ v
Particular pains were taken by the voters that
'no ranchmen, cowboys or Mexicans should be

.' The tome declared that the risoner
should have the unrest kind of a cal, and
Mini; neither frien s or enemies should have a

‘3‘ in r d to his life, -,
., _ ese arrangements were being made,

    

 

the Ranch King was having an interview with sew Talbot and the Indian ride into the butch-

his wife, who had come in haste.

Mrs. Talbot was the ’Frisco Nell of other
days, and the lapse of time had taken from her
none of her beauty, although she was a little
more matronly now than when she ran the
famous Golden Hairpin Saloon.

” I am in a trap," the Ranch King said, and
then he explained to his wife all that had hap-
pened to make him come to that conclusion.

“But who is the author of this work?” she
asked, in amazement.

“ That is a mystery the solution of which is
beyond me. I have puzzled over the matter,
and I am utterlyin the dark. There is not a
soul in the t0wn who has any reason to strike at
my life, but you can see for yourself that this is
a most cunningly arranged trap, and from the
way things look now, I am afraid that it is go-
ing’ to be a difficult matter for me to get out of
it.’

“ Surely you will not be convicted on such
flimsy eVidence’f" Nell exclaimed.

“I don’t know about that,” Talbot replied,
with a grave shake of the bend. “ To the aver-
age man the ’evidence may appear to be very
strong, but we will have to wait until the trial
to decide.” .

“ Suppose it goes against you i” the wife ex-
claimed, in a tone full of anxiety.

“ If I am convicted I shall beg for a fewdays’
delay in the execution of the sentence, so as to
arrange my affairs. It is almost certain that
my request will be granted; that will give
you time to organize my friends, for although
the townsmcn may be bitter against me if they
believe I am guilty, yet the ranchers, even if
they were certain I kiiled the Mexican, would
consider it an outrage to hang me for such a
thing, for, according to our ranch laws, the fol-
low ought to have been killed long ago, for he
has been a cattle-thief for some time, although
he has been smart enough to avoid being caught
red-handed. I am certain that with our own
men, who can be trusted, you can get together
a force large enough to accomplish the pu ose
which I have in view in case I am convicte .”

ers. Talbot did not ask her husband to ex-
p ain. -
She knew that he had some well-defined plan
in view, and that knowledge satisfied her.

At two o‘clock the trial began.

It was held in the open air, for there was no
room in the camp big enough to hold a quarter
of the people. ‘ -

The mayor presided.

Hebopened the proceedings with a brief
speec . ‘-

“ Gentlemen of Silveropolis,” he said, “this
trial will not be conducted according to the
usual rules of courts, because we ham’t got any
of that sort of machine up in this regiorf, but
if we haven’t got much aw we will sup y the
place with lots of justice, and I reckon t at no
one will have any cause to complain. As there‘
is no prosecuting attorney I will examine the
witnesses who come forward to testify against
the prisoner, and I shall do my best to et at the
truth, whether it is in favor of the sonar or
against him, and although Mr. Tal at has no
law or to defend him, yet, as he has a tongue in
his ead, I reckon he ought tobeahle to look
out for himself. I reckon I would if I was situ-
ated as he is. N ow," then, fire awe l”

Clairborne got upon his feet—t e jury were
provided with seats, formed by a. board placad
upon some soap-boxes. The mayor had a chair
on a dry- oods box.

“Mr. J. ayor the jury has chosen me as their
forenian,-and I rise to remark that we all do-
clare we are going to give the prisoner the
squarest kind of a col By rights, I suppose I
ought to be a witness, as I was one of t 6 first
men on the ground, and pulled the knife out of
the wound in Mexican Mike’s back, but as there
were four or five more who wereright alongside
of me. and saw the whole thing, their testimony
will he just as good as mine. That is all, Mr.
Mayor,’ and the gambler took his seat. '

“ Witnesses, step this way,” said the mayor.

A half-dozen advanced.

“ Were you all in the same crowd?”

“ Yes Werled the men in a breath. v

“ We ltheu there isn‘t any use of takin up
time by examining six of on when one wi an-
swer.’ the mayor declare . ~
“ Suppose you step forward, Dan Dutton, an
speak or the rest.” , I

The miner addressed came forward with a
gr n.‘ /

He was a big, hulking fellow, known as Blwk
Dan Dutton, from his shaggy hair and heard
and dark complexion. r ‘

The mayor had a Bible and administered the
oath to the man.

“Now, Mr. Dutton, pitch in and tell us what
you know about this affair.”

“ We-al, shall I tell ’hout the morning or. the
ht furst?” the miner asked. -

Ah, you were present on both occasions?”

“ Yes, sir.” ' .

“ Well, that’s lucky, for you can describe both
stairs, and suppose, Mr. button, that you com-
’mence with the morning fuss."

inth‘emerningas hegwas n < ‘

   
    

Then themanprooeeded to relate Early: '

 

‘mck‘was  to game at the witness.

er’s corral, and gave an account of what hap-

pened.
This finished, he described how he, with the
others, found Mexican Mike dying about mid—

night.

“ Is this all straight, sntlemenl an witness
see any more than Mr. utton has escribed,
and is there anything wr ~ng about his testi-
mony i"

The men who had been present on the two
occasions looked at each other, and then shook
theu' heads.

Dutton had given a pretty exact account of
all that had taken place. «

“ DoMyon want to ask the witness an ques-
tfons, r. Talbot?” the me or questione .

“ Only one,” the Ranch ’ing replied. “ After
I had thrashed Mexican Mike, did you hear me
make any threat to him. except to say that if
he did not leave my cattle alone he would get
into trouble i"

“ Nary time;that is all you said.”

“ The point 1 am trying to get at Mr. Mayor,”
the Ranch King explained, ‘is that I did not
make any threats. I had whipped the man,
then gave him a warning as to what he might
exnect if he did not quit stealing cattle.”

The next witness was the marshal, who relat-
ed how he had pursued and on tured Talbot,
the Ranch Kinggsdmitting that t e bowie—knife
wai his the uioment he set eyes on it.

“ Did I manifest any fear, or any Idea of ec—
caping, or act in any other way as a guilty men
might be supposed to act?” Talbot asked.

“Nary timel you were as cool as a cucum-
ber l” the marshal replied.

“ Well, gentlemen of the jury, I reckon that
is the case,” the mayor remarked. “ You know
as much about the affair now as any one does.
Mr. Talbot and Mexican Mike had a grew] in
the morning, and theMaVeri'ck Man got pound-
ed; then at midnight he was found on the
street, dying, with a knife in his back, which,
beyond any dis ute, was Mr. Talbot’s weapon,
and from what ittle he said, it is plain he kncw
who struck him—no stranger. but a man whom
he believed he could fight if he had had any
chance, but he died before he could name the
partly.

“ ow the point is right here: Did Mr. Tal-
bot believe that Mexican Mike would try to rat
square with him, and determine to strike we
first blow—did he lay in wait for and kill the
Maverick Man, Without giving the Mexican any
chance for his life?

“Mr. Talbot, on can define your position,”
said the mayor, in conclusion, with a courteous
how to the prisoner.

“ Gentlemen, I have cnly a few words to
say,” the Ranch King remarked.’ “ In the first

lace, that Mexican Mike was killed with my

nife, there is no doubt, but that I did the kill-
ing, upon my solemn oath I deny. There was
no reason why I should kill the man. He nnade
threats against me, as he has done to a number
of ranchers who have warned him toleave their
beeves alone. The Maverick Man was not a fel-
low to scare me, no matter how he came at mp.
My knife was evidently stolen from my belt 1
the saloon, and I did not miss it until the mar-
shal asked for the loan of the weapon. If I had
committed the ,murder, gentlemen, ‘I would
hardly have been fool enough to go away and
leave the knit behind knowing that it would
be quickly gnized as my pro erty. Some
enemy has put up a' job on me an , too coward~
ly to face me in open fight, thinks to strike at
my life in this we . My cinch was out nearly
through, so I we (1 be detained on my home-
wsrd ride; that was to give the marshal a
chance to catch up with me. That is all I have
to say, gentlemen.”

CHAPTER IX.
mxrnorso EVIDENCE.

THE disclosure in regard to the saddle created
a deal of surprise, for it was entirely new to
everybody.

The saddle was reduced and, sure enough, it
was as the Ranch g had said.

' Many a head was gravely wagged, for this
do? D81? them stery.I mi ht

‘ e gent amen, ' suppose you 3 as
well retiie and deliberate as to your Verdict,”
the mayor declared.

At this point a man pushed his way through
the crowd.

“Hold on, Mr. Mayor!” he exclaimed. f‘. I
think I have a little testimony to offer which
may throw some-light upon this air .”

All eyes were turned upon the new-comer. He

 

wnsa stranger,end none ever remembered to g

h ve seen him before.

e was a man about the medium size dressed
roughly, like a cowboy, rather a good-looking
fellow, but his unshaven chin, on which appear-
edabristle-like beard, sad the res h shock of—
coarse hair which half-covered h s forehead
made him look far worse than he would other»
wise appear. , i '
i “ i you know something about this mate.
tor?” the mayor asked.

.“ Yes; I saw the blow struck!”

 
  
  

This statement created a sensation. and every '33 I -r

\“

 

 
 
   

 
    

‘
U

” You are a stranger here in Silveropolis?" the
mayor questioned. '

“ Yes; 1 only arrived last night; I am a cow-
boy seeking employment; I am a stranger to
Arizona, and come from New Mexico. My name
is J o Cadoza, and I am a half-breed.”

“ Ah, yes, I see; go ahead!”

“ Last night I at in town about nine o’clock
and Went to the otel de Sonora, and there fell
in with a jolly gang, and the first thing I knew
my money was one and I was full.”

‘1 Very nature , under the circumstances,” the
mayor remarked.

“ Having no money to pay for a bed I hunted
 , up a place to sleep. I was so full that I was
 3 ad to get a chance to sleep anywhere.”

' I “ Yes, of course.”

man rode up the street. e passed me, peering .
on all sides as though he was looking for some i
one; this attracted my attention, and so I kept ‘
my eyes on him. He got oil? his horse and hid l
the beast behind a house on the opposite Slde of

  
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
   
  
  
  
 
   
  
  
 
 
   
   
   
  
     
     
     
       
 
       
      
        
        
       
       
 
       
       
    
      
    
         
    
           
       
   

which he hid. Pretty soon another man cane ‘
along; he had been drinking, for his steps We r0 l
unsteady; as soon as he passed the watchi r ’
sprung out upon him and struck him in the back i
with the knife ; the man who was struck gave a I
yell, wheeled around, so as to catch sight of the 3'
face of the murderer, attempted tograpple with 1
him, but the other dodged and ran for his horse; j
then the wounded man fell upon his face; the
other mounted his horse and rode oil’,not taking
the road,but going across the prairie behind the
houses.” ‘

“ And you made no attempt to stop or to fol-
low himl‘” the mayor asked.

“ I couldn’t! I war too drunk! After I was
once down I couldn’t get up again to save me,"
the fellow replied with perfect candor. “ Then
the people all rushed out into the street and 1

, I went to sleep.” ‘

‘ ' “ Did you say anything about this matter to
any one?" the ma or asked.

V “ N o, I didn’t; didn’t know the rights of the
" thing, and I thou ht I might get into trouble if
‘ 1 said anything, at seeing as how everything
is all right I thought I would come forward and
tell what I saw.”

Could you pick out the man who used the
knifel”

“ Well. I don't know,” the cowboy replied
with a4 dubious shake of the head, "' when he
war in the moonlight, where I could see him, I
did not pay any particular attention to him,
and when he got out his knife and began to
creep about in the shadows it was too dark for
me to make him out, and then 1 was so drunk,
too, you know, that I wouldn’t like to swear to
the man.”

“ Do you see any one here that looks like the
horseman i" .

“ Yes. that gentleman there ”—and he pointed
to Dick Talbot—“looks like the man, but, as I
said, I WOuldn’t swear to it. I could pick out
the horse though, I think.”

, “ Aha] what kind of a beast was it?" ,

Every ear in the assemblage was eagerly bent
to listen. ‘

“ A dark horse, sorrel or bay, with two white
fore-Mt and a. blaze in the forehead,” the cow-
bo answered immediately.

be audience drew a lon breath.

The man had emtly escribcd the Ranch
Kin "s horse. I

” Well, gentlemen of the jury, I s’pose you
don’t need to see the horse?" the mayor re-
marked. i .

The 'ury shook their heads: they were so op-
pres by the stimnin weight of this evidence

but they did not feel ke speaking. All knew‘
to whom such a horse belonged. ‘

“ Mr. Talbot, you can fire away at him now,”
the layer remarked. and, from the look upon
v the face of the omcial the Ranch King guessed
7 that this evidence had satisfied the mayor that
 v be was a. guilty man.

Dick Talbot was puzzled; the man seemed
' , honest enough- seemed, to be telling what he
‘ believed to be the truth; but if he was not hon-
‘ . anti—if he was playing a part—who had set him
. on
Talbot asked avfew uestions with the idea of
getting the man to_ mill that he had been so
runk that he was in no condition to swear to
an thing. . .
ut the man stuck to his tale: he was drunk,
“but knew what he was about, althoughincapable
of much motion. l .
The case we: given to the jury. ' , ' ‘
They did no even take the trouble to retire
but put their heads together/and consulted just

where they were.
1 The hotfln was five one that the Ranch
.King would convic . .
The jury resumed their former position in a
vfiewmmnmandClalrborneai-oooy r i ' ,
" “ Your Honor; we flndtheprisoner grilltyof
and our' legume is -

 
 

  
  
     
  
   

    
 
 
 
  

 “I found asked and laid down by the wall. 3
r .. Hardly had I stretched m elf out when a horse- ‘

 

   
 

‘ got around him a

4'

Talbot in Arms.

CHAPTER X.
THE VIGILANTES.

DICK TALBOT received the sentence in the
coolest possible way; the foreman of the jury,
Clairborne, showed far more agitation than he.

“ Gentlemen of the jury, ‘while I am not kick—
ing against your decision, for 1 don’t doubt that
all of you are honest in your belitf that I am a
guilty man, yet I must remark that I think you
are giving me scant time to pit-pare for this
great leap in the dark to which you have con-

emned me. I have considerable property to
dispose of——a great deal of business to arrange,
and, as long as I am perfectly safe in your
hands, I don’t see why you cannot give me four
or five days, so that I me, have time to settle
my affairs; I don’t think am asking anything
out of the way—nothing but what any man of

on W'(’)111d like to have if you were situated as

am.

“ I think, gentlemen, that Mr. Talbot is talk«
ing ood commonsense now,” the mayor has-
teuei to say. “ We want to do everything de-
cently and in order, you know, and it appears

the street, then he drew his knife and stole up to me that it is rather crowding the mourners
the street until he came to another house, behind i to set the hanging match at so early a date as

to-morrow.”

The jury again put their heads together, and,
after discussing the matter for a few moments,
Clairborne announced:

“Mr. Mayor, we have talked the thing over
and come to the conclusion that we will ive
Mr. Talbot a little more time. This is Mon ay,
and we will set the hanging for next Friday—
Friday is the regular han an’s day, you know,
and the jury hopes, Mr. albot, that this pro-

. gramme will be agreeable to on.”

“ Oh, yes, that will do, al right, and I am
much obliged to you, gentlemen, for your kind-
ness,” the anch King replied.

This ended the trial.

Dick Talbot was ‘escorted back to the cala-
boose, and, at Clairborne’s suggestion, a police
guard was formed to guard the jail until after
the execution of the risoner. '

The gambler ex drained to the mayor:

“ From what I ave heard, it seems that the
ranchers are inclined to be a little ugly about
this affair. They argue that Mexican Mike
was a notorious cattle-thief, and even if Talbot
did kill him, he got no more than he deserved,
for he ought to have been killed long ago.”

“We can’t permit the ranchers to run the
town, nohow you can fix it!” the marshal de-
clared.

He was present at the interview.

“ Oh, I don’t think they will try to rescue
Talbot,” the mayor remarked, always disposed
to look on the bright side.

“ If they know that we are ready for them,
the chances are big that they will not try it.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of
cure in all cases of this kind,” Clairborne ob-
served.

“ You never said a truer word in your life l”
the marshal cried.

And so ten well-armed men were Secured,
and! the watch was kept up by night as well as

ay.
yIn the afternoon, after his conviction, Talbot
had along interview with his wife, making ar-
rangements in regard to his affairs, all sup-
osed, but what those arrangements were, the
lgown of Silvero lis was soon to discover.
That night a rawny, red-headed giant made

his appearance in the town, and proceeded to ;

“set ’em up ” for the boys in the most liberal
manner. ‘

He made the round of all the saloons. and
displayed his cash with wonderful. reckless-~

ness.

“I’m from Upper Arizona 1” he reclaimed.
“ And I am the biggest kind of a c ief when I
am at home :' I don’t take water for no man that
walks and I’ve jest struck a leetle the biggest
leada undred miles north of here that ever a.
man tumbled into! You hear me, boyees, that
is my horn w’ot’s tootingl” ‘

The result of this lavish display of gold,
and the generosity with which the stranger
spent his cash, was, that about midnight, he had
gang of twenty of the hardest
cases in the town. ' _ ~

Then the Mexican Mike aflair happened to
come u , and when the stranger learned the
portion ars, his rage knew no bounds. . V
, “You don't mean to [say that the guy old
Maverick Man was killed right in this hyer
town, and that you have got the critter in the

calaboose w'ot did the kniflng'?" he cried-
«“Mexicau Mike, my old side-pardnerl the

whitest Mexican galoot that ever struck Ari-
aonal Boyees. you ain’t got no land in yer
craws or youwould havevstrung up this hyer
Talbot rig is away to onc’t l” -

Soine one remarked that he wouldbe hung on

Frida . ’ ‘

-“.Dgn’t' ou believe it!” cried the red-headed
giant; in an disdain. “That is onlva skin
gametoget the man oil. When Frlda comes,
you’ll find‘ the galoot ain’t that. He s a rich
rancher, obi", , - ‘ , .
‘xliifowa‘mn‘iialfi' ' -‘ s u it h had

In mo .1 u e
I  would have been bun ,
' ' use“?

      

 
  
  
 
  

   

“eJl

 

s... '0 gear. ’

 

 

no justice for a man in this hyer world if he

ain’t ot plenty of ducats.”
I An so the big fellow went on until he got
‘ the “gang” excited.

They were all well under the influence of

i ll uor, and just ripe for mischief.
i‘inelly some one said it was about time that.
' Judge Lynch put ~11 an appearance in Silver-
: opolis, and the suggi-stinn took like wildnrv.
“ That’s it! Judge Lynch 1” the big iellow
; howled. “ Call the Vigilantes up and make
i short work of this red-handed mur erer. Give
,1 me a rope and I’ll show you how to do the
‘ trick!”
, In cases of this kind, it does not take long for
i the movement to get under way, for the frenzy
l spreads like a. contagious fever, and inside of
thirty minutes from the time that the risin of
Judge L rich was suggested in the Hote? de
Sonora, fty angry men were bowling for ad-
, mittance at the door of the jail, all of them
‘ armed, and the majority actin like lnnatics.

Clairborno, Oglethorpe and t o marshal were
three of the five guards on duty inside the cala-
boose on this mum, and when the mob first
commenced to yell atthe door, they presented a.
bold front, and warned the lynchers that if they
attempted to enter it would cost them dear.

But when they found that the mob v. ere dew
termined to get in, and were preparing beams-
to use as battering-ran s to break in the door,
they bean to seriously consider if it would not
be wise to yield to the demand.

ClairbI -rne exclaimed :

“ By Jove, he s! I believe these fellows mean
business, and I on’t see any use of our risking
our lives when there isn't any chance of beating“
ofl this crowd. To judge by the noise they are
kicking up there must be a. hundred out
there. and we could not hope to fight any such .

n . , .
“ Not by a darned sight i” cried the marshal, ,-
who did not relish the idea. “ And as long as ‘
the-fellow is going to he hung, what difference
does it make whether he dies to-night or next.
Friday?”

“ Not a bit !" Oglethorpe declared. “ And we
would be a lot of idiots to sacrifice our l;ves in.
attempting to fight this mob.”

“ That‘s so, that‘s so i” cried the other two
guards, whose lips were paling with fear as they
listened to the fierce cries of the angry men.
without. «

“ I say, open the door and let them in!" Clair--
borne cried. “ They are going to break it open,
anyway, and if they do that, in the rush some-
of us may get hurt."

“Sure as ye’r’ born !” the marshal coincided.
“I‘ll let ’em in. for we ain’t called upon to risk .
our lives for nothing l?’ '
Advancing to the door he removed the fasten-

and threw the portal open. 5’

n streamed the crowd some bearing torches,
the burly, red-bearded fellow at the head flour-
ishingra rope.

“ W bar is he—whar’s the red-handed murder~
erl” he howled.

Another moment and Talbot’s cell was invad-
ed by the mob.

Undauntedly Dick Talbot faced the threaten—
ing men. ' ‘

 

it

 

 

 

 

in

 

CHAPTER XI.
run HANGING MATGB.

TEE red-bearded’stranger led the mob, but
on] three of them entered the apartment, the
res filling the outer room and blocking the ,_
doorway. ,“

In his hand the big fellow held the fatal rope,
the noose already formed; behind him came a
man with a torch, and another with a brace of
revolvers.

“Talbot, you p’ison galoot, your hour has.
come i” roared the big fellow.  ' '

“ All right; I am ready for you, gentlemen,’
and I reckon I am not the man to show the . ’ i
white feather, even if you are all howling for -
mv blood !" the prisoner replied. ,

i“ That is the way to talk!" the giant cried,

f approvingly. “Die game. likeaman l” i
1 “Thatlsthe ha dI will play, and I reckon

you will all say. w en the thing is over, that 1'

i throw my cards for all they were. worth l’Zthjer‘ '
doomed man remarked. '

The red-bearded man threw the noose around

. Talbot’sneck. '

I “Coins along, Mr.
like a gen’leman even if we are goingh
you up. Pass the word without for t a boys to
form in line,” the big fellow continued. ‘We
have got our antelope and he is coming along»
quietl asalamb.” \ ’.
‘ Wit i he announcement all tumult.ceased,,-
the men without formed‘ in a sort of a pro-

cession, and when the big fellow made his np--
h rance with the prisoner, the mob surrounded

em. r ‘ .

“ I reckon that clumpof cottonwood: toatho'
south of the. camp is as good a place as suffer
this ‘hyer leetie fandango to come all,” the red~
, beard remarked. , z ' 1 ‘
" “Yes, as!” criedadonen voices. ' R '
l ‘ Awayt ey wentdormlngva strange , lc‘
asthe marched alonginthesemi-darkns tor
thought-w acloudy oneandthel t 
moo y, ,y 

 

    

  

-' ,ifi
\  J
Talbot, we will treat your, . ,. .
to stuns

   
     
       
     
       
     
  

   
   
      
 
   

 
  
      
  
 
  
  
     
  
 

 
     

 

 
  
 
 
 

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Talbot in Arms.

 

 

  

7 _

 

 

 

The mayor had been awakened by the tumult, 1
hurriedly dressed himself and hastened forth,
but when he found what u. mob was up. he did
i not attempt to interfere. but with a. number of ‘
others, not identified with [be lynch-party, fol—
lowed in the rear for the purpose of seeing the .
thing through.
. With the mayor were the guards who had had 1
charge of the prisoner.

k Clairborno explained the situation to Plun-
ett.

“ 0b, of course it was no use for you to ut- 1
tempt to fight such a gang us this,” his Iionor
said. “ You would have only lost your own ‘
lives without saving his, and, since he is to die ‘
anyway. a. day or two will not make much dif— i
ference.” 

The clump of cottonivoorls, of which the red-
heardcd stranger had spoken, was about a quur— ‘
ter of a. mile south of the town. nu l instead of l
being a clump, was a good sized grove, thirty ,
or forty trees. l

Apart from the grove—ten or {if teen f set from ‘
it—was a solitary tree. a big iellnw With one ,
particulur branch extending at a. right angle l
from the parent trunk.

“ Jest the thing. by hockey!" exclaimed the !
big fellow us his eyes fell upon the branch, and ‘
then, with the skill born of long experience, he
cast the rope over the branch, placed Tulbot
under this natural gallows, adjusted the noose
around his neck, took out a, handkerchief and
tied his hands together before him. When the
prisoner was prepared he called for volunteers
to take hold or the end of the rope.

A dozen responded.

“New, gen’lemen, stand back and
fair show for our money!” the big
claimed, waving back the crowd.

The mob complied and moved back, until
about twenty feet fmm the prisoner.

Talbot stood on one side of the tree, the men
at the rope on the other, the red-bearded man
in front of him, and back of the big stranger
the spectators.

“Now, Mr. Talbot, your time in this hyer
world is short." the big fellow remarked.
“ And if you have got anything you want to

' Sag], ypu had better spit it out as quickly as pos-
s e.

“ Well, I don’t know as I care to say much,”
the prisoner replied, apparent] not concerned
by the near approach of his com. “I don’t
exactly like the way you have arran ed this
hempen necktie which you have so kind y given
me; I think custom requires that the knot should
be under the left ear, sol”

And with his fettered hands he moved the
knot to the position indicated.

, “You are a cool ’unl“ the other declared.
‘ “ Are you all read now i" ‘ '
' ' “ Yes, yes, I rec on so.”
“Now, boyees when I say one. two, three,-
gol run him up lively, you understand ?‘
th'l‘he men at the rope nodded, and tightened
eir p.
“ a-al, so-long, Mr. Talbot; sorry that we
have got to put you through this course of
sprouts, but smh is life!” I
* “ Don’t mention it; pitch in l” was the sport’s
cool response. '
“ One, two, three, go!”

. Eerie“ {Mm "2r:   " .-

ive us 9.
allow ex-

 

.11“.

1'3

  

With the word the men at the rope started on se

', a run, while the rest watched the scene with
' anxious eyes.
' I Only a. single pull did the fellows who were at
_ ‘ the rope give though, and then they went
sprawling all in a hen on the ground. for in-

, ‘ stead of running the pr soner up to the branch,

3 ‘ a - as they anticipated, the noose around. Talbot‘e

‘ l neck gave wa , and in a couple at bounds he

gains the she ter of the cottonwoods.

Amighty yell went up on the air from the
threats of the crowd, and they clutched their
weapons with the idea. of rushing forward to
capture the Ranch King.

But their yell we on wered by another
equally as fierce, coming fr the grove, and it
vies followed bye ringing volley of revolver-
s ots.

, ‘ With aloud yell the red-bearded man threw
up) his hands, then reeled and went down all in
a cap. »

This was quite enough for the majority of the

‘ spectators. ‘ ‘

The did
going ut“ ot"at rsce~horse speed.

A ew dar ng souls fired at the grove. and
were answered with another discharge of revol-
ver-shots which whistled so near their ears that

' they were glad to follow the example of their

-\ companions and retreat at the top of their

 

    

not stand upon the order of their

  
 

d.
‘It was, “ save yourself, and the flend,take the
~ , bindmostl" .
-‘ . Not until they gained the shelter of the town
did the fugitives pause. ‘
‘ r. Then they commenced to count noses, for the
urpose of ascertaining who had been hurt in
the fight, but, ad for as could be‘ discovered,
only the big red~bearded stranger was miss-

in .‘ .
' F‘Hewas killed at the first fire!" chosen as-

serted. ‘ I . .
 “Bonn; friends of the Ranch King’s must
3?

 

.mark . r

  

mother-when they found bums to ‘

be hang(d, and concealed themselves in the?
grove, knowing that it was the only place near I
the camp where a num could be hung," said ‘
the mayor, and all believed tustit was proba-- :

bly correct.

Then, upon finding that only one man had
been hurt, the Citizens waxcd brave, and feeling
somewhat ashamed of the “ holy show 7’ which,
as a cynical cuss observed, they had made of

themselves, clmnored to be led against thel

ranchers, for they had no doubt it wus these
gentlemen who had come to the rescue of Dick
Talbot.

The marshal, with swelling dignity, declared
he would like no bitter fun than to “clean
out” the ranchers, and he volunteered to lend
the host. ‘

Both Clairborno and Oglethorpe, though, de-
clined to go with the party.

“Oh, no," said the men from Alabama,5

“ the game is ended, and there isn’t any use to
chip in until there is {i new deal.”

The party started, thou gh, but unsatisfactory
indeed w re the results of the expedition.

No trace was found of either the prisoner, the
men who had been concealed Within ihe wood,
or the big red boarded [ellow who had fallen in
the fight.

1 t was an extremely mysterious all’nir, and
the more the citizens of Silveropolis pondered
upon it, the more bewildered they be. awe.

CHAPTER Xll.
PREPARlNG FOR. was.

IT was after two o‘clock when the murhal j

and his party returned‘; everybody was tired
out by thistinio, and us it was plain nothingmore
could he done until morning, the citizens re-
tired to rest.

About everybody in the town, though, was
up bright and early in the morning, and the
stirrin events of the previous night were the
genera topic of Conversation.

The mayor did not rise until about seven. and
when he went to the restaurant to get his
breakfast, he was wnyleid all along the street
by citizens who anxiously inquired what was
going to be done about the matter.

And to one and all the mayor made the same
answer:

“ This is a matter to be decided upon by the
citizens of Silveropolisthemselves. I propose to
call a. meeting in front of my store at nine
o‘clock, and to ado t such course of action‘as
may then be decide u on.” . '

At the restaurant t e ms. or met the two
l{gamblers Clairhorne and 0g ethorpe, also the

arshal, John Livingstone.

All had come there for the same purpose,
breakfast, and took seats at one table, so as to
be able to talk while they ate.

“ I have been thinking over that sflair of last
night,” Clairborne remarked, “ and have about
come to the conclusion that we were the victims
of as cunnin a trick as I ever saw worked.” .

“ How so?7 asked the mayor. ‘

“ vpit it out!” cried the marshal.

. “ by, the lynch business, and that big
bearded stranger, who, as for as I can fix:
was the man who started the thing?

“Odd, too, wasn’t it that he should be the
only man hurt in the s ' mishl" the mayor ob-

rved.

“ Oh, I don’t believe he was hurt!” the gum-

bler exclaimed. “ That was all a game to stam-
e the crowd.” '

“And it did it, too!” cried the marshal, with
his mouth full. “ I was carried away by the
rush. and before I knew what I was doing, Was
footing it to the camp as lively as any man in
the ang.” ' " '

“ ea. tear in buch a case is conta ions,”
Oglethorpe said.‘ “ I did some pretty to run-
ning‘ myself.” ,

“Well, gentlemen, the thing was a brace
game from beginning to end 2” Clair-borne de—
clared. “ The red-bearded fellow came here in
Talbot’s interest, and worked the lynch business

red-
out,

   
    
    
 
    

  
 

Ranch King.”
The rest reflected upon ‘the matter for a few
minutes. and then they agreed that Clairborne
had robs.ny hit upon the truth.

“ t is so, and there’s no two ways about itl’
the gambler declared. “And the camp ought
to be ashamed of itself to be so easily fooled l”

‘9 On such things will hap en,” the mayor re-
“ And now, gen amen, how' do the
citizens feel about this matter? Are they. in—
clined to let it drop, seeing that Talbot has got

safely away 7” w

“Not by a domed sl htl” cried the marshal.
“‘I tell you what it is, inter Mayor, the camp
is mad. clear througlli
ing ’round pretty vely this morning, and I
know jest howtbe boys feel. It is jest this way:
are we men of Silveropolis to run the «town or
is a pack of these blamed ranchers to make
things hum i” -

“Mos: certainly the citizens will run this
town.” e mayoyreplied, who did not like the
way things were going. Havinga large and

rofltable trade with the rencbmen. hcwcs anx-

ns.not to have it disturbed therefore“: Wise
was tarmac». -' . ~
,"i‘trm um,

.r.

 
  
  
       
  

    
      
    
   
   
    
  

   
  
    
   

  
   
 
  

so as to give the ranchers a chance to rescue the

l I have jest beenwaltz—A

     
  
   
  
   
     
  
  
  
  
   
   
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
   
    
  
  
   
  
    
    
   
     
  
  
    
      

town are of the opinion that the days are over

when the cowboys kin come in and run the

cumg."

“( h, yes, if any gang of cowboys should try

that game they would be clenued out so quickly

that it would make their heads swiml” Clair-
borne (Inclured.

“Thou they are not inclined to lot the matter
(in m?" the mayor asked, thoughtfully.

“ Not by u. blamed sightl” the marshal re—
plied. “Talbot murdered in. men right on the
moinstreet of this hyor town. had a fair trial,
. was convicted, and now the citizens propose to

carry out the sentence, or know the reason
why l”

“ Soy, I have an idea I" exclaimed Clair’borne.
“ Suppose, Livingstone, that you take three or
four deputies with you and go to Talbot’s ranch,

. maybe you will be able to surprise him.”

The marshal shook his head.

“ Oh, no. I reckon the Ranch King is no
slour-h: he Will not be fool enutl’ to let me ketch
him." Livingstone replied.

“ Well, at any rate, you can see exactly how
the land lays; as it is, we are talking in the
dark ” tho gambler urged.

“ cs, I think the idea is a good one,” the
mayor remarked. He wanted to settle the mat~
tor peacefully if he could.

“Come to think on it,I reckon I might be
able to pick up some useful information,” the ,
’mershul observed. “I’ll git my men together 
and light out as soon as I get through with my '
hash.’

“ l was going to have a. meeting of the citi-
zens this morning to decide what ought to be ‘
dune, but; 1 will i ut it oil! now until afternoon
when you will, probably, be back.”

“Yeaunlvss I have a tight and the Ranch
King puts me into a condition for planting,”
the marshal replied with a grim smile.

Hull“ an hour later. Livingstone, with four
well-armed men, was on his way to the ranch of
Dick 'l'alhot. ,

2‘ It was a good two hours’ ride from Silver-
opolis, but in due tune the party came in si ht
01' the ranch, which was a strong 'doby bui d.
ing, built in the good old Mexican way, in the

1 form of a hollow square with n. court-yard in

l the center, access to which was had by a cover- ‘

‘, ed gateway, wherein swung a heavy door,’strong

: enou h to resist almost any attack, cxcept‘that ‘

' ofsr lery. ‘ .

All these isolated Mexican ranch-houses were “’
built as much for defense as for shelter, and all 7.
were calculated to stand a siege, for the wild h .
red braves had an unpleasant habit of making .
untimel calls, when they Were least expected
and ha it not been for the protection afforded v. ,
b the stron walls of unburnt brick, ’dobt'ea in ‘
t e vernacu or, it would not have been possible
for the whites to live in the country. I ‘

As the posse rode up, they noticed that the .

‘big door was closed, something unusual except .. . _
in the time of Indian troubles, and the marshal ‘
remarked to the others: ,

‘z‘Wa-al, boys, I reckon we ain’t a-goin’ to get

l

 

There was no appearance of life until the
horsemen were within a hundred feet of the 3
building, and had pulled their steeds to a walk,
then a. man, with a rifle in his hand rose from ‘
behind the parath which guarded the flat roof _
ot the hacienda. leveled the weapon full at the
horsemen, and cried: ‘ -
“Halt tharl” ' _ I , . .,
The horsemen did so: such a command, on» 
forced as it was by a repeating-rifle, was not one ‘ ' ., ,
to be lightly regarded, r ' ‘

For a moment the man on the roof and the.
marshal’s party gazed at each otherhand than. .
the rifleman burst into a. hoarse laugh. ‘ . ’fi
“ Ho, ho. ho!” he retired,“ durn m oldimule’s‘ ‘
left hind legl it it ain’t the mars all and on
bossbeck. too; but you don’t need nchoss, you
marshal galoot, with them shanks of yearn, for '
you are the boss runner, ho, ho, he 2” ' v ‘.

The man on the house—top was the red-beard- 3
ed giant Who had stirred up‘ the Vigilantes..

The readers of the Talbot series who are is- ,5
miller with held In 'un Dick and his rds,”hsvzc
probably recognize this robust spec men of the
for West long are this. V ,

It was Dandy J im.‘who prided himself upon-
being TheuMan-from-Red-D . ' - - ‘_ :

The rage of the marshal and his men we: ,
great u on recognizing the red-bearded tallest, r
which ey did, of course. as soon as he appeafid :
fairly in sight, sndh‘ls allusion to the marsh ’s
abilities in the running line did not tend to im~ ,.
prove that gentleman's temper. V I i , '

“ You domed red-heeded gclootl” cried le- ‘
in stone, shaking his not at the scofllng giant, »
“ have got it in for you!“ r .

“All r1 ht. I’m your antelope!“ Let me know» ‘
when on slit on me, won’t you!” retorted the
The- an-from-de-Dog. v » .

’ . “But on ain't the manI’m error; Dick Tel:
hot. the ch King, is my muttcnl’"tbe mer- 1 ,
shal cried. ‘ . - ‘*
“What can I do for you. Mr. Livingstone?
the Ranch King'eskod. making his appearance
in tbedoorws of the ranch. . ‘ '
r 49!; a, r. Talbot.“ said Li

. ticket the hepafinteudedl

' to m. ,v

 
  
 
    
 
  
  
   
   
    
  
 
   

xx. ’

  
 
 

 

 
   

    
        
 
    
  
   

  

 

  
  
 
 
    
       

     
   
     
    
 

   
 
 
  

 

 

    
 

 
 
  

 

   
  

    

  

   
  
 
      
 

  
 

 

    
    
 

   
  
  
  
  
   

    
 
 

 

vinfis‘tope‘;
for bow»

 

   

  
  
 

  

8

 

Talbot in Arms.

.

 

“ It cannot be done 1" Dick Talbot replied, i that there are more hard knocks than glory to i needed his services and so came to his aid

decidedly.

“ We are all armed, and we mean businessl” I

the marshal declared, in a threatening way.

“ And we are all armed, and mean business,
too,” was the reply, and, as the Ranch King
waved his hand his little army, composed of
SIX cowboy s and
armed with repeating rifles, made their appear-

ance from behind the parapet which had con- :

cealed them.
“ You perceive I have men enough here to

eat you up in a fair fight on the open, so I reck- ,

the Indian, Mud Turtle, all ’

1 be got out of it.”

on you will understand you have a better:

chance to be struck by lightning than to take
me from behind these walls."

“ Then you bid defiance to the law l” the mar-
shal cried. ‘

“ To the law that you represent, yes, most do-
cidedly.” ‘

“ All right; when I come again I will have a
hundred men at my back!”

“ And I will whip you and your hundred
men out of your boots if you have the luck to
assail me in my fortress!” Talbot criet , in de-
fiance.

After such an answer, there was nothing
more to be said.

The marshal and his men returned to Silver-
opolis and told their tale.

Great was the rage of the citizens, and. in
meeting assembled, they determined to capture
Talbot, if it took every man in the camp, and
immediately they set to Work to raise an

my.

Don Santander was about the only man in the
town who was lukewarm, but he held his peace.
To his daughter, though. l‘e said:

“ These men are boasting loudly of what they
will do, but they should remember their own

roverb, ‘ Talk is cheap, but it takes the gold to
uy land!"

 

CHAPTER XIII.
A SURPRISE.

THE mining—camp was in a fever of excite-
ment; the bold defiance of the Ranch King had
roused the spirit of the citizens, and on all sides
the determination was expressed to teach“ Mis-
ter Dick Talbot ” a lesson which would be apt to
last him for a lifetime.

They would show these ranchers that Silver-
opolis would stand no nonscnso, and if any man
set out to “ buck” against the town, he would
have a hard Ti. ad to travel.

It was arranged that the expedition was to
set out on the following morning, and all that

V day the citizens were busily engaged in prepar-
ing for the war.
he ranchers who were unlucky enough to
come to Silveropolis bad to undergo a crossex-
animation, which was far from being pleasant.

Were they going to stand up for that red-
handed murderer, Dick‘ Talbot, or would they
chip in to help the town lay him out? '

Under the circumstances, it wasnot surprising
that of the men thus interrogated none Were
bold enough to say outright that they believed
the Ranch King to be an innocent man. s

While these preparations Were going en, un-
der the active leadership of John Livingstone,
the marshal, who swaggered around the town
with the air of a man who believed himself to
beas greata fighter as had ever led an army
into the field, the sports, Cluirborne and Ogle-
thorpe, who had previously taken a prominent
part. withdrew into the background, as also did
the mayor. .

This exactly suited the marshal. for he wanted
to arrange everything to please himself.

The mayor refrained from taking an active
part bi cause he was a man of peace, and, if he

. could have had his way, would have let the
matter drop. The dead man was no account,
anyway, and to his notion it was absurd to

.._’a

kick up such a fuss about a rascal of a. Mex- 1
loan who was known to be a notorious cattle-

 

 thie . ‘ ’

to capture Talbot.

this in cure,” Clairborne remarked.
“ No. I don’t see as there is any call for us to
chip ii I") this game,” the other re lied.
' “The thing is a bad break for t e magsflalfll’]
t e

 

“You bet!" Oglethorpe declared.

The sports talked the matter over after the
citizens came to the conclusion to raise a force 1 vices, for Dick Talbot‘s fate will be settled
. [before he willbe able to get a chance at
“ I say, George, I don’t think we want any of . him.”

I

 

l

l

‘ Ranch King has ei ht or ten men in the hacien- .

army to whip him, for be and his ,cowboys are
fighters from 'Wayhack.”

“ No doubt about thatl I reckon the marshal,
who is blowing so about cleaning out the ranch,
has forgotten how Dick Talbot and his men
bro up the bri and band of Fernando Berna],
an that Bonus was no slouch of a fighter,
for he used to make mince-meat out of the Mex-
ican troops, even when they outnumbered him
ten to oneJ’ '

  

  
 

  

  
 
   
  
 

'Rancg’Kings, and so will take no hand in

e
“X es, I think that is our lay—out.” Clairborne
’Feplled. “I am not anxious to stop abulle
and reckon this blow-hard of a marshal w
findout baton he gets  with tho

     

 

 

l

l

l t
’hel

' faces of the p21}, he burst into a loud laugh.

“ n. is settled, then, that we haven’t lost my l
S

l

1

ti arms. 7 . .
_. in... it is. Banal, tbeunan‘ who bythis swag

 
  

“ Yes, no doubt ” Oglethorpe assented. “ Liv-
ingstone is a good man, and game all the way
through, but he lacks sense—good, hard boss-
sense; maybe this trouble though will knock
some into him.”

“ We don’t want to have anything to do with
it. The game has gone our way from the start,
and we don’t want to spoil it now by giving the
Ranch King and his cowboys a chance to plug
us for keeps. We wanted Talbot’s mouth‘closed,
so that he would not ruin our business by so ing
we were running a brace game; that has een
done, for no matter how this affair turns out,
the Ranch King will be kept out of this camp
for a long while. Then, 1 had a grudge against
the man on account of the Don’s aughter. Tal-
bot’s reputati: n is blasted, and so that is settled,
and I have already begun to turn the affair to
my advantage, so as to enable me to make a
favorable impression upon Guadalupe. I met
her awhile ago; she was nervous and excited
over this trouble, and it would have done your
heart good to have heard the way I talked to
her. I explained that it would not do for me
to express my sentiments openly,the town being
so excited about the matter, but I had a great
doubt in regard to Talbot’s guilt, now that I
had time to think the matter over, and I had
decided to take no part in this attack on
him.”

“ Oh, that was playing it very low down 1” the
other sport cried with a chuckle.

"Yes, you ought to have seen how her great
black e es sparkled with gratitude. She took it
all in— aw and (gospel, you know, and I reckon
I am retty sell with her just now."

“ aybe if you play your cards Well you will
get her after all,” Oglethorpe suggested.

“Well, i. reckon my chance is worth betting
on i” Clairborne declared.

Just about the time that this conversation
was taking place between the two sports, a
couple of strangers arrived in the town and put
up at the Silver Ship.

Jonathan Morton and William Bledstone were
the names they gave, and said they had lately
come from Santa Fe.

Morton was a good-looking man, with blue
e es and a light beard, while his companion had
Brock eyes and hair, and a beard of the same

no.

They announced that they were speculators
on the lookout for paying investments, and had
been advised to come to Silveropolis, as the
town was booming.

Naturally such men were warmly greeted,

and all whom they met endeavored to make

them feel at home.

The reader has probably recognized in these
two “speculators, ’ the ir wno visited the
brigand, Bernal, in his ungeon at Guaymas,
and were instrumental in his escape.

Naturally-the preparations that were being
made for the attack on the Ranch King did not
escape their attention, and when they inquired
concerning the armed men, who were strutting
up and down the street. they were soon put in
possession of all the particulars.

The pair exchanged meaning glances when
the story was ended, and then returned to their
room.

“ Wed, it’ appears that fortune is standin
our friend in this matter,” Morton remarks
when they were in their apartment with the
door closed.

“Yes, no need to plot and plan, for b the
time that this affair is ended, the Ranch 'n
will, probably, have gone the way of al
flesh!” ‘

“Undoubtedl 1 You can see from the ‘way
they talk that t citizens have got their blood
up and the intend to either kill Talbot in this

‘ fight, or, if e is captured, to hang him.”

“ The trouble and money we expended on the
brigand, then, was thrown away,” Bledstone
remarked.

“ So it appears: we shall not need his ser-

At this point there was a tap on the door.

“ Come in 1” said Morton, thinking it was some
servant of the house.

The door opened, and into _ the apartment
came the half- breed, J o Cadoza, whose evidence
had gone so far to securing the Ranch King’s

da, as they say he as, it will take a mighty big conviction.

He nodded in the most familiar manner to tlie

we, who stared at him, closed the door, and
d himself to a chair.

hen. noticing the amazed look upon the

a“ Ha, ha l you don’t know me?"
’ “ email” they exclaimed simultaneously.
It was the brigand, but his disguise had so
changed him that it was no wonder he had not

been recognized.

The stubby beard, which e had allowed to
grow, the rough wig, the was which had stain-
ed his skin, so that he was almost as dark as
an Indian, had completely altered his appear-

   
 
    
 

  

... _..

,, won-mail! you had

    

for
which I thank you most sincerely, althou ll, of
cougse, your action was inspired by self-inter-

, est. f

l “ There is an old adage which says, ‘ Talk of

the devil and he appears,m Morton remarked.

“ Ah, you were conversing about me, then?"

“ Yes, your knock interrupted the conversa-
tion ” Morton replied.

“ will wager a golden ounce that you had
no suspicion that l was anywhere in the neigh-
borhoodl”

“ You are right, we did not suspect it.”

“ And we ware just remarking that aflairs
had turned out in such a we that we would not
need your aid to tumble ick Talbot to the
dust,” Bledstone remarked.

A peculiar expression appeared on the face of
the bri and.

" We I, this Talbot does seem to be in a bad
way ” he remarked.

“ 'es, extremely so."
“ Fate itself worked for you, ehl played our
game as well as though you had directs the

’ casting of the cards.”

There was a peculiar intonation in the speech
which caused the pair to glance at each other,
and then at the brigand.

“ Have you heard all the particulars of this
Talbot afiair?” Bernal asked, before either one
of the others could speak.

They nodded. ‘

“How he was convicted mainly on the evi-
dence of one man, who saw the blow struck—
could not exactly swear as to the man who
wielded the blow, but could to the horse he
rode?” a

At this point a light broke in upon the
others.

“ Aha 1 you were the man!” Morton ex-
claimed. '

“ Yes, you are right; I was the drunken half—
breed cowboy, J o 6adoza, and without my evi-
dence it is safe to say the Ranch King would
not have been found guilty. Now, if on come
to look closely into this matter. per aps you
will come to the conclusion that Providence did
not deign to interfere in your favor as much as you
thought, and that if you had left me in Guaymas
j'lll, to be shot to death by the Mexican troops,
this Ranch King would not have got into this
trouble.”

“ 'Cpon my word, Bernal, you are a head and
shoul ers better than I thought you!” Morton
exclaimed.

“ Bah !” exclaimed the brigand chief, in con-
tempt. “ If I was not one man picked out of
ten thousand, do you su pose I would have been
able to lead the life I 'd—to reign as a very
king in Senora, despite all the efforts of the
Mexican Government to hunt me down i"

“ You deserved your reputation, evidently l”
Morton exclaimed.

“ I begin to see into this thing now,” Bledstone
remarked. “ You planned a wonderful scheme
and carried it out to perfection.”

“ Ah, you were the man, then, who settled this
Mexican Mike—1' Morton cried.

“ And stole the Ranch King’s knife so as to
fix the crime on him I” the other continued.

“ Michael Castillo, or Mexican Mike, the
Maverick Man, as he was called in this neigh-
borhood, was once a. member of my band,” the
brigand said his face darkening in anger. “ He
was captured with the rest, and turned informer
to save his miserable life. He swore the lives of

the doom of the traitor is death, and the first
one of the betrayed men to meet him execmed
ven canoe upon the craven c0wardl”

“ ell, we made a deuc’e of a. blunder, for we
never suspected on were in this nei hnorhmid,
or had anght to o with the aflair,” orton ad-

mitted.

“ The end is not et,” the bri and remarked,
significantly. he Ranch ing has been
and. to my thinking the chances are great that
he will beat these f ows who are boasting so
loudly of what they will do.” , I

" Suppose he does?” Bled stone queried.

going to butt m head against a stone wall, like
these fools! I s ll watch for an opportunity to
take him unawares. " '

“ Alone?” Morton asked.

“ Oh, no, I have found some of my old mm,
and already have the beginning of a new band.
I propose to soon show the world that Fer-
nando Bernal is as good a man as evwr.
> Soon you will hear that the Hawks ovaubahi
are again on the wing. -I have my eyes on
certain "ranches which will be likely to yield.
rich booty. Then, too, I have fallen'in love;
durin my long sojourn in Gueymas 'ail I was
denieg the delights of female society, ut now I
- mean to make u for it. In this town there is a
charming girl, t e daughter of an old Don who
was once a wealthyH man, but now sadly re-
duced. This lady fair I intend to, seize, as soon
ut I will attend to our work

mounts :1 home,

 

i

his comrades away, and so went free himself; ,

driven from Silveropolis, but he is not dead, .

“Then will come my chance, but I am not v

as I organize in band, and bear away to my ‘ I
first. And that reminds me, I am a, ttle short . ‘
ofcssh—” ‘ ' ' V  , -
“Ishallb‘e del htedto oblige.1y Fuel-tan *
immediately ‘,'How 3”

 

 

*i
,.

        
    
 

  
   
   
  
   
       
       
   
    

    
  
    
       
 
     
   
    
  
  
      
   
  

41..-, . 4

A us

 

 

’26. :L‘fnr;

 .

 

2.5

  
   
  
   
   
    
   
   
    
   
   
  
  
    
      
  
  
   
     
   

f subject when

if Ii",-

Talbot in Arms.

,3. i_.,.";‘

  

9

 

 

“A hundred would aid me.”
The money was immediately counted into his

hand.
“ Thanksl I am your debtor everi”
The brigand rose to depart.

“' l‘he expedition against the Ranch King ‘

starts to-murrow morning " Berna] said, with
his hand on the_latch. “if you are fond of
amusement take it inl If i am not greatly mis-

taken, Talbot and his cowboys will give these ;

braggarts such a warm reception, if they dare
to attack him, that a. large number of them will
regret the rash adventure. I speak with rea-
son, for I know the Ranch King and his men;

they struck me, and utterly destroyed my band; i

a mere handful of men accomplished the task,
which had battled a. whole regiment of Mexican
troops; adios I”

The brigand departed.

“ Shall we go?" Morton asked.

“Yes, most certainly, the fight will be well
worth the seeing!”

Bright and early on the following morning

, the marshal started with his force, fifty odd in

number, but in their rear came as many more
who desired to witness the fight.
Silveropolis was almost depopulated.

When the expedition came within a quarter.

of a mile of Talbot's ranch it halted, and John
Livingstone rode forward with a flag of truce.

No sign of life was there about the place.

Had the Ranch King fled, dreading the
attack?

Was the mere display of force sufficient to
scare bold Dick Talbot from his lair?

CHAPTER XIV.
A PAHLEY.

THE ranch of Dick Talbot was situated on a
gently-rolling prairie, unbroken by bush or tree
for miles in all directions, so there was no
“cover” to afford protection to an attacking

 

oe.

Any attempt to storm the. fortificationswould
have to be made over the open ground, a cir-
cumstance which made a few wise men- in the
attacking force shake their heads gravely, for
now that they were on the field of action they
comprehended how ditiicult was the job the
citizens of Silveropolis had undertaken.

A large majority of the “ warriors,” though,
had no idea that they had entered upon a task
from which veteran soldierswould have shrunk,
and quite a. number expressed their impatience
at not being led instantly to the attack. '

Black Dan Dutton, notorious as being one of
the biggest boosters in the cam , alth h be
had never showed that he was sit as ig a
chief as he claimed to be, voiced the opinion of
these finpatient men.

“ W’ot oes the marshal want to do an chin-
ning forl”he exclaimed. “ Why don’t 9 say
the word, and let us smash right into the old
ranch?” v

“ Ay, ay, that’s the talk 2” chimed in another,
and half a. deren other idiots took 11 the cry.

The two sports Clairborne and glethorpo,
with Mayor Plunko ,were in the rear‘ of the
speaker the -“ army " and the spectators being

mingle . .

And as Black Dan looked around, proud at
hfavtifiig created an impression, he caught sight
0 0 up.

“Aint that the way to do it? hey, Mister
Mayor?” he cried. :

“ Well, I don’t really know, Mr. Button; you
must not appeal to me ” the mayor replied. “ I
don’t brag of mg ability as a general, but it
seems to an outsl or, like myself, who don’t ages
tend to know much about the art of war, t
it would be an extremely diflicult matter to get
into that ranch, as long as the, doors were
closed, and we were without ladders toscale the
walls, even if there were no armed men inside
to 0 an entrance."

T s calm, commonplace view of the subject
made an impression upon the sensible men in
the crowd, but the boosters shook their heads,

. nsif tosth that they did not agree with the

speaker, and looked fierce.

“ Oh, I reckon it won’t take us igaloots long
to smash in the darned old door w th the butt:
of our gunsi’Z BlacksDan declared.

“ Dutton, it is lain tome that don’t
know much abou ranch doors in t 9 Indian
country,”Cls.irborne remarked. “If you did.
you would not talk in that way. If you had a
stout beam, twenty feet. long,,with fifteen or
twenty men to handle it as n battering-ram,
then you might stand some chance of breaking
open a pair of stout doors like those yonder;
but I reckon: doosn of you could bang away
with your guns, and the on] result would be

‘sore hands and the destruc on of your wea-

n8.” ’ ' \ ' . '
pm Yes, that is so; Duttm, you are not posted!”
letho added. '

’ Say, mkon, Clan-borne, that you ain’t in
this war, onyestn the brown, scowl-
infi at the sport. ,

No, I’ve not lemony Ranch Kl

1y shim she right .to express in 0 on on day

tsults mote comma ifany

{chanson feels wmsed‘bymy freedom I stand

ready to give him 131 satisfaction with an:
Wigwam- ! an 

a

  

 

,butIusunlw

   

O
| but I reckon, if you try me on, you will dis- I
, cover I am a. fighter from Fighterville,” Clair-
] borne retorted.

“ Wa-al, I’ve got other fish to fry jest now,
i but I‘ll jest bear this thing in mind,” the bully
remarked.

“ Oh, I wouldn’t do that; go for me now, and
then you will get it oil? your mind 1” the sport u
declared.

“ One thing at a time. Dick Talbot is my
mutton j-:st 111 w,” responded the other, who, for
all his bravado, was not inclined to force the
boss of (Le Cowboy ’s Ranch in a fair fight.

Clairborne was game to the backbone: he had
proved that in half a dozen desperate fights,and
was reckoned as expert with all kinds of wea-
pons as any man in the town.

The words of the sport produced a decided im-
preSsion. and there was a grave look on the
faces of many of the citizens.

It was one thing to volunteer to “clean out"
the Ranch King in the camp of Silveropolis,
excitement up to [ever heat, and evorybod y cry-
ing out that Dickfl‘ahot and his friends must
be killed or captured without delay, and quite
another, when on the open prairie, drawn up in
battle array, they waited for the beginning of
the struggle and realized that the foe occupied
so strong a position that, undoubtedly, many
llVCS would be sacrificed before a victory could
be won.

While this conversation was going on, the
marshal, with his flag of truce, was advancing
to the hacienda, full 01’ confidence.

He reasoned in this way: '

“ When Talbot sces tl'ls big crowd he will not
belikcly to tumble to the tact that more than
half of thrm are only hi re out of curmsity to
so the fight, and that no ivrrk kin be expected
from them. Nr ry timel He‘ll think, of course
that the hull b’iling are on tho- war-patb, and
reckon he won’t make no fight.”

In this case the wish was decidedly the father
to the thought. .

When Livingstone got within feet of the
house, Dick Talbot made his appearance upon
the roof.

The marshal halted.

“ Wa-al, Talbot, we are hyerl” he sxclaiméd,‘
with a wave of his hand toward the force upon
the rairie. '

“ o I see. and, judging by the looks of things,
I should think that about all the men of Silver-
opolis have turned out,” the Ranch King rs-
marked with a pleasant smile. ‘

Any stranger, unac uaintcd with the facts of
the case, would never ave ima ined’ from the
Ranch King’s appearance that V e armed men.
upon whom he gazed with so calm an eye, had
come for the express purpose of putting him to
a violent death. - , , r

“ We mean business, Talbot,” the marshal

warned.

“ Well,‘if you don’t, I should say that you‘had
gone to a great deal of unnecessary trouble,”
was the Ranch King’s quiet rejoinder.

‘ "‘I s’pose you see now that it won’t be of no
use for you to klt'k up a fuss?" Livingstone ex-
claimed in a. very determined way.

“Bless your souli I am not kickings up a
fuss!” Talbot cried. “It is you men of liver-
opolis who are doing it. I did not tell you to
come out with arms in your hands. as though
you egpscted to meet a band of hostile red-

kins.
“ Oh, stow this talk!” cried the marshal, im-
atiently, suddenly coming to the conclusion
at at this sort of thing he was no match for the
Ranch King. r 5
“ I am hyer on business, and I want to git
right down to it as soon as possible.”
‘ That is right"; ,
, And Talbot nodded his head approvingly.
“ Wa-al, are you going to surrender i”
“ I think I woul like to have a. talk with
“somenof your citizens before I answer that ques-

tion. .

“ Eh?” exclaimed the marshal. surprised at
the request. ' ‘ _

“I say I would like to have a talk with some
‘ of the men yonder—let the citizens select five or
six to come here with you.”

“Oh tharsin’t any need of that!” the man-
shall declared. “ I want you to understand,
Mister Talbot, that I am the boss of the crowd;
I am running this machine 1”

“The mayor then is not in it i” ‘

“ N time i” '

“”But ' see him yonder, unless I am mistak-

“ Yes; but he has jest come out to see how the
old t works." r'

“ Ah, see; and I suppose twonthirds oi." our
crowd have come with the same/idea, for no-
tice that there is quite a number of them who
are not flourishing weapo

    

  
 

us.”

i The hawk-like eyes of ‘Dick Talbot had served
him well. .r ‘ ' '

“ I reckon you will'flnd thru- is enufl of them

  

    
     

a flourish. . .

' “, If we, have a talk that thing may hp avoid-

ed ’“Talbot‘observed, dryly. ‘ -  I , I.
q...

when they go for you 1" Livingstone cried, with teeth

 

 

m.“- straw-t rain:
9 I Q

 

   
  
  
 
      
 
   
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
   
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
  
  
  
    
  
 
   
   
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
   
   
   
    
  
   
  
  
      
    
  
     
      
 
     
   
   
   
 

“ Wa—al, I’ll see about it.
any harm.”

nd then Livingstone returned to the citizens

who awaited his arrival with lively impatience.

CHAPTER XV.
A NOVEL PROPOSAL.

THE objection that the marshal had to this,
course was that it had a tendency to take the
direction of affairs out of his hands, and this (lid
notlspit him, for he wanted to be ‘ the great I
am

He consented, because be guessed from He
manner of the Ranch King that if he did not,
Talbot would refuse to talk at all.

When he came up to the citizens they eagerly
crowded around h In and he made known the
request of the Ru nch 'King.

'1 be others received it in an exircmcly favor-
able manner, for to the minds of the majorii
of them it appeared as if it was a Sign that Tel:
bot was “ weakening?” the approuc h of so large
a force had filled him with alarm, but when this
opinion was openly expressed and Cluirborne
appealed to in regard to it the sport shook his

em .

“ Gentlemen, I am sorry to say that I don't
take any stock in that idea,” he remarked.
“ The Ranch Kin is no fool; when he made his
bluff, and defied t e marshal to take him out of
his ranch, he knew what he was talking about
and understood he would have to fight. He
knew that it was a hundred to one that the town;
would go for him, and if he wanted to get out
he has had ample time to scout: but from the i
fact that he is are you can bet all you are worth
he has determined to face the music."

“ Why do you suppose he wishes this tall-xi"
the mayor asked. . ' ~
“ Oh, that is a riddlevnot easily guessed,” the
sport answered. “i can only get at what the
Ranch King is after by speculating upon what

I would do myself under like circumstances.
My game would be to come to an arrangement . .
and avoid a fight if possible.” ‘

“ The only arrangement we will come to is to ‘
take and hang him as soon as we kin git our
claws onto him!” the marshal exclaimed, and
then half-ardozen of the braggartscf the camp ,
led by Black Dan Dutton, gave aiyell and wave ’ L
their weapons in the air. v

“Well, of course, I am willing in this matter
to be guided by the wisbrs of the citizens," the
mayor remarked, “but it sci-ms to me that if
we could come to any honorable arrangement, 1
by means of which a fight could be avoided, it. '
Would be wise to do so, for undoubtedly hch
might be spared."

“ I take it, Mister Mayor, that we men of Sll~
vsropolis can’t allow any darned son of a gun of
a rancher to crow over us!” the marshal cried, ‘
and the speech showed that John Livingstone’s
voice was still for war. g

“Certainly not, certainl noti” Plunkett re-,

settlement."
time i”

plied. “I said an honorab
“ Say, gentlemen, ain‘t we wastin
Clairbornc asked. “ Hadn’t the comm ttee bet-
ter be selected? After the Ranch King delivers ,’
his say-so, we shall know how the ground lies.” ‘
This brought the discussion to an end, and the a '
citizens immediately proceeded to pick out the .
men to serve. ‘
The marshal was to go, of course. then the.
ma or was called upon, and although he said 119‘-
not come in his official capacity, but merely
as a private citizen—a. spectator, still he was
chosen,“ was also Clairhorne, though he said he 5
was in the same boat as the ma or. . '.
Black Dan Dutton and two 0 d citizens made
up the party, and after it was organized away {
theynwent to see what Dick Talbot had to say
for ‘mself. '
The pm halted about forty feet from the
house and albot advanced to the edge at the
15h“vitiroeii I glad to u "a". ‘
am see you, gen omen o‘? ,
Ranch King. remarked, “ although sorry, that
the circumstances of the case force you to
come with arms in your hands'and anger in
your hearts.” v ‘ . - , I
“ Look layer, Talbot, it war on that began
this tussl"~the marshal cried. ‘ You know you
murdered the Maverick Man i” . ‘
" Oh, no. I don‘t know anything of the kind'
and as there is a heaven above me, gentlemen, I
wear“) on I amas innocent of the death of-
Mexican ike as a babe unborn l The testimony ,
of that half-breed cowboy was a lie from begin-‘
ning toendl Since I have had time to think the, "
matter over I am satisfied of it. In the begin
sing I was under the impression that the ms
was telling the truth. as it appeared to him. a ‘ ‘
that he honestly believed what he said; but it 1
is not so. He did notices the blow struck which ‘ '
killed the Maverick Man, unless indeed he was
the man who committed the murder. It‘was
all a trick to insnarc ms, and I must admit that
it worked to perfection. I had a narrow squeeze
for my life and only coca by the skin of my w
. ; but, gentlemen, I ' not ask you hereto
discuss the post; tbspth and the future is
wh‘flifii kiwi" Livingstone led 5'  ’ ‘
. s e p n , er . a
you oirgto surrender " ‘ ' i _‘
; '. name

was

I reckon it won't do

 

  

    
  
   
  
 

  
  
 
 
 

    
   
     
     
 

 

   
      
  
  

 
  
    
 
    
     

  
  

      
  
 

 

  
 
    

   
 
  

  
   
 

  
   
  

     
 

 
   

1.9.

.“

Talbot in Arms.

 

 

Livingstone, you ought to know better than to
ask such a question as that! Would you do it,
or any of you gentlemen, if you were in my
place?”

“ I reckon notl” cried Clair-borne.

“ Oh, no i” said the mayor.

“]You had a fair trial!” growled the mar-
sha .

“ Oh, yes, I have no complaints to make on

1 that score,” Dick Talbot answered. “ But you

 

must bear in mind that I did not submit vol« ‘

untarily to be tried, and you must not blame
me it‘ I object to the decision of a tribunal which
1 bad no hand in selecting.”
“ The evidence showed you were guilty, and
you ought to be hungl” Liwngstone declared.
, > “ Marshal, you are inclined to be a little bull-
, . headed in this matter, I see; you are spoiling
r‘, for a fight. Well, now, I am not, although,
-" , gentlemen, I say to you, frankly, that I am pre-
'-’ 1» pared to give you the warmest reception that
‘ ‘ ‘ mortal men ever received, if you attempt to at-
tack me in my fortress here.

“ You may have an idea of laying siege to
this ranch, and of starving me out, but that
game will [not work, for yesterday I laid in
provisions and water enough to last me for a.
month and I also have plenty of ammunition.
Your delay in attacking me also gave an op-
portunity to procure reinforcements, and we

ave a goodly number of fighting-men; see for
yourselves!"

Dick Talbot waved his hand; fifteen well-
armed men rose from behind the parapet, which
had concealed them from view, and grinned at
the delegation.

“ You understand, my friends, that I have

 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 

a war, but I ‘m not anxious for a fight; in fact,
would avoid it in any honorable way. Of
course, I am not going to surrender and allow
myself to be hanged; it is too much for you to

a silent fight for my life.”
be members of the delegation looked at each
.‘ other. That there was a deal of sense in the
Ranch King’s words, none of them could deny.

" N ow then, you men of Silveropolis have de-

cided that the death of the Maverick Man lies
‘ at my door; if there had been a fight between
us, and Mexican Mike had been killed in the
contest, you wouldn‘t call me to an account;
all I would have to look for would be some
friend of the dead man who might attempt to
avenge his death,” Dick Talbot continued.

“ Yes, that is true, but you didn’t give
hiesicgn Mike any chance," the marshal com-

tune - ‘

p "You are oing on the idea that there is no
doubt I kill the man, even though the lying
witness, who tried to swear my life away, was
not bold enough to declare that he was sure I
was the man whom he pretended to see strike

. the blow. You convicted me on presumptive
evidence, and, if you are at all well posted, you
ought to know that many an innocent man has
been brought to grief in that way. But there is
no use in wasting time arguing this cam. You

, hold me for the death of the Maverick Man!
Well and good! I am ready to give satisfaction.
If you attempt to storm my fortress here, you
are certain to lose twenty or thirty men, even if

, you succeed in whipping me, and if you ever
hada hand in a game of this sort you would
understand that there is not one chance out of
a hundred for you to succeed. ‘

“ My men are protected by the parapet; yours

have to advance across the open plain, exposed
1 to the full force of our fire, and if, with our re-
ting—rifles, we cannot lay out half your force
fore you can get within a dozen yards of the
gate, it will be because my men don t know how
to use their weapons.”

Again the members of the committee looked
doubtful, and the mayor shook his head as much
as to say he did not admire the prospect.

That the Ranch King had made a. fair state-
ment of the case was evident to them all, and

‘ even the hull-headed marshal began to see that
success was almost impossible.
I “If you had the best fighting-men in the
_world,and double the number that you now
have, the chances are big that you could not
whip me," Talbot continued. “ Now I am
anxious to save bloodshed. It will be no pleas
ore to me to kill twenty or thirty of your men,
and if you want satisfaction from me on account
of the Maverick Man’s death 1 am willing to
‘ give it to you.

” Pick out three of your best men, arm them
with a pair of revolvers apiece, and I will meet
them in a fair, pgusre fight. ,If'thoy kill me,
well, and good: I am wounded so 1 cannot
continue the strn 318 I am willing to be taken
back to Silveropo and be hung,.and if I am
the victor, then the thing is to be considered
settled, and the town is not to hold resentment
ngfilnst me.” r’

r v ‘ a bold proposal took the delegation entire-
lv gisurpriu, for it was altogether unex-
‘ pe’I‘hat the Ranch King should be willing to
yield the 'advanta a he undoubtedly ‘
A and encounter suc odds as three to one was
truly amazing. . ~ , '

  
 

  

 
  
  
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
 

 
 

made ample preparation for the fiercest kind of .

expect; a. man would be an idiot to do that. If I
I am fated to die, I might as well perish making 1

l The mayor was the first to speak.

: “It seems to me that Mr. Talbot has made an
extremely fair propoSition,” he said. “ And, at

. any rate, we ought to submit it to the consider-

i ation of our fellow-citizens yonder."

The marshal was also l‘avornblv disposed to
the acceptance of the proposition, for it was
his belief that the vanity of the Ranch King as
to his skill had led him into a trap. He might
be a good man, but three to one was big odds.

“ Wa-al, I reckon we ought to see what the
boys think of it,” he remarked.
l “ All right; submit the matter to them; if
l they accept the terms it will surely save some

bloodshed,” Talbot remarked.

‘ “ We will let you know in ten minutes or sol”
, the marshal declared, and then the delegation
, returned to the towusmen, who had been eager-
? ly watching the progress of the discussion, but
‘ too far away to hear the conversation.

CHAPTER. XVI.
AN UNEVEN FIGHT.

WHEN the proposal of the Ranch King was
made known to the citizens, great was their
' wonder.

“By Jovel the fellow is game!” Oglethorpe
declared. “ You are safe in betting all your
ducats on that l”

“ Well, gentlemen, what do you think about
the matter?” the mayor asked.

Then there was a. tumult, every man trying
5 to deliver his opinion in advance of his neigh-
bor; there was a large majority in favor of ac-
cepting the roposition, but there were a few
“ bull-heade idiots,” as Ciairborne character-
ized them, who declared no arrangement ought
to be made, but that they ought to “ pile in and
clean the durned cuss out l”

Black Dan Dutton was the leader of the

, crowd.

“ Put the matter to a. vote and let the majority
rule: that is the Way to settle it 1” Clairborne
cried at last, taking advantage of a pause in the
hot discussion.

This idea met with the approval of thecitizens,
and the vote showed an overwhelming majority
in favor of accepting the offer.

The display of force that the Ranch King had
made when he waved his hand for his armed men
to appear had produced a profound impression
upon the minds of the attackers.

From where they stood the roof of the ranch
seemed to be alive with fighting men, and after
this demonstration the citizens were not anxious
to march to the storming of the ranch, for it
suddenly occurred to them that a good many
men would be certain to be shot in the attempt,
and although there were few cravens in the
party, yet even brave men could not be blamed
for hesitating to advance to certain den th.

“ Wal, that settles it l” the marshal exclaimed,
when the voting was over. “ We will accommo—
date Mister Dick Talbot, and now the p’int is,
who is to do the fighting? Three men have got
to step forward and represent the town."

At this announcement a large number of the
citizens looked at the marshal ina peculiar way.

Livingstone immediately guessed what
thoughts were in their minds. for bull-headed
and obstinate as he was, he could not 'be said to
be dull of comprehension. ‘

“ Oh, that is all right, fellow—citizensl” the
marshal exclaimed. “You needn’t go to mak-
ing any snoots at me! I understand what you
are driving at. I a m the town marshal, and you
reckon if that is an fighting to be done that it
comes in my line. reckon you are ’bout right
(thar, and you needn’t be skeered as to my try-
ing to shove my work ofi? onto somebody else.
The reason I spoke was that from the way you
galoots talked I had an idee some of you was
sp'ilin for a fight so bad that you would feel
hurt i I didn’t give you a chance to hop into
this fandango, but it is all right. I am number
one, of course, unless somebody insists on tak-
ing my place,” he added, grimly. “ Now, the
question is, whar’s number two and three?”

The citizens looked at each other; to use the
old expression, all were somewhat backward in
coming forward. . s ’
Clairborne seired upon the opportunity to get
' a di at Black Dan Dutton. '

“ utton will be number two!” he exclaimed.
“ He has been howling for blood and slaughter
ever since we started.’ ' .

 
   
 
  
   
 
   
   
   
  
     
     
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  

  
 
  
  
   

     
  
 

jeer the bull declared that he was “ jest on the
p’int of 0er ng.”

“ I ain’t afeard to stand up ag’in’ this Ranch
King!” he declared. “ Although I reckon thar
is one man within the sound of my voice who
ain’t anxious for to have an of it in hisn l”
And as he spoke he darts a venomous glance
at the gambler.

“If you mean that for me, button, you are
safe in betting all on are worth on itl” t 0
sport declared with laugh. “You nevers e
a truer word in your life. I am not stac ing
my checks up against any Dick Talbot, just
now, for I reckon the man ‘knows what he is
about, and if he wasn’t the very kin -pin of a
fighter he would not make any such id bluff
as this threeto one business”,

“ Witching on we won‘t be; whipped until

.r

   
 

  

 
 

   
  

 

   

This raised a laugh and, smurting under the,

 

; as a statue, with his hands at the level

we have fought a bit,” Livingstone remarked,
sarcastically.

“ Now don’t get off the hooks and misunder-
stand me, marshal,” the sport was uick to re~
mark. “ All I wanted to make plain was that
it is my opinion you haven’t got such a soft
thing of it, as it looks to be at the first glance,
and if I was going to bet on the thing, 1 would
not be willing to go three to one on your clean-
ing out the Ranch King."

“ Wa—al, we will make a good try for it, any-
way,” the marshal replied, with great dig-

nit .

‘yOh, I don't doubt that; no man that knows
you, Livingstone, will have any doubt but that
you will stand up to the rack and take your fod-
der like a man,” the gambler edmitted.

This remark Black Dan Dutton construed as a
reflection upon him, and he immediately took
offense.

“ 1 want on to understand, Mister Clair-
borno, that am a boss too when it comes to a
fightl” he declared.

“Is that so?” Ciairborne asked, in the most
serious umnner. _

“ Yes, sir-co; you kin bet yer boots onto 1t,
and I reckon that when it comes to a skirmish
I kin hold my end up as well as any man in the
cum .”

“ Bitten, if you can fight half as well as you
can blow you must be the biggest kind of a
chief,” the sport declared.

This created a general laugh.

“ Wait and you will see i" Dutton cried.

“ I reckon I will have to chip into this thing,”
remarked Ben Perkins, the butcher, stepping
forward. “ I will be the third man i”

“ Good for you! Bully boyl” and like cries
of approval came from the crowd.

Perkins was a bi fellow and reputed to be an
expert both with his fists and the usual weapons
comm n to the frontier.

The manner in which the Ranch King had ad-
dressed him on the morning when the quarrel
with Mexican Mike had taken place rankled in
his mind, and he had come to the determination
to “ go” for Dick Talbot on the first opportune

it .

3‘" All right!" the marshal exclaimed. “We
three will try our luck with this Ranch King
galoot. I will jest skip over and see how the
thing is to b 3 worked."

The Ranch King expressed his satisfaction
when informed that his proposition had been
accepted,and the arrangements for the fight
were soon made. '

It was understood that the strictest neutrality
was to be observed both by Dick Talbot’s men
and the citizensduring the fight. i

The citizens were to be at liberty to advance
to within a hundred yards of the hacienda, so
as to be able to witness the fight, standing 1o
one side though so as not to interfere with the
contestants.

Talbot was to take his station at a certain
point a hundred feet from the house; a hundred
yards further on the three were to be grouped.

Aflmr getting into position the marsh] was
to ask: “ Are you ready?” and upon the Ranch
1King’s reply in the all] rmative the fight was to

egin.

Each man was to be provided with two re-
volvers, one in each hand, and to be at liberty
to use one, or both, as be pleased.

“ I reckon thar ain't many men w’ot‘kin make
much of a fist at left-handed shooting,” Living-
stone remarked.

“No, as a rule, few men shoot with the left
hand,” Dick Talbot replied, but he did not think
it necessary to post his foes as to what they
might expect by telling them that he was able
{.3 shiocilttfully as well with his left hand as with

s r g . .

The marshal returned and made known to the
citizens the terms of the fight. ‘

Then the three. who were to do battle, exam.
ined their weapons, for in a. struggle like this, a
want of precaution might cost 9. its.

Vghen the three were ready an advance was
ma e. '

The citizens hurried forward eagerly to secure
good itions, and when the three champions
were in their places, the gates of the ranch
opened; Dick Talbot made his appearance, a
revolver in each hand, and walked leisurely to

his 0st.
' When he gained it, the marshal cried:

54 Are ‘

“Yes, all read 1” ~ ,

Immediately t e three separated, and, when
they were some twanty feet apart, charged upon
the Ranch King.

you ready?”

 

CHAPTER XVII.
‘ A nnsrmu'rn nucouum.

Tim three had arranged this maneuver while i

marching to their places. It was a clever

dodge, and the citizens gave vent to loud “Ahsl”; .  ‘ '

pf astgnishmont when the movement was per-
orlne . . '
The idea was to attack the Ranch King from
tgiieetge crate points; no random shot would be
a e , ..
Dick Talbot stood like a rock. as immovtalgli:

0 him service then. A ‘

 

 

 

 

    
    
      
   
 
   
   
   
  
   
   
    
  
  
  
     
  
   
    
     
 
      

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i
[E


     
 
    
      
  
   
  

 

 

 

 
   
 

  
   
  

 
  
  
  
   
   
  
   

Talbot in Arms.

11

 

 

waist, until his foes were within a hundred and
'liity fectot‘ him; then, with the preCision of a
machine, both arms were raised and he took aim
at the marshal, who was in the center, and Ben
Perkins, the butcher, on the extreme right.

Anticipating that he was about to fire the
'three halte d, acting as though under orders,and
the-n they blazed away

But it is an expert revolver shot indeed, that
can hit his man at a hundred and fifty feet, and
the three bullets flew wide of the mark, none of
them coming Within a yard of the Ranch King,
but as he dropped his hands to the level of his
‘waist right after the discharge, without firing,
the crowd came to the conclusion that he was
hit and gave a shout.

“ He’s done for, l reckon!” cried one over-
wrought townsnian.

“ Oh, go ’l'ongl” Clairborne exclaimed, “ he is
only playing With them!”

The shrewd, sharp- eyed gambler had pene-
trated the game of the sport.

He was trying to “ rattle” his antagonists.

The three halted for a moment after firing to
note the effect of their bullets, and when I‘al-
hot‘s arms dropped, they, too, for a. few seconds
fell into the error of thinking he was wounded,
but when they saw that he kept his position,
'firm as a statue, and noticed the smile upon his
lips, the understood their bullets had not
harmed im, and they were somewhat puzzled
as to why he was reserving his lire.

They glanced at each other, then Black Dan
’Dutton moved off a little more to the left, and
Ben Perkins executed a similar maneuver to the
:right: then they advanced again, but this time

' .more slowly.

_A

 
   

‘ give

‘ ‘ renou

' '. marshal declared. .“

  

.as the bully raced across the

Another fifty feet was covered and then up
came Talbot’s arms with wonderful swiftness;
his antagonists halted immediately and tried to

' draw a head on the Ranch King, but Talbot an-

timpated their fire, for he blazed away as soon
as his pistols reached the level, apparently never
troubling himself to take aim, but the reader
who has followed lnj un Dick’s fortunes knows
that he was a most marvelous “ snap-shot,” and
could do as much execution if he fired the mo-
ment his pistol reached the level, as though he
dwelt for a minute on his aim.

His revolvers were discharged so nearly to-
gether that but one report was heard.

The human tar etswcre at his favorite range,
.1121 even hundred set, and both his bullets told.

The marshal got a ball in the right shoulder
which made him drop his right-hand revolver as
'though it had suddenly become red-hot; the
brawny butcher was shot through the body; up
went his hands, and then, with a groan, he
jpitcbed forward upon his face.

It was plain that he was out of the fight for

ood.
g Both of the revolvers of the wounded men
went oi! just after the bullets struck them, so
'the leaden missile of one went. down into the
.ground and the other was wasted on the air.

Black Dan Dutton discharged his all right,
but the double explosion of Talbot’s revolvers
had made him nervous, and his bullet did not
come within six feet of the Ranch King’s head,
whist in high up in the air.

Then albot turned a‘little and gave the bully
the benefit of a double discharge, but Black Dan
.‘Dutton’s nerves forsook him just as the shots
were fired, and he fell upon his knees thereby
saving himself, for both of the Ranch King s
bullets would have struck him if he had kept
his upright position. ' _

The tremor lasted but. for a minute, and
'then the big fellow sprung to his feet turned
and fled toward Silveropolis as fast as his legs

, could carry him, amid the boots of the crowd,

who were terribly mortified at seeing one of
their champions thus disgrace himself and his

wn.

The marshal kept his ground, although his
wound was an extreme] sinful one, and
goméiletely deprived himo a loss of his right
I an .

His disgust at the craven behavior of Black
'Dsn Dutton was intense.

“ Come back, you infernal coward!" he yelled,
rairie, but Black
Dan Dutton fled with wonder ul speed, his feet
.aiilpd by the win 5 of fear.
, “ Say, Talbot, ‘ want you to understand, I
am not knocked out of this fight yeti" he ex-

, , claimed.

“ Not satisfied, marshal?” the Ranch King in-

‘ \quired in his quiet way. .

“ No, sir I still have the use of my left hand.
although I am suffering the torments of the
infernal regions; my shoulder feels as if tbar

- "war I. red-hot poker stuck into it, but I am able
‘ for you yeti” ‘ ‘ ‘

“ Livingstone, you are a good man. and after

- this display no onc'will ever doubt your game-

ness, and so I don't want to kill you—or evep to
on another wound, for you are badly

of! already.”
"‘ , come now,

 

on are not sure of settling
my hash, although you have got the best of the

‘ fight so far.”

‘ Are you an expert shot with your lefthandl”
plbot asked

  
   

 

on are only binding!" the ,

No, I reckonl’sinlt,”~the marshal replied in‘

la disconsolate way. “I don’t believe I over
i fired a shot with my left hand in my life!”
“What chance then do you stnndl Why,
’ man, your life is at my mercy l” the Ranch King
exclaimed. “Perhaps you have got the idea
‘ into your head that these shots of mine were just
accidentally lucky ones."

“Oh, no, I reckon you kin handle your tools
pretty well."

“Let me show you how well. Hold up your
revolver, straight in the air, the barrel just
above your shoulder."

The marshal complied.

exclamation of pain.

" Durned if you didn‘t give me a regular elec-
tric shock l” he cried.

“ I could just as well ut the bullet through
your brain,” the Ranch ing remarked.

“ Wa—al, I reckon you could, and as thar ain‘t
anything of the hog about me, I will own up
that I have got enuii’. It is your light, Talbot,
and no mistake! I reckon you have given me a
remembrance that will last one while.
I ought to be thankful, though, that I am not
salted down for good like Perkins."

“ I reckon he is not so badly hurt,” Talbot re-
marked. “ I didn‘t try to kill the man, but only
to wound and disable him."

“ Wn—al, I hope he ain’t done for. ” And then
the marshal turned to the crowd. “Gentlemen,
the show is over, and I say, Doc Brown, jest
take a look at my arm, will you?" i

The citizans advanced. and while the most of
them surrounded the marshal, some hurried to
where Perkins lay.

The mayor and a few others came up to the
Ranch King.

“ I am very glad, Mr. Talbot, that this un-
pleasant business is settled,” Plunkett declared.

‘ I can assure you, Mr. Talbot, that my voice
was for (peace from the beginning, but was
overrule ."

“ Well, I am sorry that the thing occurred,”
the Ranch King remarked. “ But now that it
is over, and the victory is mine, I assure you
Mr. Mayor, more strongly than ever, that I ha ,
no harm in the killing of the Maverick Man,
and I should think after the exhibition of my
skill on have seen to_-day, you have convincing
proo I am not the kind of man to shrink from
a fight with any such fellow as Maverick Mike.
If 1 had sought the man’s life, I could easily
have killed him in a fair fight without having
to resort to the knife of the assassin.”

“ I will say frankly, Mr. Talbot, that it was
my impression you were guilty, but now I am
satisfied that‘that half—breed cowboy was so
drunk he was not capable of knowing-what was
gomg on,” the mayor declared.

“ Yes, something was wrong about his testi-
mony,” the Ranch King remarsed, dryly.

During this conversation. the doctor had suc-
ceeded in extracting the ball from the marshal‘s
shoulder; it had pliesed Clea: through, and lay
near the skin at the buck.

“ It is an n 1y, painful wound, Livingstone,
but not at all angerous,” Doc Brown remark-
ed, as he bandaged it up. .

” It hurts like blazes! ’the marshal growled.

“ Ah, well, youmust expect these little th ngs
to he pen if you go foolin around with revol-
vers, ’ the doctor rejoinn . And than be pro-
ceeded to look after the butcher. ‘

As Talbot had said, Perkins was not serious-
ly hurt. He had been shot in the side, and the
bullet, striking against a. rib, had glanced and
passed out at the back.

“ He is worth a. dozen dead men 1” Doc
Brown exclaimed, and then proceeded to ban-
dage the wound. .

“ I am very glad, Mr. Talbot, that this affair
has not resu ted in any serious damage!” the
mayor declared. “ But I am satisfied from
what I have seen that these men may thank you
for their lives. If you had desired you could
have killed all three.”

“Mr. Plunkett, I do not seek the life of any
mon,”the Ranch‘King replied. “If it was a
question of their lives or mine, then I should
not hesitate to kill, of course.”

“ Certainly, and no one could blame on.”

“ I presume that now I mayconsider his mat-
ter settled l" the Ranch King asked. »

“ Oh, yes; we accepted {our proposition, and
Silveropolis is satisfied,” t a mayor replied.

“ I am glad of it, for I don’t want to feel that

me. Iain innocent of this crime, and one day

it will be made lain to all ”'

‘ “ I feel sure 0 it, Mr. Talbot!" , , ‘
Then the mayor shook hands with the‘ Ranch

King and took his departure. -
Slowly the citizens with the wounded man

made their way back to the camp, Talbot’s wou-

derful prowess the theme of every tongue.

CHAPTER XVIII.

. TALBOT‘S stuurn-nounn.

FROM the roof of the house, partial] conceal-
ed behind one of the chimneys, Mrs. slbot had
witnessed the fight.

A true Western woman was she, 
once known as ’Frisc‘o Nell. and she; not
shrink from witnessing an condom ’

 

 

33‘

 

 

“ Crack!” went Talbot‘s right-hand revolver, .
and Livingstone dropped the weapon with an ‘

I s’pose l

I am an outlaw with everv man’s hand against

  
    
    
 

 

kind,‘partieularly when one she loved was con-
CL'l'llcil therein.

She greeted her husband warmly when he on-
terel the hilclé‘llllu.

“ i managed to get the best of them,” Talbot
sold. as he seated himself in tho Cozy sitting—
room which plainly bore theinarksof a woman’s
cunning hand in its adorniiienis.

“ Yes; they were no match for you, and if
you had willed you could ensin have killed all
three of them."

“True; but it was not my game to do that;
I bore no one of the three any ill-Will," the
Ranch King observed. “ The marshal is a good,

ame man, although obstinate and bull-headed.

e thought he was doing his duiy,und so bold]
faced death. The other fellow, who made sue
good use of his legs, is inerer one of the bullies
of the town. He fancied that the odds of three
to one insured a victory, and so he cameintoihe
light expecting to luck some easy laurcls. Per~ ,
kins, the butcher, as a grudge ugainst me be-
cause I spoke pretty plainly to him the other
day about buying stolen cattle. He too prob-
ably thought that with three to one it was a
sure thing." '

“ Ah,they did not know the man they were
to meeti”the wife exclaimed, with a glance at
Talbot full of pride.

“ Yes; I have had considerablee xperience in
that line and must be considered a pretty old
stager.”

" The (Affair is settled now and you can go to
Silveropolis without fear of trouble?"

“ Oh, yes' the mayor says everything is all
right, and am glad of it too, for it would not
be pleasant to be shut out of the’ only town for
miles around that is worth visiting, and in order
to prevent such a thing was the reason why I
proposed to meet three of their men; if I had
allowed them to go on and attack me here I
should have had to kill a dozen or two of them,
and then Silvernpolis and I would never have“
been on goal terms again."

“ Dick, I have been thinking over this matter
since you went out, and I have come to the con-
clusion that there has been a deliberate plot to
take your life without endangering the men who
engineered the scheme," Mrs. Talbot exclaimed,
abruoptly. ,
“ h, yes, that is my idea; under the circum-
stances it is not possibletocome to any other
conclusion. My knife was stolen from my belt
in the saloon. and then the Maverick Man was
waylaid and killed with it. The thing was cun-
ningly arran ad. I had caught Mexncan Mike
witha beef 9 had stolen from me that morn-
ing, and had thrashed him in the presence of
witnesses, so there were plenty to prove that
there had been a quarrel ’bstwwn us; therefore,
when the man was found dead, suspicion was at
once directed to me, and the finding of m y
knife in the wound seemed conclusive proof that
l wa the man who had done the deed.” .

“ But now the question is, what foe of yours
arranged this scheme, which so nearly resulted
in your death?" Mrs. Talbot asked.

“ That is just what I have been puzzling
about,” the Ranch King replied, reflectively.
“ In such a case s. man ought to be able to put
his hand on the man, or men, at once, but I‘ll be
han ed if I can!” r

“ t is the work of some foe, of course.” ,

“Yes, there is no doubt about that, but for
the life of me, I cannot think of the part ._ I
have not had any trouble with, any one or s.
long time, and therefore there is no reason for
my death to be desired. The last dimculty was

th'Bernal’s brigsnds, but that is a long time
a o.
“ And the brigsnd band no longer exist."

“True and the last report ,I heard in regard
to Berna was that he lay in Guaymas jail under
sentence of death, and he has probably been shot
lon ere this.”

" at if b some chance he escaped death, and
secured his iborty, he would be apt to try some
such scheme as this,” Mrs. Talbot remarked,
thou htfully. ‘j

“ es, it I like a piece of Mexican work. The
average Mexican is inclined to resort to under-
hsnd means when he is not strong enough to
meet his man openly.

“ 1 did not think of Berna] or of his brigondl,”
me way all
his of them had passed out of my min ."
utdo y u not think it is probable that this
mischief proceeds from some of the brigondsl"
Mrs. Talbot asked. " Even if Berna] is dead,
executed b the Mexican authorities. some one
of his ban may be in this neighborhood. and is

 
 

the Ranch King continued. “80
than

  
 

 

      
 

endeavorlng to execute vengeance u n you for
'the you took in destro t e-brigsnd ,
ban and delivering the] tothe Mexican ‘
authorities.”

   
   

“Yes, I believe you have hit upon the truth.
Some one of the on law bond is at the bottom of
this matter, and do on know, Neil, I have cl-
waysregretted that, gave Bernal up tothe Mex-
icans- but they came upon me and re nested
that I'should do so, ri ht in the flush of story,
andssthebrigandc of was re rted who so
badly wounded that he was I ely V
any momeu I complied with'the‘wisb, for I .

knewhow d‘haVe much better medical‘attcn. , _

donathsn ,uld procure for him. But when I 7

  
 
  

  
 
 
 

 

   

  
 
 
 
    
  
   
 
  
  

 
  

 

 

    
  
    
   
  
  
     
    
   
 
   
    
     
       
         
    
   
    
    
     
   
   
   
   
       
     
     
     
        
       
     
      
       
        

an.

12

 

Talbot in Arms.

 

 

heard that his wounds had proved to be only
sli ht ours. then I was sorry I had given the
fol ow up to the mercy of the men who had
never been able to beat him in anything like a
fair fight. ”

“ He was not such a bad fellow for an outlaw,” ,
“ He had the ,

Talbot remarked, reflective-1y.
instincts of a. gentleman, although circum-
Itances bud forced him to become an outcast
and a brigand.

“ Oh, yes, he was no common ruifian, but for
all that he had the ferocity of a tiger when

‘~ roused,and though he endeavored to emulate

the old-style outlaws, who robbed the rich and
gave to the poor yet be was a scourge to the
country, and all along the frontier both Ameri—
cans and Mexicans breathed more freely when
his band was destroyed.”

“No doubt of that, and though he professed
to wish to avoid violence when he could, yet, if
resistance was offered to his demands, he never
shrunk from bloodshed to gain his ends.”

“ Bernal may have escaped from the hands of
the Mexican authorities,” Talbot remarked.
“Of course, in all cases of this kind, there is
manya slip between the cup and the lip. Be-
cause the man was condemned to (lie, and the
date of his execution fixed, that is no reason
why he may not have succeeded in avoiding
death.”

“And even if Bernal is dead, some of his
band may have taken the task of vengeance up-
on himself.”

“ We are on the right track 1" the Ranch King
exclaimed abruptly, as a sudden remembrance
came to him. “I recollect now, this Maverick
Man, Mexican Mike, was a member of Berual’s
band,and when the trial of the outlaw chief
took place he turned informer and saved his
own life by betraying his comrades, and upon
his testimony, chiefly, was Bernal and his men

convicted. By killing the Maverick Man, and

causing susylicion to rest upon me, thus putting
my neck in danger, they dispatched two birds
with one Stone."

f‘ Yes, yes, you have hit upon the truth, I am
surel”

“ The half-breed cowboy, whose evidence so
nearly got me hanged, is no doubt one of the
old-time brigands; there is a strong probability
that there are three or four in the scheme, for
one man would not be likely to undertake it."

“I think your supposition is correct, and if
you track this half-breed cowboy you will un-
doubtedly come upon the others.”

“A sleuth-hound must be put upon the trail
immediately. Mud Turtle is the man to under-
take the task.” 1

“ Yes, you can depend upon him to ferret out
the truth if it can be done by martal man 1” Tel-
bot declared.

The Indian was summoned and the Ranch

’ Kin made known to him his suspicions.

“ ou must disguise yourself like a peon——
although you are rather too big to play the
part of a tame Indian, yet, outside of that, you
do it to the life—go to the Hotel de Sonora and
get on the track of this half-breed mwboy. who
calls himself J o Cadozs. I don’t think you will
have any difficulty in flndin him, for he makes
his headquarters in r’that ow Mexican dive.

‘ Find out all you can about the man, who his

associates are and what he is doing in the town.
If he is a. genuine cowboy he will be in search
of work, but if he is, as I sue ct, one of the
men who formerly belonged to t e brigand band
of Fgrgando Beml, work will .not trouble him
muc . V ~

The Indian nodded his head ,with the air of a
as e.

‘ Me go—me find ’um—you hetl”

“ Let me see ” observed Dick Talbot re-
flectivelv. “We must arrange some mo eby
means of which we can communicate without
danger of any one discovering it. If my suspi-
cions are correct. there are three or four in
league with this half-breed, and it will not do
for us to be seen together.”

- “No, no—they see 1 fool ’um,” the chief ob-
servad. , ' ' . '

“Yes, and that would upset the whole thing.
I will arrange to be in town every afternoon at
about five o’clock, and I will take. my horse to
the hotel corral. You can easily manage to
get to the corral before that time, and by en-

tering from the rear will not be observed, un~

less some one follow: you, and you must look
out for that.” v . . a b

‘,‘ Yes, yes, me keep eyes open.” ‘ v

“ By pretending that you are pretty well soaked

’ With liquor, if any one sees you enter or i: ave the

com}, they will think you went there to also .”
» “:Me fix ’um~—all down but nine!" said 1; a
chief in his sententlous way.

“ You will undoubtedl be able ‘ to get some
information if this hal —breed cowboy is not
what he pretends to be, and Ifeel pretty certain
that be is sailing under false colors.”

‘.‘ Mud Turtle smell ‘um out i" the Indian de-

galared, and then left theroom topreparo for the,
i

k . . . _ 7 v
“It will not take ion for the chief to dis-
cover the truth, and if
Much to any members of the old b
'1 shall holdthemto ‘9 blood 1:

om- indebted for this
band,

Two or A KIND.
l NEVER since the world began was there a
man more thorouth under the influence of
fear than Black Dan utton when he so wildly
fled from the scene of battle.

He heard not the j; ers of the crowd; not one
of the many torrents called l'orth by his coward—
ly behavior reached his ears.
, and dead; all that he thought of was getting out
of range of the Ranch King’s deadly fire.

He kept up his headlong flight as long as he
was able, and stopped not until so exhausted
that he could run no longer.

By this time the swells of the rolling prulrio
bid from his sight the ranch, in front of which
he had made such a. terrible show oi.’ himself.

“ l have madeauawfulbad break!” he mused,
as he trudged along. “ I reckon i won’t be able
to show my head in Silveropolis for a. mighty
long time. I don‘t know but w’ot i had better
pull up stakes and travel on to some new town,
’cos I reckon arter this the boys will kinder
make Silveropolis pretty hot for me.”

W hen he reached the camp he went to the
Hotel deSonora, which was one of his favorite
lounging-places, and confided to the landlord
all that had occurred.

The landlord was it burly Mexican, who bore
the name of Pedro La. Cruz, but as this was
rather too much for the hoysto “ tangle their
tongues over," us they so id, it was shortened in-
to Big Pete, and the landlord was seldom called
anything else.

Big Pete listened patiently to the tale, and
then scoffed at the idea of quitting the town for
a little thing like that. '

“ It is well known that you are a brave man!”
he declared, with true Mexican flattery; “ and
what does it matter if on this one occasion you
wero seized witha sudden fright? The bravest
man in the world may be expected to show the
white feather at some critical moment. It is
like an attack of the fever; it seizes upon a man
without his knowing it, and comes so unexpect-
edl y that it cannot be foreseen.”

,Black Dan Dutton felt a little comforted by
this assurance.

“ I s’pose I had better .go up the gulch and
keep shady for a. few days, so as to give time for
the thing to blow over," he remarked.

" Yes, that is a good idea," the landlord re-
sponded. “ If you were here when the boys re-
turn, undoubtedly they would make it very un-
comfortable for you with their taunts, but if
you stay away for a few days the affair will

low over.”

Acting on this idea, Black Dan went up to one
of the mountain mines and secured work, and
the camp saw him not for a week, although as
soon as the men of the expedition returned they
hunted all over town for him, for on the home—

i CHAPTER XIX.

the sport they would have at the expense of the
discomfltcd bully.

And when some of the boys talked pretty loud-
ly in the Hotel de Sonora of what a coward
Black Dan had proved himself to be, the land-
lord took them up pretty shat-fly.

“Oh, yes, he was a cowar !’ he exclaimed;
“he volunteered to fight this Ranch King and
stood u likes. manto receive his fire until he
saw bot of his campauions shot down and real-
ized that therewasn’t any chance for him,then he
lost his head, as has hamned to many a good
man before him, and , panic-stricken, a1d
all you brave men at once came out to take his
place and fight the Ranch King. eh i”

The scotfers looked a little sheepish at being
thus brought to.ka and one sought to break
the force of the attack by remarking:

“ We. 9.], no; I reckon none of us went into the
thing, but if we had, you bet we would have
stood up to the racket l” ,

“ Oh, yes, of course 1” Big Pete exclaimed. in
a. most sarcastic manner. ‘ You were all dying
to fight the Ranch King, but, somehow, you
didn’t do it. You all showed that you were
brave men by holding back- when you might
have gone forward, and Black Dan Dutton we
a coward because he volunteered to go into the
fight, and then had sense enough to take to hi
heels when he found there was no chance for
him to win.” . r

“ Wa-al, we wouldn’t have run if a e had gone
into itl ’ protested another.

. “ You wouldn‘t?" exclaimed Big Pete, in utter
contem t. “Bah! I have a hundred dollars
here w ch says that there is no five of you
who rate meet the Ranch. K in a flghtl
Av I lwill put up five hundred against one 1" ~

Thiobold nter at an end to all scofilug at
Black Dan utton u the Hotel de Sonora, for,
to use the old expression, as the men were not
inclined to “put up,” they were obliged to
“shut up.” '\

The landlord had been prompted to come to
the defense of the absent bully, first, because he
was a good customer, second, on account of the
half-brood cowboy,Jo Cadoza,asking the host to
speak algood word for him. ,

Big 1’er the halfrbmd were on extremely
,‘intimnto terms and to. one of the minevs who
v ‘ ard was matter. the landlord em

   
   

  

   
  

 
 

 

 

ward march they had, in anticipation, enjoyed a

" li‘llfloqueflth’

He was blind 1

skins.”

 

As Big Pete had predicted,when Black Dan
Dutton ventured to make his appearance in the
camp, very few taunts were hurled at him. and
to the few that ventured to jeer at him, Black
Dlané taking his one from the landlord, re-
p is :

“You didn’t dar’ to face him, none of you, ,
nohow l" i

This silenced his tormentors.

After a while the half-breed managed to got;
into conversation with Black Dan. ,

He took advantage of an opportunity when l
the saloon was deserted, with the exception of a li
drunken peon who was asleep in one corner, 5!
stretched out on a bench. ’ l

As a rule, the landlord did not allow this sort .5
of thing. but us the peon had patronized the bar 3
in the most liberal manner, and had displayed a.
buckskin bag well-tilled with coin, not half of ,1
which he had spent, Big,r Pete refrained from
turnimr him out lest he should take olfense and
go and spend the rest of his money in some
other saloon.

Tho half-breed ordered a bottle of mescal, and
invited Black Dan to sit down at a table at the
extreme end of the room and help him to dis—
pose of if.

The landlord brought the mescnl and in an oil'-
hand way said: 5 I

“ Cadoza, live a Mexican dollar which does
not seem to be exactly ri ht; you are a good
judge of coins; come look at it and give me
your opinion.”

“Certainly : help yourself to the mescal, Dut-
ton; I will be back in a moment," and then the
halflbreed followed the landlord to the bar.

Big Pete took the dollar out of the drawer,
placed it in Cadoza’s hand, and as the latter ex~
amined it, said in a low, cautious tone, but in a.
careless manner, so as not to excite suspicion:

“ Are you going to talk business to Black ‘
Dan?” I.

A. Yes.”

“Well, be careful. Did you notice the tame
Indian asleep in the corner?”

“ I did.”

“I think he is all ri’ ht, but you can never teli.
about these devilish ndians; they are as cun—
ning as foxes, and for a few dollars would be—
tray their best friend.” '

“ Who is the fellow—do you know anything
about him i”

“ No except that he comes from Sonora,
where e has been working on a ranch. He has
a year‘s savings with him and comes here to get
work in a. mine, but he will not do any work
while his money lasts.”

“Yes, I see; the fellow seems to be harmless
enou h.”

“ rue, but my experience is that there is no
trust to be ever placed in a peon. This follow
when he laid down was drunk as he could get—
could hardly talk, but for all that I would be
careful to speak so that he cannot overhear
what you say in case he should happen to wake
up. He may be cunning enough, you know, to
wake and yet pretend to slee . t is my rule
always never to trust one 0 these tame red.
devils.” .

“ I will be careful,” then in a louder tone the
half-breed said: “ The cash is all right, I
think- I am sure I would take it quickly
enou l1.”

“ ell, that was my belief, but I wanted to
be sure.” r .

Then Cadoz‘a returned to the table; Black
Dan had filled his glass with the potent Mexican
liquor, and was sipping it as Cadoza resumed.
his seat. ‘

The half-breed poured out a drink, and with‘
a. “ here’s to our better acquaintance,” tossed it.
off at a swallow.

“ Ahal that is the stufil” he exclaimed. ‘
“ That goes to theright place, oh?” and then he: .' I
proceeded to refill the glasses. V

“Yes, yes, it is good liquor.” . v ~

“ We ought to be friends, Senor Dutton. for
you and I are in the same bont,” the half-breed
observed. ‘ '

“ How is that?” Black Dan asked. a,

“ Speak lower,” continued Cadoza. “ It isas ,j
well that that drunken Indian in the corner,
should not overhear our conversation.” ‘
. “Yes, that is true; I hatelthose tame red-

 

 

      
       
  

 

  
  
 
  
     
   

“ So «101, they are treacherous devils. What; ’
I meant by saying that we areboth in the same.
boat is that we both have cause-to hate this“
Ranch King, Dick Talbot.” 
“Yes, curse him! 1 would like to shed his;

      
  
 
  
  
   
       
  
 

  

  

heart’s bloodl”. exclaimed Black! Dan Dutton,
fiercely, and he broughthis clinched fist down
upon the table With an energy that madefih‘et ‘ r
bottle and glasses dance. ‘ 1-, v I

“Softly, softly; not soloudl” said the half
breed wammgly. ' “ .  ‘ ,

“ All right, will be careful, but when I, think
how that accursed Ranch King made me skipct,
getalmost crazyi” . , "

“I-don’tiblameyyou; it is. only natural,”thov
half-breed remarked. “ In the futuretoo I shall.
have to be on the lookout. It‘was-my evide
the. utthe r e around his neck, you know
and, fancy k Talbot, is not tho ,

m go either tomato!" Moira!!! m

      
  

    
   
   
   
  
  
 
 

   
     
     

      
 
 

  
  
 
 
 

      
   

 
 

   
 
  
    
  
   
    
   
 
  
  
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
  

 

 

   
 
 
  
  

‘ ,‘Dutton declared.

I.

l

Talbot in Arms.



 

 

“ You are rightl The chances are a thousand l
to one that he will endeavor to be revenged up-
on you.” ‘

“The Ranch King is a good lighter, but I j
have known men as good as he come to grief.”

“ Ay, but the question is, .how can it be ;
worked?“ asked Black Dun, catching eagerly at
the idea.

“ I have been thinking over the matter ever
since the peace was patched up between the i
{tum-h King and the towusmen,” the half-breed ‘
explained. " I know that Ian: in danger, al-
though Talbot has made no move to attack me,
but I understand well enough that he is only
waiting for a favorable opportunity, and when
that comes, it will be either his life or mine.”

"‘ Yes, I don‘t doubt that."

“Now, I have a scheme in my mindby means
of which Dick Talbot can be put out of the
way, but I can’t work it alone. I want some
man like you ‘to o in with me.” ‘

“ltis a bargain!” Black Dan Dutton cried.
“ I will do it, for I am hungry for the blood of
the Ranch King!”

Was it fancy, or did the eyelids of the tame
Indian quiver?

CHAPTER XX.
run HALF-BREED’S SCHEME.

“YOU are wiseto go in with me!" the half-
'breed declared. “ For you will never amount
to anything in this town until you have wiped
out the disgrace of your defeat, and as for my-
self,l understand well enough that sooner or
later I Will have to meet the Ranch King, for
he will never forgive me for so nearly getting
.him han ed.”

“You et he won’t!” the other exclaimed.
"The furst thing you know he will be howling
for you to come up to the captain’s ofiice and
settlel” ,

“ Well, Iam no slouch in a fight, yet I am
‘not anxious to meet this Dick Talbot,” the half-
breed admitted.

“ I don’t blame you: the galoot is a lightning
fighter, and no mistake!"

‘ But I shall never have any peace while I
:stay in this town until the matter is settled."

“ You never said a truer word in your life,
’cos the Ranch King is likely to jump on you at
.an y time.” i . .

‘- Yes, that is my idea, and that is what set
‘meto work scheming how 1 could get a crack
.at him, for I think that when a man is threat-
nned he is not wise if he does not strike the first
Lblow.”

“ You kin bet hi h on thatl" '

“Now the plan hit upon is a. very simple
«one, but I think it will work; in order to carry

. it out, though, I need the aid of. a man like

yourself, who has cause to wish to be revenged
! poo the Ranch King]?

" Wa—al, as far as t at goes, I reckon you kin
list all the ducats you kin raise that thar ain’t
my man in this camp who is more anxious for
to gita whack at him than I am,” Black Dan

“That was In calculation; and now my
scheme is this: he b0 5 have been running
you, I so pose, about t e show you made of

V ,yourself t e other day?”

“You bet they have!” the bully declared,
with a rimace. “ It is jest nuts to the galoots
to get t e deadwood on me.”

‘ The next man that say anvthing you must
:take up sharply by declarin that you are not
afraid to meet the Ranch K ug in a fair fight
even if you did get rattled and lose your hes
"the other day; the declaration will be doubted,
of course: then you must say you are going to

,‘take the first 0 portunity to challenge Dick
‘Talbot to a du . for all 'you want is a fair
rammemd you will settle t e Ranch King for

The bully looked at the other in an extremely
doubtful way.

“Say! ain’t you laying out a pretty hefty
vipeppergram for me to carry out? I reckon
wantto salivate the Ranch King in the worst

. kind of way, but I am mighty sart’in that I

.don‘t stand no chance to do it in a fair fight)”

“ Wait until you hear how I repose to ur-
Ian 6 the matter,” the half-br replied.

“ his vaunt of yours is certain to be carried
straight to the Ranch King, for there are al-
ways plenty of meddlers about, glad of a chance
to ma e trouble. Talbot will be sure to declare

. that he is ready to give you all the satisfaction
you want.” ~

" Yes, no doubt ’bout itl I reckon the galoot
wouldd'est as soon fight as eat,” Black ‘Dan re-
~mark , with a shake of the head.

, “His answer will come riggit back to you,
“for the men of the town will e anxious to see

, if you will dareto makeyour words good.”

“Oh, yes, thar will be plant of ours glad to
see me back out, so they kin
poke more fun at me. ” .

= “ When his reply is brought you will so. that
I that is "ust what you want, and if the ob
King 11’ take the trouble to come to the. first
abovethe town at seven o’clock on the

o

. firth

ave a chance to

 

 

morning, you will be there to meet

     

on you reckon to be able to showithetown '1

that though you did run from the Ranch King
on the 1prairie, yet on this occasion you will give
him nl the fight he wants.”

“This is all right, but I ain’t so sart’in ’bout
gitting a way with Talbot as to risk a picnic of
this kind, and whar do you come in, anyway’l"
the bully asked.

“Do not be alarmed; it is not my game to
have you light the Ranch King," the half-breed
replied. “ It is my opinion that you would not
stand much chance, and I most certainly would
not advise you to risk a fight; I come in in this

way: -

“ I shall be up on the hillside at a point which
commands the road to th gulch, ambushed be:
hind a pine with a Wine ester I‘lflH, and when
Dick Talbot goes up the gulch to meet you
I will put a ball through his heart 1" and the
half-breed sunk his voice to a whisper as he
spoke the savage words.

A gleam of satisfaction came over the dark
face of the bully.

“ Yes, es,” he murmured, also lowering his
voice, “ t e trick could be worked in that way.”

“ Most certainly: there isn’t anything to pre-
vent it. An old Indian trail leads along the
hillside, and from the trail to the road in the
gulch it is so rough andsteep that only a goat,
or a big-horned sheep could hope to scale it. In
order to pursue me, after the shot is fired. the
men will have to go back a quarter of a mile to-
where the trail leaves the gulch road, and that
will delay the pursuit so much that I shall have
ample time to escape."

“ It is a bull plan!” Black Dan Dutton de—
clared, exnltiug y. “But, hold on l" he contin-
ued, as an idea came to him. “ Mebbe the crowd
will git it into their noddles that I am mixed up
in this hyer thing, and if they do, they will be
apt to make it warm for me.”

“ Oh, no; how can you be connected with the
man who fires the shot? And if any suspicion
should arise, a prompt denial on your part would
be apt to quell it; it will be impossible for any
one to prove anything.”

“That’s true! Wu-al, old boss, I am in with
you, and I reckon I will work the trick so as to
put the Ranch King in a hole this time.”

The pair had been paying their respect. to the
liquor during the talk,and they finished the con-
versation and the bottle at the same time; then
Black Dan Dutton took his departure. '

CHAPTER XXI.
mm srran.

Tun half-breed rubbed his hands gleefully to-
gether as the door closed after the bully. ‘

“ Aha,” he muttered, “ the scheme works to a
charm. This dull-headed fool will lure the
Ranch Kin into the net, and the bullet from
my rifle wi i put an end to his career; then, and
not until then will my vengeance be satisfied.

f‘If I could arrange the affair exactly as I
would like to have it though, I would not kill
the Ranch King outright; I would much prefer
to make him a prisoner, and force him to under-
Eo some of the torture which fell to my lot in

uaymas jail; I would joy to make him endure
such anguish that he would cry out for death,
and welcome it as a glad relief. But as I can-
not form any plan to capture the Ranch King I
must content In self with killing him.”

h Then the hal -breed rose and approached the
or.

Big Pete was not visible, and the half-breed
hesitated and looked around in surprise, for he
had not noticed the landlord’s de ture.

Then Big Pete rose into sight ehind the her
he had been squatting on a low stool,and so had
been concealed from view. \

“I thought you had gone out and I wondered
at it too, for I did not notice that you had left
the saloon. ~

“ No, I was just takin a rest, for I was up
late last ni ht. Have a rink with me.”
ti The half- reed looked surprised at the invita-

on.
“ Take one; it will do you good!" the landlord
urged. “ And wake up the tame Indian so he
can have a bowl. His throat must be as dry as
an ash-hes by this time!”

The half- reed understood now that the land-
lord had some urposo in view, so be complied
with the reques .

It was no one job to wake the peon, for he
was fast in slum er’s chain. , ' .

At last .the half-breed got him on his feet
and succeeded in making him comprehend that
there was a drink waiting for him. V

“ Ugh, good i” exclaimed the follow, still under
the influence of liquor, as he made his uncertain
wa to the bar. ' ‘

‘ Oh, yes, this is the stuff to set the blood
dancing in a man’s veins!” Big Pete remarked,
as he pushed the bottle toward the n.

The tame Indian filled a glass ful to the brim
with the fiery fluid, and then tossed it of! with-
' out even winking. u ‘

The landlord and the half-breed only took
halfvthe quantity, and drank theirs more leis-
.ure y. ' .

Then the eon, whose brain was evidently
still muddl by the large auantity of liquor
which he had reviously dun , took out a, dol-
lglrdand push V sit over-them tether-laud. ’

 
 

  
 
   
 

 

     
 
      
   
   
  
  
  

  

   

 

   

    
   
   

“ More—odder drink l” he said with thickene
tongue.

“Oh, never mind the moneyl” Big Pete ex-
claimed. “ You have been a. good customer.
Have another one with me,” and then he pushed
the dollar back toward the peon, but miscel-
Eulnted the distance and the coin fell on th.

oor.

l‘he pcon stooped, slowly, and like a man
who was not sure of his balance, to pick it up.

The moment he had got on a level with the
bar, Big Pete With a sand-club which he kept
on a shell' under the counter, in company with i
a brace of revolvers, dealt the tame Indian 5
most tremendous blow on the head with all the
force of his powerful arm.

Down went the peon, like the ox under the
blow of the butcher, rendered inscusible by the
stroke.

“ Quick! secure the door so as to keep any one
from enteringl” the landlord exclaimed.

“ What on earth did you do that for?” cried
the half-breed, as he hastened tocomply with
the landlord‘s request.

There was a stout bar to the door, and when
this was put in place the portal was securely
barred.

Both door and window were provided with
curtains, so it was not possible for anyonewith-
out to look into the saloon.

“ The fellow is a cursed spy!” Big Pete ex-
lalned, as the half-breed returned to the side of
he iusensible man. “ There is a hole in the end

of the counter, so that when I sat on the stool,
with my eye to it, I was able to watch him
without his suspecting it. I thought I saw his
eyelids move when you and Black Dan sat
down, and that made me suspect he might be a
spy, and that his drunkenness was assumed, al-
though, to do the felldw justice, he drank liquor
enou h to intoxicate two men, let alone one."
es yes, I see."

“ So Imade up my mind to watch him with-
out his being ab 9 to suspect that I had my eyes
on him, and while you were talking I became
satisfied he was only pretending sleep.”

“Aha, the fellow was trying to listen, eh i"

“ Yes, I am satisfied of it. and that is why I
had you get him up to the bar. I determined
to lay-him out as soon as I could get an oppor-
tunit .

" yut what object could the fellow have!" the
half-’breed asked. “ Do you think he recognized
me?’

“ I should not be surprised. He comes from
Mexico you know.’? >

“ Is that true.”

H Yes.”

“ The chances are great, then, that he knows
me, and seeing me here in disguise, his curiosity
led him to attempt this trick; he was anxious

he could line his pockets well by betraying
e

" That is it! but’I have spoilt his scheme l"

“ What will you do with him now?”

“ Roll him down into the cellar where we will
gag and bind him, so we can examine the rascal
at our leisure.” \ .

“ How do you get into the cellar?” asked the
other, looking around for the entrance. '

“ Ha, he!” laughed the landlord,
little secret of my own. The fellow is right at
the entrance now i” '

 
  

 

 
 

under the counter, and a trap-door, some four
feet long by three wide, 0 ned in the floor,
right in front of the her, he door so skillfully '

 

acted unless a careful search was made.

“ That is a good idea," the half-breed re-
,marked. 5 ‘
“ Yes; it is right handy once in a while." I
r , Then, coming from behind the counter, the
landlord assisted in carrying the insensible peon
down into the cellar.

“ What do you repose to do with him i” the
half-breed asked. w on the two arrived at the
foot of the ladder which led to the cellar.

   
 

    

 
 

    

   
 
 
 
    

 

tales!” Big Pete re lied, grimly. “ The fellow
has about a hundre dollars in his bag I should
think and in my time I have settled
man or less money than that. ” i

“That is true; and one tame Indian more or
less will not count.” , ~

“ The fellow is half-dead now, I think, unless
he has a skull like an ex. for I gave him a blow
which would have finished an ordinary man i”
the landlord exclaimed. :

“ A knife-thrust will make the matter certain,"
the half-breed sug ested.
“ 011, ,do not
chances,” Big Pete replied.

ust at this point there came a

is t knocks at the
chorus of re

 

   
  

    

     

series of vio-I

     
   
  

o ned tbeparty would kick it in, and
gayvepIoroe to the threat by a savage ot-
tsc on the door. * '

“ I must hurry up at once!” Big Pete exclaim-
ed. “'I‘h‘at is'a party ,
gulch,_ond.the roughest aug that mes to th »

  
   
 
  

 

3
camp. xTh will surel breakint a door if.
doubt sign. This igllow will not get ov
. , i a

"that is a ,

u h voices demanding admission, :
coupled With the threat that if the door was not v

to find out what game I was up to, and then ‘ ‘

Then Big Pete touched a spring, whiCh was - ~‘

arranged that its existence would never be sus- , ~

“ There is an old motto that dead men tell' no: i ..

many a ,- 

 
   
 
   

ear that I shall take any ‘ "

saloon-door, followedby'o . '

  
 
 
 
 
  

of miners fromup tho- '

   
     

 

  

 
   

.1:

3s

Talbot in Arms.

 

this crack for a while, and if he does, he cannot
get out for I will remove the ladder.”

Then the pair ascended to the saloon again
and d row up the ladder by means of which ac-
costs was gained to the cellar.

Big Pete closed the trap and made haste to
open the door to the clamorous crowd without.

They were the miners from the Rough and
Ready Mine up the gulch, and they prided
themselves upon being a rough and ready
crowd.

They were all under the influence of liquor
and in a mood to be uglyif they were interfered
with.

They made a much longer stay than Big Pete
had anticipated, having taken into their heads
to “ chuck dice " for the drinks, and it was fully
an hour before they departed.

The landlord and the half-breed were on pins
and needles during the latter part of the time,
for the thought had come to them that they had
neglected to remove the peon’s weapons in their
haste to admit the miners, and if the fellow was
armed. and the chances were great that he was,
and had recovered from the effects of the blow,
he might make a desperate fight for his life.

After the miners departed the pair hastened
to bar the door, than, revolvers in hand, they
opened the trap and peered down into the dark-
ness.

They feared that they would discover the peon
crouched in a corner, prepared to make a des-
perate struggle for his life, although, as a rule,
the tame Indians are not fighters.

But to their utter astonishment no sign of the
man could they disoover.

Big Pete lit a lantern and swung it into the
trap-door opening so that all the dark corners of
the cellar were made light. '

No poon was in the place, though.

In a hurry the ladder was brought and the two
descended, anxious to learn the mystery of the
fellow’s disappearance.

It was quickly revealed.

By the aid of a knife the tame Indian had
dug a passage through the earth at the rear of
the saloon and so escaped. ‘

f‘ Did I not tell you that these miserable peons
are like foxes?” the landlord exclaimed.

“ Well, it doesn’t matter,” the half-breed re-
joined. “ I spoke so low that he could not have
overheard me, and so will not be able to inter-
fere with my scheme.”

“ If he recognized, he may denounce you.”

“ I am through with this disguise and now the
half-breed cowboy will disappear,” the other re
plied as they ascended again to the saloon.

 

CHAPTER XXII.
IN This GULCH.

BLACK DAN Dnrron lost no time in can-yin
out tngdprogramme which the hall-breed ha
arrang . '

He sauntered into the Silver Ship, his first ap-
pearance there since the disgraceful show which
he had made of himself. ,

The old landlord, Skipper Bill, took it upon
himself to make some fun for the crowd at Dut-
tun’s expense, but Black Dan “ would not have
it, " to use the common expression.

“ I was rattled and lost my head, and I ain‘t
the fu'st good man who has been catched in that
fix 1” he declared. ' “ But I am all right now, and
if any man in this camp thinks he kin climb me,
why, he is jest welcome to wade in as soon as he

ileia.is%,,i,a.n<i the quicker he does the better I will

he i .

‘* Ah, you are only shootin
now so as to hear yerself talk,
stand ers suggested.

“ Yes, if the Ranch King was hyer I reckon
nobody would hear a peep outen yer, Black Dan
Dutton !” another one exclaimed.

“ I am a—talking to the Ranch King as well as
to an of the rest of you. I don’t leave out any
man u the camp 1” the bully declared. “ I want
fin to understand, boys. notwithstanding that

tie aflair t’other day, I am jest as big a chief
as thar is in the town, and I don’t bar no one,
no matter w’ot his color or his country is, black,
white, yaller or red, it is all one to me! Mexi-
can, Injun, nigger or white man Ranch Kin
or any other kind of a galoot, I’m his mutton,
he‘ wants to try it on l” r

This bold defiance astonished the crowd, and
for a moment they stared, ,at the sweep-
.ing nature of the cucllen e. . '

“ Oh, it is all very we for you to talk, Dut-
ton, when the Ranch King ain t hyer to answer
vour hail!" the landlord exclaimed. “ But my
I be keel-hauled for a lubberly dufl'er if I don t
believe that if the Ranch King war to show his
figure—head inside of this hyer cabin, you would
up anchor, cla on all sail, and run for deep
water as thong you reckoned the Flying Dutch-
man Was arter el”. .

“ That is jest the chance I am looking for!”
Black Dan Dutton exclaimed, assuming an atti-
. tude of defiance. v '

“ You don’t mean to say that u ’are anxious
to lock horns with the Ranch gl” cried one
of the bystanders. I _

“That is my platform, and don’t you forget
itP’tho bully retorted. ‘ Don’t or one of on
2 select: make any mistake new.

of! yer month
one of the by-

 

 

 

I: on n

r l
bad break the other day is no reason why I

won't stand up to the rack and take my fodder
like a man now. The galoot that I am spoiling
to wade into and whale until he thinks that a
grizzly War is arter him, claws and all, is the
Ranch King, Dick Tulbot!"

At this moment the Ranch King entered the
saloon, just in time to hear his name pro-
nounced.

“ Dick Talbot is here—what is wanted?” the
rancher asked.

There was a general start at this, and quite a
striking tableau was framed.

Then perceiving that all in the place were
gazing at Black Dun Dutton, who had struck an
attitude in the middle of the saloon, Dick Talbot
ghessed that it was the bully who had been mak-
ing free with his name.

There was a dead silence after Dick Talbot’s
unexpected appearance, and for all Black Dan
Dutton had nerved himself to meet just such an
ordeal as this, yet the sudden entrance of the
sport disconcerted him.

“ Maybe I was mistaken, but I certainly
thought I heard my name mentioned,”the Ranch
King remarked,finding that no one was inclined
to speak.

“ Wa-al, I reckon you wasn’t far wrong,”
Black Dan Duttou rephed, finding the use of his
tongue at last. “ I s’pect a galoot ’bout my size
was doing a leetle chinuing ’bout you.”

“ I thought I didn’t make any mistake, for
my ears seldom deceive me,” Dick Talbot ob-
served in his cool and easy way. “ And may I
ask how it was that my name came to be men—
tioned?”

Every eye in the room was fixed upon the big
fellow, and curiosity was on tip-toe to see how
he would act, for there were few there who be—
lieved he would be as ood as his word, and dare
to face the Ranch mg, now that he had the
chance.

“ Wa-al, Mister Talbot, the boys were kinder
trying to poke a leetle fun at me on account of
the bad break I made the other day, and when
any game of that kind is tried on a. aloot
’bcut my size it makes me wrathy an so I
jest ups and te s ’em that it don’t make a bit of
difference, even if I did show the white feather
t’other day I am as big a chief as thar is in the
town, and I ain’t areard to meet any man in the
cam , bar none!”

“ uite a warlike declaration,” the Ranch
Kgng remarked, considerably puzzled by this
a air.

Talbot considered himself to be about as good
a judge of men as could well be found, and if
any one had asked his opinion of Black Dan
Dutton, he would have replied that his bark was
much more to be dreaded than his bite, yet
now the fellow was manifesting a disposition to

ick a quarrel with him, for there was no mis—
kin his intention.

“ es, sires! I’m a good man, Mister Ranch
King, if I did git rattled, and made a holy show
of myself the other do , but sich an accident is
hkel to happen to t 6 best of men, I reckon,
but ’m all right now, and ready for business l’

“ Oh, you are not satisfied then with the little
experience that you had the other day 7”

‘No, sires, not by a jugfull’”

“ Well I suppose I will have to accommodate
you, for I see that you are spoiling for a fight,
and I am not the man to refuse satisfaction
when it is demanded of me.”

“ That is w’ot I want, satisfaction, you bet!
I am jest a—pining. for it i” the‘ bi follow declar-
ed. “ I want to redeem myse f in the eyes
of this hyer town. I want to show the boys
that I am jest as big a chief as that’s in it!”

“ As far as 1 am concerned,’I am willing to
give you every chance in the world.”

“ I reckon you would 1” Black Dan Dutton de-
clared. “ You cut in comb the other day, but
I am willing to bet 5.] my duoats that you can’t
do it ag’in.”

“ We can tell that better after the picnic is
over,” Dick Talbot replied, more and more
astonished at the way the other was holding his
ground, for at first he had thought that Dutton
could not be in earnest, but was only blustering
alittle. so as to recover some of his lost pres-
tige, and that he had no real intention of fight-

3.

3' Well, sir, I‘m your man for a good squar’
fight; a fair. field, no favor, and may the best
galoot win I”

“ I will accommodate you, although I am not
anxious to fight you, or any other,man, for I
am not one of the kind who goes around filling
the air with boasts of how big‘a chief I am, but
if any fellow in the town is unhappy because he
can’t make people believe he is a. greater war-
rior than 1, then I am uite read to give him
a chancoto prove it to a the war ii.”

“That is w’ot I want—a chancel That is jest
w’ot’I am a-hungering for l” Black Dan Duiton
exclaimed. ,

“I’m your man! How 'will you have it—
when an where?” ‘

“ W’ot I am other is a. good squar’ fight, you
know !” - ,

“ Yes; I understand that.” . .
“ A reg’lar kind of Night—a sort of a duel.”
'1 9‘ I see: no 39.12% brawl or street contest—~no.

    
   
    
  

  

 

        
   

   

fish

 

,_ nearly“ nour‘without

‘3 :3

“ No, sir-eel I want everything according- to
Hoyle l”

“ Well, I am agreeable; that suits me.”

“ S’pose we lay revolvers?"

“ Revolvers it is.”

‘: 1% pair apiece, and no other we’pons?"

1 PS' i)

“Tomorrow morning, up the first gulch, at
seven o’clock ’5”

The Ranch King looked at the other intemly
for a moment, for the idea had occurred to Iillll
that there was some trick about this matter: but
Black Dan Dutton stood the scrutiny without
flinching, having nerved himself to meet such
an emergency.

“ I‘o-morrow morning, up the first gulch, eh i”
the Ranch King remarked, reilcctiveiy.

“ That is what I said—but if you are skeered.
to come up to the scratch—” the bully observed,
in a taunting way.

“ Oh, come down now! None of that kind of
talk, you know, or we will not wait for to-mor-
row, but settle the matter right here!” Dick
Talbot observed, sharply. “ You know well
enough that I am not afraid to meet any man
that ever stood in your shoes; but why ut the
thing off until to-morrow—wvhy not sett e it to.
day ’1”

“ ’Cos I’ve ct some business that I want to
arrange, and can’t fix it until to-night,”the‘
bully replied. “I want to fix my affairs up so-
that if I kick the bucket in this hyer lightevery—
thingl will be all right. I want you to under—
stan , Mister Talbot, that I am going in for- .
blood this time, and arter we git at it thar’ll be
one or both on us w’ot won’t walk off arter it is.
over!"

Talbot was surprised at the courage that the
other was displaying, asurprise shared by every
one in the saloon, for, notwithstanding he was a.
big, powerful fellow, Black Dan Dutton had
always been regarded as being more of a boast-
er than a fighter.

The cause that the bully gave was reasonable
enough, and although Talbot fancied that there
was some scheme back of it at first. yet, upon
reflectin over the matter, he came to the con~
clusion t at the man had been spurred on by
the taunts leveled at him to make a desperate»
efiort to redeem his character as a warrior.

“ All right; I am in no hurry, although, as a.
rule, I like to get little matters of this kind 011'
my mind as soon as I can,” the Ranch King re-
marked. “ In the first ulch, to~morrow morn—
ing at seven o’clock, wi l suit me, and I will be.
on hand.” ‘

“ All right, I will be thar, and I am in for
blood, I kin tell you i” I

Then a sudden idea occurred to Talbot.

“ Is this meeting to be a private one? for if so,
I reckon we can’t work it after this open dis--
closure of our lane?” the Ranch King said.

The notion ad come to him that, possibly,
the bully depended upon a gang to aid him;

et, if this was the case, arranging the meeting
in a public saloon was a decided mistake.

“ Nary private 1" Black Dan Dutton repliedr
;The’hull town kin come and look on for all I

earl

And as the camp of Silveropolis was partial.
to “ picnics ” of this sort, it was safe to say"
that. after this public settlement of the details
of the duel, there would be few men in the-
town who would not contrive to be present on.
the ground. .

“ It makes no difference to me; the more the
merrier,” Dick Talbot asserted.

“ I don’t hear you any malice, you know,
Mister Talbot,” the bully said, with an assumpe
tion of great dignity, “but this hyer camp
ain't big enufl to hold two sich chiefs as you.
and me, and one of us has got to quit.” v

“Yes, I understand; if you can t be the first:

man in Rome. you are not ‘ willing to be the
second!” ,
f “ You betl when you say that you hit me,
exactly whar I live! Wa-ai, so- ong, I’ll see
you to-morrow and do my best to put you in a.
condition for hinting.”

And Black an Dutton de arted.

Then the saloon became ike unto the scene
when Babel‘s Tower was raised.

1 Every man in the room was trying to talk at.
the same time, and the theme was t e astound~
in: displa of courage made by the bully.

“ Woul you have believed it?”

“ I didn’t think he had it in him i”

“ He‘s game, you betl” . ‘

“A dur‘ned fraud; he won’t be thnrl”

“ All blufll’i *

“ He’ll be a hundred miles away in the mom--

pi ,

5 No sich thing—he’s game, I tell yer I”
And the discussion e so violent that it'-
threatencd to result in a general row, but Skip—

! per Bill quelled the disturbance by pi oducing
| an enormous pair of revolvers and threateniu , . :
to blow “the daylights outen the hull crowd,’ "

\

if they didn’t keep still.
The Ranch King took advantage of the con-1
fusion to retreat. ‘ ’ Y

He' made his way to the corral, for it was
about the time when be arranged to meet Mud
Turtle, but the, Indian was not there, and afterf
loitering in the neighborhood“, the corral for

being.  is th

 
  
 
 

  

  
    
  

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'. mm

_,«_ rifififfl—r’: jun-gar»-

 

‘ common .
A [gleam of satisfactionappeared on the dusky

 

ri

, V 1 

 

..,. Talbot infirm

i
sight of the red sleuth-hound, the Ranch King 1 extending some twenty feet out, and then the
came to the conclusion that he would not wait ‘

longer, so, mounting his horse, he set out for his
ranch. I I .
Although he had little fear in regard to too

issue of the duel in which he was to engage on f
the morrow, for he hrul not a particularly good ‘
opinion of either the still or the courage of .

Black Dali Mutton, yet, Uri a prudent mun, ho
was about to arrange ms nll'uzrs us though he
feared he might fall in the tummy; light.

To his who he oxplnmcd all (but had oc—
curred, u-nl, to his sui‘priw, trio s'u‘ewd-wittl-d
woman inunchntely (menu-id her belief that

there w.1 ; some trick about the mutter.

“Tout l'ollow is an arrant‘. coward at heurtl” ,

she e.\'(‘lulmell. “ If ho. was not he never Would
have fled as he did in the prairie fight the other

a .

3,Wcll, i had a suspicion that ho was not hon-
est in his (-ualleiige,”tllo Ranch King admitted.
“ But upon 1 )oking t‘. c mutter over I don” ex-
aclly 5L u how any [rick can be Wnl‘ki‘d."

“ There is some triclury connected with the
affair, you can dwpen'i upon it "Mrs. Talbot us-
sertcd, pmitively. “ And from the fact that
you cannot at once detect what it is, it seems to
me to has apiei c of work that you will have to
be on y >ur guard against.

“ If I were you 1 would take a strong party
of your men with you.” '

“ Yes, I thought of taking that precaution.”

“From what you say it is certain that the
greater part of the town will be on the ground
to witness the tight, so the presmce of your
friends will not excite any remark.”

“Oh, no; there cannot be any ob'ection to
their coming. By the way, has Mud I‘urtle re
turned ’6”

“ No, I have not seen him since he went
away.”

“Strange! he did not keep his appointment
with me in the town, but I suppose that indi-
cates he has struck a trail, and being intent
upon following it, has not been able to get back
to the town.”

Mrs. Talbot thought this was probable, and so
the subject was dismissed.

Early next morning, with six of his best men,
he Ranch King started to keep his appoint-
ment.

As the party rode through Silveropolis they ,

noticed that the town seemed almost deserted.

“They have all gone up into the gulch so as
to be on hand forthe fl ht, I reckon,” the Ranch
King remarked, when om Martin, the chief of
the cowboys, who rode by his side, called atten-
tion to the fact. _

Sure enough! when the partygot well into the
gulch, they‘saw that at the upper end of it the
ground was black with poo le.

“ This beats a circus all ollow l” Dick Talbot
remarked.

Hardly had the words left his lips when a
rifle—shot broke the stillness of the air, startling
the crowd, who were only a. few hundred feet
away.

 

CHAPTER XXIII.
ON run HILLSIDE.

Tun time for the duel had been fixed at seven,
as the reader will remember but in order to be
on hand, and secure good laces to witness the
fight, the men of Silver-ope ,began to gather in
the gulch by half-past 51x. ~_

Black Dan Dutton, attended by three of his
chums, made his appearance about twenty min--
utes to seven, and,takin a seat on a rock in the
upper part of the gulc- ,made a great ado in
regard to seeing that his weapons Were in per-
feet working order, and the bystanders, watch-
ing him with the greatest interest, whispered
that he was “ in for blood surel”

At just about the time that the bully was go-
ing through his maneuvers, high up on the hill-
side, on the old Indian trail, a. man was creep-
ing cautiously along, taking advantage of every
bush. tree and rock to screen him from the
view of the men in the gulch beneath. _

An Indian warrior, apparently, was this man,
for he wore the ‘prairieigarb of buckskin, his
face was copper-colored 1n hue and he wore the
full war-paint of the red brave when on the
trail of blood.

In the hollow of his arm he carr'sd a Win-
cheste r rifle, a broad-bladed, keen-edged scalp-
~ing- knife, together with a brace of revolvers,
was in the girdle of untanned leatherwhich don‘-
flned his waist. :

The warrior made his devious way along the
)illsicle until he arrived at a little clump of
fine-trees which was situated on a. knoll, get-'
tingoutérom the hillside in such away as to

a view of the entire gulch. ‘

face or the chief ‘ as he caught sight of this
group of pines. ’ .

Cautiome he made his wayto it, and stopped
in a nook between two of the trees.

There were four, of the pines, growing in a
sort of irregular triangle and in the center, at
the point of the triangle, was .an opening about
a foot wide, and by peering through this the
warrior could see the whole of the gulch.

  

.

hw- wes a broad, grassy shelf, .V'

hill dippedprecmitalely untilit reached the level
land or the gulch, live iundred loot below.

There was a loose, round bnwldcr near at
hand, null the painted chief mm d it into the
middle of the pincsund placed the stone in tho
opvmiig between the trees in the center.

’l‘hou he knelt down, rested the barrel of his
rilleiipon the rock, and sighted it down into the
giilc '.

An exclamation of satisfaction cnme from his
lips; the arrangement was perfection llSt—lf.

Then this dusky-hood fig‘l'iling-mun, hip 11 up
on the hillside, followed that x unplo (,r thu whim
bully in the gulch below, uLd made a carelul in-
spccrion of his wea mu.

It did not take l

bowlder, which the other had placed between
the pines, propped him up against it in a sitting
position, so he could command a view of the
gulch, then sat down by his side and gnzed down
into the valley as though he too was anxious to
enjoy a sight of the fight which had been ar-
ranged to take place there.

The spectators below were astounded.

The rifloshot and the struggle which had fol-

lowed it had been unexpected and startling >

enough, and now this action of the conqueror

, was as strange as the previous incidents. and

011;; for him to satisfy him- 5

self that it was in perfect order, and than he J

turned his attention to the people, streaming,r in-
to t 1e gulch——tho men anxious to bo spectators
at t 0 coming light.

The citizens were all on the ground. before

seven o’«-lock,and then just live minutes pi‘e- ,

vious to the hour Talbot made his appearance,
accompanied by his cowboys, as related in our
last chapter.

The moment the Ranch King came in sight,

, the man in buckskin on the hillside prepare-d

    
  

 

~bound together, so that the other was complete-

ders,¥ho turned

for action.

Kneeling down behind the rock, he rrsied his
rifle upon it and trained it upon a point Whth
Tu lbot must puss.

Fortune seemed to favor this man, who had
evidtntly placed himself in ambush that he
might become an assassnn, for the Ranch King
was riding on the side of. the gulch nearest to
Where the riflcman lurked, so that Tom Martin,
who was riding by Talbot, did not shield him
asdhe would have done had he been on the other
s1 0.

Talbot was within ten feet of the point where
he would be exposed to the deadly bull+ t.

Only a few moments more and the life of the
Ranch King would not be worth a. piu’s fee, if
the man in ambush was anything of it marks-
man,and he must be a had shot indeed who
could fail to hit so large a target as a mounted
man at so short a distance.

With the glare of a. demon in his eyes, the
painted rifleman glanced along thoshining tube,
his finger on the trigger, all ready to send the
death—dealing ball (in its errand.

Five steps more and the muzzle of the rifle
would be leveled full at Dick Talbot’s heart.

The assassin crouched in ambush to surprise
his prey ; little rocked he that a foe Was steadily
approaching to surprise him.

And E‘s; when he fancied that the life of the
Ranch ' g was at his mercy, the man who
had been steadily tracking him. moving when
he moved, stopping whenje stopped, sprung,
with a mighty bound, upon him.

The rifle was d' harged, for the rifleman’s
finger being on the trigger, the shock of the
assault caused him to discharge the weapon.
and the bullet, with which the assassin fondly
hoped to take the life of the Ranch King, Went
whistling high up in the air.

The report of the shot caused all eyes to be
directed to the hillside, and a strange sight the
Evcigdwing spectators in the gulch below be-

e

Out from the shelter of the clump of pines to
the greasy Open space below came two men,
locked together, engaged in a. fierce struggle,
for, althou h the ambushed assassin was taken
completely y surprise, yet he made a desperate
resistance, and being a well-formed, muscular
fellow, the struggle was a severe one.

But his assailant was far too powerful for

him, even if he had not gained the advantage
of the surprise.
The newcomer was an unusually big fellow,
dressed like a‘Mexican cowboy, excepting that
on his feet he wore the moccasins of the red—
man, and this was why he had been able to get
right in the rear of the rifleman without the
latter having any suspicion that any one was
in the neighborhood.

The face of the assailant, though, was fully
as dark as the visage of the dusky chief whom
he had surprised, and the men in the gulch be-
low. noting this, concluded that he was as
much lndian as Mexican.

Talbot and his rty halted the moment the

report of the rifle roke the stillness of the gulch
and like the rest gazed with intense interest at
the struggle on the hillside.
It did not last but a few moments though, al-
though the surprised man made desperate exer-
tions to free himself from the clutch that his
assailant had fastened upon him, but the big
fellow stuck to him like a leech.

He forced him to the ground and held him
there. squatting on his back likealarge toad,
despite the strenuous eflortsof the other to turn ;
then producing a rawvhide‘ be bound the wrists
of the painted assassin together behind his back,
although the prisoner tried his besttoprevent
it from being done.

The wrists being bound. the captor threw ,a
loop over the ankles and soon had them tightly

 
 

    
 

 

      
 
     

 

  

  
  
   

he] less» .
lyAftgr this, taking/his prisoner".
 var” . . ,

 

they could not understand the strange ull’nii‘.
1_lt was no mystery though to the Ranch
LlllL'n

“()ho, boysl d a you recognize the follow in
the Mexican rig“: ’ he exclaimed.

The cowboys took a good look.

“ You bet!" Tum Martin cried. “ I‘m a ‘
Illutchmuii if it ain’t our Indian, Mud Tur-
t e l‘

The cowboy was right.

TlLi) brawny conqueror was the Blackfpot
chief, Talbot’s pard, Mud Turtle.

CHAPTER XXIV.
rnu rionr.

“ I BEGIN to think I understand this little
business I" ’I‘zdhot exclaimed, with a smile of
contempt. “ It was a mystery as to how this
liinck Dun Dutton managed to muster courage
enough to challenge me toa. tight, but it is ex-
plained now. It was a trick to got me into the
gulch so that I might be assassinated by this
man concealed on the hillside.” '

“ I reckon you are right," Tom Martin re-
marked. “And if i 2 had not been for Mud Tur-
tle the fellow Would have plugged you, sure.”

“Yes, the India!) has saved my ife; there is
no doubt about that. And now that the trick ‘
has failed, I have a curiosity to see how this
bullv will face the music."

“ Tue internal scoundrel l” the cowboy ex—
claimed, excitedly. “ You ought not to give
him a chance for his life, but kill him without
mercy l”

“ on, he will lie out of it, of course,und swear
that he had no hand in the matter. "

“ Yes; but 1 reckon that he will not be ableto
get many people to believe such a yarn!” Tom
Martin crird, indignantly.

“ We will soon see what he has to sayfor him-
self,” the Ranch King replied.

Then the party went on.

Althou h Black Dan Dutton knew that a. .,
man was urking‘somewhere on the hillside for
the purpose of killing Dick Talbot, yet he was
as much surprised as an one by what occurred.

The moment he saw alhot approaching up
the lch be commenced rehearsing in his mind
the efeuse which he should make if any of the
crowd charged him with being in league with
the unknown assassin after the Ranch King was
killed by his bullet.

And as Talbot came on, the bully, still seated
on the bowlder, pretending to be busy with his
weapons, listened intently for the sound of the
shot which was to announce the doom' of the
Ranch King. . ‘

And when the shot come he sprung to his feet
and glared at Dick Talbot, expecting to see him
reel in the saddle and thentumblo to the earth,
cut down by the merciless ball. ,

But to hisamazeinent the Ranch King was not
harmed by the shot.

Then, like the rest, he gazed at the hillside and
beheld the struggle which ended in the com lets
overthrow of the half-breed, who had got im-

self up like an Indian chief in order to disguise ‘ - "

his identity. ‘

For a. moment after the fight ended, the bull
stood staring up at the hillside with his mout
open like a man in a maze. , _

«In truth be was utterly dumfonnded. This
entirely unexpected event acted u n him for
the moment like a stroke of par ysis, utterly
benutnbing his senses. , o

The ingeniously-planned scheme. which was
surely to compass the death of the Ranch Kinfip
had failed, and not on] failed, but the
breed was captured, fort attbe supposed Indian

was the cowboy Black Dan felt sure. although '

it was pessible the half-breed had hired some
Indian b: ave to commit the murder, but the;
bully did not be lieve that it was so, and now he
must meet Dick Talbot in single fight—face ihe
man whom he dreaded more than any five, or
oven ten men in the town. ,

The cold perspiration stood upon the forehead
of the big fellow. . .

He was so bewildered by this unexpected turn
ofatfairs that his brain was in a. whirl; it re-
fused to act. and ,a. wild desire arose to throw
down his weapons and seek safety in flight, just
as he had fled from the rah-is fight.

The voice of the Bone King roused him from
his abstraction. / l v
* “ Well. Mr. Black Dun Dutton, your little >
trap to lay me out without having to take the
trouble to
Talbot excla med. ,

“ W’ot do you mean?” growled the bullythmkn
in: desperate endeavors to threw of! the fear.»

  
 
       
 

man .
Ii someLnowl it is nine use for youth

‘ht me has not succeeded!" Dick 7

which-was weighing so heavily upon his soul, .
  his opponent like a . ‘

  
   
  
   
   
  
 
 
 
   
  
  
   
   
 
 
    
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
    
   
    
    
  
   
   
    
    
 
   
   
   
   
   
     
   
   
  
  
   
   
  

     
  
  
   
   
     
   
 

5"

   

   
   
  

    
    
 

      
  
 

    
  
  
   

    
  

  

     
    
  
 
   
   
   
   
   

  
      
  

     
  
  
  
   
  
  
 

    

  

 
   

16

Talbot in Arms.

 

 

profess ignorance. I understand the game as
well as though I had planned it!” the Ranch
King cried. “ You challenged me to a duel up

in this gulch so as to get a chance to assassinate ‘

Inc. Yourinan was up yonder on the hillside
all ready to kill me when I came within range,

l

but the tuing di‘ln’t work just as it ought to ;

have done, so you Will have to fight me, after
))

black Dun Dutton glanced around him for a

moment like a hunted animal endeavoring to
04-3111)”; all the spectators had gathered around
i a!) two, and the bully judng from the ex‘
pros-ions upon their face-s that they believed
Mo charge which the lunch King made to be a
ll'lle ()llL‘.

Turn the desperation of despair took pos-
srsssion of too big fellow. Mo was cornered, and
even the cowardly wolf when brought to buy
will fight.

“ I don’t know nothing ’bout the thing!" he
declared. “And if you thinkI am ateard to
meet any man of your size you are jest making
the biggest kind of a mistake!” Black Dan Dut-
ton [Jillsf/“I‘Od, striving by big words to conceal
the terror which was in his soul.

“ I am glad that you are going to come up to
the scratch, but under the circumstances I don’t
see what else you could do, unless you are Will-
in to be proclaimed a. sneak of the first water,”
Ta bot answered, tartly.

" I’m no sneak, I'll have ou to know,” the
other retorted. “ And I rec on that afore we
git through with this picnic you will have to
own up that I am as good a man as you ever
faced l” the bully cried, with a swagger.

Like the boy who Whistles when passing along
a lonely road at night to keep his courage up,
so Black Dan Dutton was striving by means of

"big words to cheat himself into the belief that
he was really not afraid of his opponent.

“ You are a black-hearted scoundrel and a
miserable coward to boot, I reckon l” the Ranch
King exclaimed, contemptuously. “ I am per-
fectly certain that you did not intend to mee
me in a. fair fight, and that your sole object in
bantering me into this duel was to get me into
this gulch so that your tool, concealed on the
hillside, would have a chance to kill me with a
rifle-shot without my being able to defend my-
self; the thing has slipped up, though, and now
you will have to face the music."

" You lie, durn you i" howled Black Dan Dut-
ton, working himself up into a sudden fury,
and he essayed to cock the revolver which he
had in his hand.

The Ranch King’s weapons were in his hol-
stars at his belt, and, apparently, there was a
chance for the bully to take him at a disad-
vantage, and so the fellow was quick toimprove
it

I-”
n:
p...

He cared not whether his action would be
considered fair or foul, for he felt that if he did
not secure some such advantage over his an-
tugonist his life would not be worth an hour‘s
purchase.

The moment that the motion was made, the
crowd, which surrounded the two, only a couple
of yards away, retreated precipitately, a dozen
or so tumbling to the earth in their haste to get
out of the range of fire.

Apparently, Black Dan Dutton had scored a

Oint.

p Dick Talbot had dismounted upon coming up
to the bully, and the two were not over six feet
a «art.

‘But the Ranch Kin had been in too many
affairs of this kind to a low himself to be caught
napping—too old a stager to permit any com-
mon, ordinary rufflan to get a shot at him by
being the quickest on the “ draw.”

And, therefore, while it was not apparent
that he was prepared for war—and this led
Black Dan Dutton to make the attempt to
secure by foul means what he feared he could
not get by fair—yet Dick Talbot was all ready,
and the eyes of his adversary warned him of the
attack before the attempt was made.

His left hand was thrust carelessly in the
pocket of his trowsers, and as the bully proceed-
ed to cock his weapon, out came the hand with
wonderful quickness and in it was a small,
double-acting revolver.

It was done like a flash, and just as Black Dan
Dutton got the hammer of his weapon raised,
the sharp crack of Talbot’s six-shooter sounded
on the air.

The bully threw up his hands, staggered back
and then went down all in a heap.

The fight was over, and again the Ranch King
had laid out his man.

CHAPTER XXV.
BROUGHT r0 BAY.

THE affair was settled so quickly that it was
over almost before the crowd knew that it had
begun. ,

In fact, the most of them were on the» run,
eager to get out of danger, when Black Dan Dut-
ton went down.

The fall of the bully, and his groans of pain,
told them that the fight had ended, so the hasty
retreat came to an end.

“ I reckon he has got his ticket for soup!” one
of the crowd exclaimed.

‘ "He is only disabled for the present,” Dick

 

Talbot replied. “ I did not care to kill the man,
although the cowardly scoundrel richly deserves
to die in my opinion, for I haven’t any doubt
that he planned to have me assassinated; still,
I don’t care to have his death at my door, and
so I only put a ball through his shoulder; the
wound will be apt to be an ugly one, but it will
not kill him.” ‘

By this time Dr. Brown, who was one of the
spectators—the Doc was never known to miss a
show or? this sort—was at work, attending to the
fallen man.

“ I reckon I am fixed for planting," the big
fellow moaned.

“Nonsense!” Doc Brown exclaimed, “this is
only a flea-bite! You are all right and will live
to spoil many a gallon of whisky yet.”

“ Wa—al, I hope so,” the wounded man observed
in the most disconsolate way. And then he hap-
pened to catch sight of Talbot.

“It is all right; it is your game this time,”
he added.

“ So it appears,” the Ranch King remarked,
dryly. “ But if you are not contented—if you
desire satisfaction at my hands, I will be ready
to accommodate you when you get in fighting
trim again.”

“Oh, no!” the wounded man exclaimed. “I
have got all I want. I reckon you don't ketch
me bucking up a r’in’ you no more. not if I
know myself, an I reckon I do. If you are
satisfied, I am, and I hope you won’t hear any
malice, ’cos you kin bet all you are worth that I
don‘gwant to have anything more to do with

on.

“ When a man is down and acknowledges that
he is beaten I am always content to let the mat-
ter rest,” the Ranch King replied. “ So long as
vou are satisfied to mind your own business and

at me alone, you will be safe from harm as far
as I am concerned.”

“Oh I am through! I ain’t a boyl I know
when have got enuifl” Black Dan Dutton de-
clared.

By this time the doctor had made a careful
examination of the wound and announced that
though Dutton would be apt to be laid up for
awhile, yet no serious results would follow.

“That was my idea,” the Ranch King ob-
served. “If I had wanted to close his account
with this world, I should not have shot him in
the shoulder but put my bullet where it would
have touched a. vital point.”

And none of the listeners believed this was an
empty boast, for by this time they had come to
the conclusion that Dick Talbot was one of those
marvelous shots who was able to send his bullet
true to the mark every time.

“ And now I think I will see what this party
up on the hillside has to say for himself,” the
Ranch King remarkgd.

Then he mounted is horse and, with the cow-
boys, rode off down the gulch, a number of the
most agile-footed citizens hastening after the
party, anxious to be present when Dick Talbot
interviewed the red chief. C

After the Ranch King’s departure the doctor
got the citizens to construct a rude sort of a lit-
ter. and on it Black Dan Dutton was borne back
to SJIW'I‘ODOIIS.

then Dick Talbot and his cowboys got well
into be old Indian trail they were obliged to
dismount, for the path became too rough for the
horses.

Tethering their steeds they went ahead on foot,
the citizens bringing up the rear.

Upon arrivin at the clump of pines they
found that Mu Turtle had dragged his pris-
oner into the trail, and had him in a sitting pos-
ture with his back against a rock.

The Ranch King surveyed the man for a few
moments in silence.

And now that a good look could he had at the
face of the supposed red skin it was plain to all
that he was no Indian, for his chin was covered
with a scrubby beard, and the paint, by means
of which he had disguised himself so that from
the gulch below he had looked like a red chief,
was now plainly visible.

Despite his disguise he was recognized by both
the Ranch King and the citizens, now that they
were near him.

“ Ahal it is the half breed cowboy who tried
so hard to swear my life away !" Dick Talbot ex-
claimed, after he had taken a. good look at the
man.

The half-breed was taking matters very coolly
and did not seem to be particularly impressed
with the gravity of his position.

“I am glad you have come!" he exclaimed,
“ for you will release me from the hands of this
fellow, who has tied me up like a fowl ready for
the pot."

The citizens looked at each other.
impudence with a. vengeance.

‘ Well, my man, you don’t lack for assurance,
that is certain l” Talbot remarked.

“ Is it assurance then to be asked to be re—
leased when a man has been assaulted without
cause?” the half-breed demanded, indignantly.

“Assaulted without cause, you miserable as-
sassin 1" Dick Talbot exclaimed, sternly.

“ Why do you call me an assassin! t is a lie!
1 am no assassin I” the half-breed cried.

“ You sconndrell were you not lying in wait
to assassinate me?” the Ranch King demanded.

Here was

 

“N o; I deny it!” the other replied, promptly.

“ What were you doing here then, and in such
a disguise as this?”

“ That is my business,” the half-breed answer-
ed, arrogantly. “ B adoption I am a chief of
the Apache tribe, an I have a right to wear the
Indian dress if I choose.”

“ And the right to deck your face with the
paint that an Indian chief never assumes unless
he is going upon the war-path?”

“ Do you not know that the Apaches are now
at war with the Coninnches, and that as a chief
of the tribe 1 am bound to help my red brothers
all I can ?”

“ Bahl that reasoning is absurd! If you know
anything about the Indians at all you ought to
be aware that up in these mountains would be
about the last place in the world to look for the
Comanches.”

“ Trnel I know that. I did not say that I
was looking for Comanchcs here. I was on my
way to join the Apaches so as to be with
them when they made their raid to the south—
ward.”

“ And What were you doing skulking here
amid the pines?”

“I saw the people down in tho gulch and had
a curiosity to know why they were there, and
so I waited to see. I concealed myself in the
pines, because I knew that if I was seen in this
rig it would alarm the people. "

“ Oh, yes; all this is extremely reasonable!"
Dick Talbot exclaimed, conteinptuously. “But
if you succeed in getting any one to believe it I
reckon it will be a wonder! I haven‘t exactly
got at your game yet, but I think I will in time.
For some reason on have a grudge against me;
that was prove by the lying testimony you
gave on my trial.”

“ I did not swear you were the man who kill-
ed Mexican Mike!’ the half-breed exclaimed.
“ You ought to do me justice! All I said was
that you resembled the man. If I had wished to
injure you, as you claim, how easy it would
have been for me to swear that you were the
party whom I saw strike the blow.”

“ Oh, yes; you worked the trick in an ex-
tremely cunning mannerl”the Ranch King ex-
claimed, with a contemptuous smile. “ You did
not swear right out that I was the man,but you
gave your evidence in such a way that it fixed
the crime upon me without doubt.”

“ I only swore to what I saw 1” the half-breed
retorted. “Why should I harbor any grudge
against you? Are you not a. stranger to me?"

“That is true enough, and I admit that the
matter puzzles me, but I understand well enough
that on did your best to have me convicted cf
mur er; as to why you took the course you did,
that is whatI have got to find out, and I will
do it too before I get through with you!”

“ Oh, I am not afraid 0 have my actions
looked into, for I am an honest man i” the half-
breed declared.

“ We will see about that! It is my impression
that you are as big a rascal as ever struck this
section of country,” the Ranch King observed.
“ As to your cock-and-bull story about 1% ii g on
your way to join the Apaches to aid thi m )1] a.
raid against the Comanches, that is altogzrthtr
too thin. You were here to assassinate n c! It
was arranged that you were to shoot me as I
came up the gulch, and in order to afford )» u
an opportunity to commit this crime was Vi by
Dutton challenged me to this dual, but whither
you put him up to this scheme. or he hm “lied it
himself, is a question, and one that I will have
settled, too l”

“ The idea is absurd!” the half-breed ex—
claimed.

“ We will see about that before we get through
with this matter. It is my belief that you are
the arty who on ineered the scheme, for I do
not elieve Black on Dutton has brains enough.
to plan an thing of this kind. He went into it,
though, w en it was suggested to him, quickly
enough, I have no doubt, for he had cause to
desire my death, as I had shown hini up (.5 a
coward before the whole town.”

“ If Dutton says that I entered into any plot
with him, he is a. liar l” the half-breed asserted,
in the most arrogant manner. “ it is true that
I met him yesterday in the Hotel do Sonora,
and when he spoke about his trouble with you,
I told him that the only chance he had to re-
deem himself was by challenging you to a fair
fight, and until he did do so, he could never ex-
pect to hold 11 his head in the town.

“ He agre with me and said he would dare
you to meet him on the first opportunity. That
was all that passed between us, and if he says
otherwise he is a liar."

This was a. cunning move on the part of the
half-breed.

He had recognized Mud Turtle as being the
supposed peon whom Big Pete had assaulted,
and understood that, as the landlord of the Ho-
tel de Sonora had surmised, the prom had come
to the saloon to play the spy: so he knew that
testimony was at hand to show that he and
Black Dan Dutton had been in conference. but
by the adroit admission he hoped to explain the
matter.

Both he and Black Dan had been so guarded
in their conversation that he felt sure the spy
had not been able to overhear what was said.

 

 

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i

 

 

  
  

   
   
  
 
  
  
   
 
 

 

 

  
 

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Talbot Arms.

  

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Mud Turtle’s disguise had been so complete i not fear that I shall endeavor to avoid my

that the prisoner had no suspicion at the time
of the saloon affair that he was anything but
what he appeared to be, but after his capture
was effects ,and he had time to examine the
man who had so thoroughly surprised him, he
saw that, although an Indian, he was no peon,
and immediately he jumned to the conclusion

that the chief was Dick Talbot’s pard, the fa— ‘

mous Mud Turtle.

After his capture, the half—breed had assumed
an indignunt air and endeavored to get into
conversation with the Indian, but Mud Turtle
did not take any notice of his words. and so the
crafty scoundrel was obliged to practice pa.-
tience until the Ranch King arrived.

“ Well, Mud Turtle, what have you got to say
about this matter?”

In his terse, graphic way the Indian describ—
ed his adventures.

He told how he had disguised himself as a
peon and gone to the Hotel de Sonora, pi etend-
mg to be a herdsman on a spree; how he had
completed his drunk there, apparently and
gone tosleep one bench. Related how hlack

an Button and the half-breed had held a long
conversation, but had been careful to speak in
so low a tone that he could not overhear their
words, and winding‘up by tellin how he had
been assaulted by Big Pete, an put i to the
cellar, from which he had managed to escape.

“ Ohol Big Pete will find he has got himself
into a hornets’ nest, I think!” the Ranch

“King exclaimed when the Indian had finished
his tale.

The disguised hrigand had listened intently,
and inwardly he chuckled with satisfaction ‘as
hhe reflected that nothing had come out against

1m.

“I hope, my friends, that you will take into
consideration‘the fact that I am not responsible
for Big Pete’s actibnsl”,he exclaimed. “ You
cannot say that I injured you in any way!” he
continued, addressing Mud Turtle.

“ No,” the chief responded. “ Bi Pete—me
hit—Mud Turtle fix him!” and the ndian laid
his hand upon the hilt of his knife, in an ex—
tremely significant way. ‘ '

Then the chief continued his recital, telling

how, after hearing that Talbot and Black Dan
Dutton were to meet in the gulch, and fight a
duel in the morning, the idea came to him that
some foul play was intended, so he placed him-
self to watch on the road that led. to the gulch,
and when the half-breed came stealing along in
the cold, gray light of the dawn, he followed
him; watched him assume his Indian disguise
and take a position amid the pines.

He testified positively that the half-breed had

- drawn a. bead on the Ranch King with his rifle,
“ and was just about discharging the piece when

he pounced upon him. I
‘ It is a mistake!” the disguised brigand de-
clared. “ I was but resting my rifle on a rook
and had no thoughts of discharging it, although,
gossibly, it might have looked as though I
, .

“Gentlemen, I am going to ive' this man the
benefit of the doubt, and so re rain‘from taking
vengeance intolmy own hands. I am willing
the men of Silveropolis shall decide whether he
is guilty or not.” .

‘ I am satisfied, and, if I am allowed time, I
can prove my innocence l” the other declared.

And so back to the town he was conveyed.
and locked up in the calaboose, where Mayor
.Plunkett came in haste to interView him.

CHAPTER XXVI.
. ' IN THE JAIL. r

“ PRETTY bad box you are in!” the mayor ex-
claimed. ‘ r , v

The disguised brigand protested that he was
an innocent man, and that it was all a mistake.

“ If I am given time, I can prove by the
Apaches that they sent a message or me to join
them and take the war-path against the Co-
launches!” he declared. -

“ That would account for‘ your rig and your ’

resence on the hillside,” the mayor remarked.

‘But the Indian declares, positively, that you

were about to fire on the Ranch Kin‘g when he
interfered.” .

“ He is mistaken, although I admit that such

a mistake was only natural under the circum-

stances. I had rested my rifle on the rock,over

. which I‘leaoed, anxious to see the fight in the

gulch below.”

“ How much time will )you require to pro-
duce thisevidence of, whic you speak?”

“ Not over two days; by sending a. messenger
to-day, I can surely ave my witnesses here the
day after tomorrow." ' I

“ Very well; that will, do. I ‘will. set
trial for the day after to-morrow.”

“ Yes, that will satisfy me. I suppose there

3’an

V will be no objection to having my friends visit

31:] 3;:‘that I. will be able to prepare for the or-
. e u l ‘

“Oh no I guess not; under proper recur
tions, (it cdurse, so that they cannot aidpyou to

escs 9’, .
 “fa do not want to escape!” and the half-
- breeddrcw himself up, proudly. “ I an: an in-

I‘nocsnt nipu, and I am anxious to prove that!
WW? ' V

this loop! everybodypyod mod

 

trial.”

“ Well, I hope you will come out all right, of
course,” the mayor remarked, in his amiable
way, and then he departed.

h1111 the outer room he encountered the mar-
S 11 .

Livingstone carried his arm in a sling, but
otherwise was all right.

When the prisoner‘s request was made known
to him, he shook his head.

“ Don’t you like the idea?" the mayor asked.
“ If he is not allowed to communicate with his
friends, the man will have a hard time to clear
himself." .

“ Yes, that is true enufl,” the marshal res
marked, in a reflective way. ' “ But you kin bet
yer life that I will take darned good care that
none of ‘em puts up ury job to sneak this feller
out of the calahoose.”

“ Do you think any such game will be tried?
The man declares that he is innocent, and says
be our} prove it to the satisfaction of every-

“ Oh, it is his play to say that, of course, but,
Mister Mayor, when you have had as much ex-
perience with these half‘breeds as I have, I
reckon on will come to the conclusion that
the hat of them are durned slippery cus-
tomersl”

“I a roe with you there; Very few of them
can be rusted.”

“ And in regard to this galoot it seems to me
that he is in the tightest kind of a fix,” the
marshal remarked. “And do you know, Mis-
ter Mayor, since this hyer thing happened I
have been doing a heap of thinking owr this
Dick Talbot master, and I have ’bout come to
the conclusion that the Ranch King had no more
to do with the killing of the Maverick Man than
either you or I.”

“Then he is an innocent man, indeed, for it is‘
certain that we had no hand in the murder of
Mexican Mike,” the mayor observed.

“I reckon that it is jest as the Ranch King
declares; a put-up job to fix him, but it has
ilippe’d up, and this half-breed cuss is in a.

ole.
“ I”think myself that he is in a pretty bad
way.

“ And we must be keerful that he don’t slip
through our fingers.”

“ Oh, I don’t think there is much danger of
anything ofthat kind hap suing,” the mayor
replied, who was noted for ways looking at the
cheerful side of things. . ,

“ Wa-al, I reckon thar ain‘t,” the marshal re-
marked, after thinking over the matter for a
moment. “Jack Mason is no slouch, and the
man who gits ahead of Jack must rise airly in
the morning.”

Jack Mason was the jailer. a big, burly fellow,
tested as being one of the lighting men in the

wn.

The mayor and marshal departed, after first,

cautioning Mason to keep a good lookout for his
prisoner. ’ v ‘ ‘

The jailerresponded confidentlythat they need
not trouble themselves about the man.

The calaboose was a strongly-built, one-story
shanty; within were two rooms; the inner one
was the cell where the prisoners were confined,
the outer apartment was occupied by the jailer.

There was a strongly-barred window, Without
glass, in the partition which separated the
rooms, so that the jailer while seated in his
apartment, could comman a view of the other.

Under such circumstances it would seem to
be an impossibility for a ,prisoner to escape,
for Cgzhe jailer could watch every movement he
ma e. . ; '

The only possible chance of escapi was dur-

ing the dark hours of thenight, whens esp might
seal the wank r‘s eyes. , ‘
The marshal had thought about this and spoken
to the jailer; the man replied that as it was his
custom to sleep nearly all day, he could betrust-
ed to kee awake at night.
Jail ce 3 are never noted for their furniture,
and in the wild mining-cam of the West the
cells of the calaboow, as t e jail is usually
termed, seldom boast of anything more than a
buffalo-robe, which serves the prisoner both for
bed and covering at night, and an old box in
place of, a stool.

Thiswasall the furniture that the half-breed’s
cell possessed, and after the mayor and marshal
departed, the disguised brigand reflected over
the situation for a few moments. , .

Although he had talked so fluently about
how easy it would be for him to show that he
had no intention of firing at the Ranch King,

 
   
  

 

 

 

 
  
 
      

anything of the kind, and his only chance of
go lug out of. the trap into which he had fallen

  

  

lay in effecting an escape. forlfh'e remained to -

be tried it was about as certain as anything
could be that he would be convicted, and when
a man is convicted of , an attempt at murder in
a wild Western cam , and sentenced to be hung,
little time . is us y wasted between the pro-

  

ot. ' , .
The bri and Was. some,

nerve, an that was

walketenw -

  

posse-sodde

ii. i

  

'on the buflalo—robe, which he had drawn into

' particulars?”

throw yourself in his we ,thoughl”thelbrigondz

yet he knew well enough that lie-could». not do ‘ "

' confident that he was unjustly accused."
nouncing of the doom and the execution there- '

 

      
   
  
   
  
   
   
 
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
   
   
  
  
   
    
   
   
   
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
   
   
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
   
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
 
  
 
      
    

entangled in a snare from which it was doubtful
if he would escape with life. ' v

For fully ten minutes he meditated over the  -
situation, and then he approached the grated ‘
window and addressed the jailer, who was tak-
ing his case with his chair tilted back against
the wall, smoking a pipe.

“The mayor told me that I could see my
friends if I wished,” the lrisoner said.

“ I reckon you kin; hain‘t, got any objec-
tions.”

“ Will you send a. message for me?”

“ Oh, I ain’t got no time.”

“ You can get a messenger.”

“ Messengers cost money.”

“Of course, and you will expect something
for your trouble too. I do not want you to' do
it for nothing.”

“ Oh, didn’t e? VVa-al, now ye’r’ talking!
That is a boss 0 another color l” exclaimed the
jailer, suddenly becoming interested. “If you
have got any ducats to spend, and ar’ willing to
throw ’em out like a gen‘leman, I reckon I stand
ready to do anything I kin for you, in reason,of
course."

“ Certainly, I understand that. Here’s aten,” _ ~
and the brigand passed the gold-piece through ‘
the bars. “ Will that be enough?’

Jack Mason jumped up with prompt alacrity
and took the money.

“ Oh. yes, that will do. Who is it you want
to see?”

"' Bi Pete.”

“Al right! I will send for him right away.” 3‘

The jailer was as cod as his word. and within '
fifteen minutes the 0st of the Hotel de Sonora
entered the jail. ‘

The jailer admitted him to the prisoner’s cell,
only takin the precaution to lock him 111 after
he enters , and to call a uplc of friends to
keep him company in the on er room.

It was not his gems to allow the risoner to
make an attempt to escape by a and en rush. .

After Big Pete entered, the brigand sat down

one of the further corners of the cell, and the
visitor took a seat on the box by his side.

By assuming this position, and conversing in
whispers, it was possible to hold a conversation
Without fear of the others in the outer apart~ a
ment overhearin their words. -

“ This is a be business!” Big Pete declared,
with an ominous shake of the bead. ' -

“ Bad is no word for it 2”, the brigand re- _
sponded. “I suppose you have‘heard all the V ‘

, “ Oh, yes, illnews is fast of foot, and there
are always plenty of good~nutured friends to
bring you word when an misfortune of this
kind occurs,” Big Pete rep led, with a grimee.’ U

“ You know, then, that the peon whom! you
rapped on the head in such a dextrous manner .
was this red cowboyof the Ranch King’s, called: '
Mud Turtle?” r‘ , , ’ .

“ Yes; and if all, accounts that I hear of the 
fellow are true, I have not heard the last of the 
affair,” the saloon-keeper remarked, ,a dark
soowl on his face. I * ,

, “ I think it is extremely probable thatbe
will attempt to call you to on account for»
the affair, for he hears the reputation of being _
a ll hter.” V

‘v‘ am prepared for him,” and Big Pete put
his hand on the butt of one of the two revolvers
bolted to his waist. ‘ _ , ' 3

"‘ gVt’hat did you say when the tale wag told to;
you ' . r

“ Oh, I knew it was no use to deny it, so]: ,
said it was true that I hit the man on the head"
with a bottle, but I explained the matter by
saying that he was crazy drunk and was about
to draw a. weapon on me when I did so.” ‘

“ That is a. good story, but I suppose on will
have to fight the Indian all the same, ough,”
theibrigand remarked. *

“ Yes, and I have made up my mind to take ,
the bull by the horns; that, to my thinking,
always the best way in a case of this kinda!)
the first time I encounter the Indian I shall go.
for him.” « ’

“I don’t so

 
  
    
   
    
 
 

  
     
  
   
 

you will be anxious to

tirgmgrked, with a laugh ‘1'. at displayed his white
at . = , v V ' . l
“ Oh, no, not I! A prudent man does not
rush into affairs of this kind ” the other re led,
“ It is my game to make this rod-skins» me > . .
and it he ever dares to enter the Hotel do 80-
3M 7l’iewvill he a, lucky man if he. gets out
ve. , , -
“ I see: and now in regard to my case."
B Pete shook his head. I
“ ou think it is a. de crate one?” - ,
“Yes; you know how his public sentlmcnt"
iii—it veers about like a weatharcock.” . l g ‘ '
"Vs true!” ' _ , ..
~“0nly a. short’time ago’ all the town was
anxious to hang the Ranch King, becausethe
citizens were sure he killed Mexican Mike; now
theyhave gone to the other extreme endured!

    
  

 
  
 
   

        
 
 
    
  

      
 
   
  
  
  
  

 
  
 
 

   
 
 
 

    
   
  

  
     
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  

     

     
 

“ Yes, but whatnot thisto do.
“Why, astheRonch Kin
mmmmeoneelaermusti '
Miamnossyizfiri btout
‘Mham s in

 
   

18

TalbotinwArms.

 

 

“ Ah, but there is no proof of that!” the
brigand exclaimed.

“ That is true, and none of them say that
there is, but they are certain, though, that you
meant to murder the Ranch King.”

“ The chances are good, then, that I will
swing?”

“ I wouldn‘t give a golden ounce for your lifel”
Big Pete declared.

“ I am in a bad way then.”

“ No mistake about it.”

“ Some scheme must be devised to enable me
to escape. I have secured a delay for two days,
so there is time to arrange some plan.”

Big Peso reflected fora fewmoments, and then
he shook his head slowly.

“ Upon my word I cannot think of anything,
but then I was never good at planning.”

This was the truth, for Big Pete had always
peer; noted for being a rather dull-headed fel-
o

 
    
  
   
   
   
  
   
   
    
   
  
    
  
   
    
    
 
 
  
  
 
  
  
    
         
       
   
    
       
      
   

\V.
“ Is there ary lads in town whom you can
trust?”

“ Hardly a soul in a matter of this kind.”

“ Could not the jailer be bribed l”

' “ Oh, no! It would not do to try any game
of that kind on him.”

“ There are a few of my men at an old ranch
in the mountains. It is on the north road and
about five miles from the town. It is called the
Gallego Ranch. Send a messenger up there—a
man who can be trusted, min , not to blah
about the message to all the town. Write you
a line to John Gallego, merely say that his cow-
boy, J o Cardozo, has got into trouble—is in jail/
and he had better come and see about the mat-

.ter. Then it by any unlucky accident the let-
ter should become public it Wlll not compromise
any one.”

' “ Yes, yes, I see. Is that all?"

“ All, unless you can think of some plan to aid
me to escape.”

. “ Well, if I do, I will let you know, but I am
not good at scheming,” and Big Pete rose to do
part.

" Look out for the Indian l” the brigand con-
tinugd. “ Kill him it you can, for he is danger-
ous. ‘

“ You may depend upon it that I will do my
best,” the other declared. “I intend to secure
an advantage in the first place by making him
fight me on my own grounds. No man yet has
sought me in the Hotel de Sonora and lived to
boast that he had the best of the fightl"

, ‘ And with this :declaration Big Pete took his
departure. '

 

CHAPTER XXVII.
ram:an m NEED.

“ THE dull-headed brute l” the brigand ex-
claimed in disgust, as he resumed his seat on the
box and gave himself up to reflection after Big
Pete’s departure.

- “ I am booked for the rope if I depended upon

. him to do anything to affect myrescue. I must

send for the strangers who helped me to escape
from Guaymas. They are men with brains in
their head and will be apt to devise some way to
get me out of this hole. But I must arrange
some excuse for calling upon them tovisit me so
: that after I escape no suspicion will be attached
to them. ” . ' ,
, For a good half-hour the prisoner reflected
the matter before a scheme suggested itself.
During this time the jailer’s companions had
do rted and he had returned to his pipe.
he risoner went to the barred window.
_ “ Ja ler, do you want to make some money I"
he asked.
“ You jest bet I do—if it, kin be done honest-
, l 1” Mason exclaimed, immediately jumping to
v t e conclusion that the halx~breed was trying to
bribe him.

“ I am jest as hungry arter money as any man
{an gin Scare up in this hyer town, but, under-
. ‘ n ,
idea, give it up. ’cos you can’t raise ducats enufi!
tor to buy me.” ‘

“ Oh, no; I know better than to try any such
game with a man like yourself. The scheme I
v , on goin to propose is an honest one, but it re-
”quires a 'ttlo money to carry it out.’

, “ Ward, then, I reckon I will rift go into it,
"cos I ain t so situated as to be a is to scare up
manly ducats.”
. “ have discovered a valuable lead up in the
' ‘ mountains—one ot the old mines that was
» l worked b the Spaniards years ago. and than
I cbando after the Mexican revolution on ac-
' count of the Indian troubles. Now I need
money, and I would be willing to sell the secret
of this mine if I could get anybody to give me
» a fair price for it.” '
“ Oh, yes, I see; wh , man alive! you oughtto
strike some tender-too who has come to this re-
gion on pnrpoae to invest in some sich specula-
tion; you would git twice the moneyout of some
sich galoot than you Would from anyo: mousse:
in the town, ’00: we don’t take so much stock in
Iich things as we might,” and the jailer winked
knowing y. r .
“ Ah, there in nothing wrong about, this
minel” the prisoner declared. 9‘ Any omrwh‘o
: darn. jud e of such things can see that at. a
. A w an inmiion ismade- 'andI will
willing waive the money sh

l .

  
  
   

     
 
 
  

  
 
 
 
  
 
 
  
  
 
  
 
 
 

   
  
  
     
     
 

 

   

 

d, I am not for sale, so if that. in yer ‘

    

 

who buys the secret of the mine is not satisfied
after he looks at it that he has got a bargain."

“Wa—al,pow, I reckon that‘ is a. pretty fair
offer 1” the jailer exclaimed.

“ Yes; could you not get some of your friends
to go in with you 1”

“Oh, no. they are all ’bout as badly oil’ as I
am; you want to strike a tenderfoot who has
come out hyer jist on purpose to put his ducats
into something of the kind, and who is well-
heeled for sirh business.”

“ Oh, I could do better, of course, with a
stranger, but there isn’t any in town.”

“Yes, thar is—two on ’em, over to the Silver
Ship l” the jailer exclaimed, as the thought oc—
curred to him. “ I heered Skipper Bill say last
night that the cusses had come out hyer on pur-
pose ,t,o put their rocks into some good specula-
tion.

Of course the reader has doubtless guessed
that this was the point which the pris mer
hoped to reach when he began the conversa-
tion, but it was his game to have the suggestion
in regard to the strangers come from the jails-r.

Then the brigand inquired concerning the
men, and made an arrangement with his keeper
to have them summoned, promising to pay him
well for his trouble if the strangers concluded
to invest in the secret of the abandoned mine.

“ I’ll hnve them over hyer in a brace of
shakes!” Jack Mason declared. “ That is, if

- they ar’ whar I kin git at them.”

A messenger was dispatched to the Silver Ship
and inashort time he returned with the two
strangers, the speculators, Jonathan Morton and
William Bledstone.

The pair had heard the story of the half-
breed’s arrest and were waiting at the hotel,
anticipatinga summons, for they had confidence
that the brigand would find some excuse for
wanting to sell them, so that no one would sus-
pect that they had ever met before. "

After they entered the jail, Jack Mason ex—
plained why he had sent for them.

The pair appea red to he immediately impressed
with the idea that there was money in the

'aifair, and said as much, but threw outa hint

that though they might be taken for tenderfect,
yet they had cut their eye-tenth in mining mat-
ters and were not disposed to be fooled by any
“ ghost ’? story.

Then the jailer said he thought the half-breed
was honest about the matter, and told of his
statement that he was willing to give back the
money if the purchaser was not satisfied after
an examination.

“ Well, that is fair enough!” Bledstone de-
clared. \

“ Yes, that proposal is perfectly square,” Mor-
ton remarked. “ There is no doubt that quite a
number of rich mines were worked up in this
district in the old days by the Spaniards, and
when they were driven out of the country by
the Mexican revolution, the mines were aban-
doned, for the Mexicans did not fight the In-

dians with the dogged courage that the Spam -
iards displayed.

Some of the mines have been
re-fiispovered, and have proved to be very valu-
ab 9. _ r
“I reckoned it was worth looking into,” the
jailer remarked. “ [ would have taken a back

,at it myself, but I play too much poker to ever

has any money."

“ orton, you had best conduct the negotia-
tions,”Bledstone remarked. “ You are betmr at
such bargains than I, and more experienced in
mining matters too.”

“ All right; I am agreeable.”

Then Morton was admitted into the prisoner’s
cell, while Bledstone took a chair in the outer
apartment and chatted With the jailer.

“ Glad to see you,sir, and I ho e we may be
able to do some business together, ’ the prisoner
remarked in a tone loud enough for the jailer
to hear, us he conducted his visitor to the box
in the corner and resumed his seat upon the
buffalo-robe.

“Well, you are in a nice fix this time,” Mor-
ton remarked in a low tone.

“Yes, about as badly oil as I was in Guay-
mas, when I first had the pleasure of seeing
you,” the brigand admitted.

‘ “ You were threatened with death then at the
hands of. the Mexican soldiers. and now the
miner’s rope dangles before you."

“ Very true; and it is safe to say that the sec-
ond is fully as dangerous as the first.” ,

“I believe you are right. Tnere isa strong
feelin against you; nine out of every ten men
in the own be eve that you were laying Inwut
expressly to hi 1 this Dick Talbot. and if it had
not been for the Indian you surely would have
shot him.”

“ I will admit to you that that opinion is
strictly correct,”the Mexican said with a light’
laugh. “ And itls as certain as anything can
be in this uncertain world that I would have
slain the R h King it Heaven had not worked
a’miracle in is behalf, and these are not the
days of miracles. on know.”

“ The comingo the Indian was something in
that line.”Mortun suggested. »

“ Oh, no, that was-mania doing." the brigand
,refiied. “This Ranch King is nomen's fonll

. , he wuaccuséd otthe murder of Mexican
Milt not Mon. and chain otvevle

   

  
 

   

  
 

 

., hols unlikely to walte‘tor hours.

 

deuce woven, which would have hunt; him l.l\'c
a dog had he not been cunning enough in (s-
cape, he naturally came to tho conclu~icn that
it was not accident, Lut design, whirl] bed so
nearly 00.“? him his llft'. A looms striking at
him in the dark, and when he succeedul in.
breaking through the snare in which he had
been entangled, he immediately st to we] k to
discover who it was that had trird to trap him.

“His first move was to set the red-skin at
work, and the dusky scountlrel played his part
so well that he deceived good judges of men like
Big Pete and myself. and though we suspected
that the fellow was playing the spy, yet We had.
no suspicion that he Was not a peon.

“ We atlcmptt-d to settle him and failed, and
so he was able to track me and spoil as good a
scheme as ever the wit ol’ man devisul.”

“ I see you are right; it was the art of man,
and not a miracle, which saved Dick Talbot
from your bullet."

“ Exactly! and pardon me if I call your at-
tention to the tart that I fell into this trap
while trying to carry out the arrangement I ,.
made with you.”

“ Oh, I understand that, and you may rest'
assured that both my friend and myself con—4
sider that it is our duty. even at the risk of life,
to get you out of this scrape l” Morton declared,
eurnr-Slly.

“ You will observe that I have kept faith with
you," the brigand remarked, “ although there is
no doubt I could have purchased my freedom by
revealing to the Ranch Kingwho ii;qu that set
me on. But I scorn to do a thing of that kind.
Although I am a brigunil and everything that is
bud—if you believe what men say of me—yet
you will find I am a slave to my word.”

“ I have never doubted you,” Morton replied.
“And if I had not been sure that you were a
superior man, you may be certain I would never
have taken the trouble to rescue you from the
jail in Guaymas.” ‘

“ That was a cunning trick l" the brigand ex-
claimed. “ And the Mexican authorities were
furious at my escape. I was in a tight place»
then, but, Oh, my friend! I fear I am in a.
tighter one herel”

“This jail is not as stron
Guay mas,” the other remark
around.

“True, yet the conditions are not as favor—
able for an escape. You will perceive there is.
no window here on the outside; only that one
looking into the jailer‘s room, and by mears< {
which a watch can be kept upon me at all
times.” ,

“ How about the dead hours of the night?"

The brigand shook his luad.

“ The watch will be kept up day and night,”
he replied. “There are, two jailers; one keeps
guard during the day and the other at night. so
there will not be a single moment when a pair
of eyes will not be upon me.”

Morton reflected for a moment.

“ This will be a more difficult job than I ex-
pected,” he remarked.

“ Yes, worse than the affair at Guaymas.”

“ How about the jailers?”

as the one in
, with a glance

“ With the day men nothing can be done, even I

if he could be bribed. for I could not hope to es-
cape during the daytime, and the one who is on
duty at night—Jack Mason is his name—cannot
be approached."

“We will have to get at him some other way,
then,” Morton observrd, reflectively. “ He is,

‘ probably. a hard drinker.”

“Oh, yes; few men of his class who are not;
but if you are thinking of getting him drunk
the chances are a thousand to one against it.
Such men as be are well-seasoned,and you could
not get him to drink liquor enough to have any
effect upon him.” . '

“Sup sethe liqucr was doctored—druggrd,
you un erstand?"

“ Ah, yes,”a.nd a ray of hope lighted up'the.

dark face of the brigand.

“But the dimculty would be to get him to
drink it,” the prisoner answered. alter a pnusr.
“Unless the liquor was given him in such a
way as to disarm his suspicions, he would not
be apt to take it. And then, can the drug he in-
troducvd sothnt it will not be apparent to the
smell or taste?”

“Oh, yes; morphine will do the job, and that
is something that I understand al about, for I
am a morphine fiend." I

The speaker saw by the expression upon the
face of the prisoner that he did not understand,
so he explained. I v

“ Morphine is a peculiar drug; it is a child of
opium. and has the properties‘ot not only dull-
ing pain, but of transporting a mortal to the
seventh heaven of delight, when taken in a cer»

tain way.” s
“'Ah, yes,,I understand; I have heard of
opium-eaters.”

“I am one of the bond-slaves.nnd when I
come'tna wild couutr likethis I I
videansmplesupply, nowing thht I will not
be able to procure it at all, times. Now, it will
be an easy matter for me to introduce enough
into a flask of whisky. so that it. a man takes a

and when heisonce fast in thécrmsv

good drink It will be certain to put him tad . '
0t Meagan}

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“ Yes, yes. the scheme isn good one, if you can
succeed in getting him to drinl ."

“ I think I can arrange the matter by a little
clever sleight-of—hand. I will have two flasks,
exactly alike, so they cannot be told apart; one
all right, the otherdoctored; and I will arrange
it so that we will all drink from the 0. Ii. flask,
then I will substitute the other for it and give it
to you; the jailer, having his appetite \vnctted
by one drink, can probably be induced to take
another, and if he does he will be sound asleep
inside of half an hour, then comes your chance;
but how will you get out of this? I haven’t got
another set of burglar’s tools to give you."

“ I have the ones you gavo mo in (luaymus
all right," the brigand replied. “ They are
sewed up in my undershirt. I had a thought
that they might prove useful some time.”

“ The idea was a. good one. With the saws
you can easily cut your way through these
wooden bars, so as to get into the next room;
then you can take the keys from the jailer and
let yourself out. In the rear of the first house
to the right I will have a horse tied, so a means
of escape will be provided for you. It is a pity
that I cannot smuggle a disguise in to you,"
the speculutor added, surveying the brigaud’s
Indian dress.

“ Oh, that is all right. I have my own clothes
on underneath. All I have to do is to strip oil?
the hunting-shirt and leggins, and I will take
the jailer’s hat."

“ And now then, let us consider how the situ-
ation will be after your escape," Morton Te.-
marked. “ Thechances are good that the jailer
will not suspect that he has been drugged, and
so he will be apt to keep quiet about the whisky.
He will declare that he only dozed for a mo-
ment. Our visit will be inquired into, and we
will be able to give a clear account."

“I can arrange that matter all right!" the
brigand declared. “I do know the secret of an
\bandoned mine in the mountains, but the lode
.s a worthless one, although upon a. casual in-
spection it appears to be rich; so, when you say
that you came to see me to buy the secret of

the mine, you will be able to show that there is ,

such a thing.
randu m-book ?”

Morton produced them, and then the brigand
gave a description how to reach the old mine.

“ Now,” he said, when ’it was all written
down, “ you tell the jailer that you are goin,
to see the mine before closing anv bargain, an
that you will come to—night again, as soon as
you return, tosettle the matter, so he will be
prepared for your visit. Time it so as to get
b

How you a pencil and memo-

ere about eleven, because the coast will not

e clear for my escape until after midnight.”

Morton agreed with the brigand in regard to
this and then put the question:

“ ave you got about enough of this affair?
—are you satisfied that the Ranch King is too
strong for you to contend with i"

The face of Fernando Berna] grew fairly
black with passion. ‘

“Eternal curses light upon him 1” he cried,
in low, sup ressed tones. “ Do you suppose
that a man ike I am will ever rest content
until, the grave closes over my enemy or my-
se

“ When you are at liberty you will renew the
fight. then i” , i '

“Yes, I. thousand times yes! The turn of
fortune’s wheel will not always favor this
American; my time will come if I have but the
patience to wait. Say a man fails nine times,
that is no reason why he should not succeed on
the tenth trill.” .

_ “ True, and if in any of your schemes we can
aid you, either with our service, or money, do
not fail to call upon us.”

Then Morton rose, Jack Mason unlocked the
door so he could come out, and he explained to
thed jailer the arrangement which had been
ma e.

Mr. Mason remarked that he thought it was
wise not to buy a pig in a. poke, and he “ reckon-
ed ” he would not put any money in a mine un-
less he could havc a good look at it. and when
Morton mentioned that he would like to visit
the prisoner upon his return, although it would

probably be ten or thereabouts before he , could

et back, the jailer said he would have no ob-
ection. provided he came alone, but it wouldn’t
do to let in a. “ gang ” at such an hour.

“If I make a good trade. I will see that you
come in for something,” Morton promised.

' The jailer grinned and the pair departed.

“ I reckon you have caught him for a sucker,
and no mistake!” Jack Mason remarked to the
prisoner.

In a. little while the half~breed asked for wash-
ing materials so he could remove the war-paint.
These were furnished, and soon he looked some-
thing like himself again.

That night at ten minutes past eleven, Gordon
applied for admission. ‘ I

 

CHAPTER XXVIII.
A CUNNING TRICK. l I
JACK MASON ascertained that Morton was

alone and then he opened the door and admitted,

The jailer‘hod company; a big, overgrown.

  
 

. with a hoarse laugh.

fellow, whom he introducedus Mister Mickey
Doyle, was seated in the a artment, and the
two had been having a “leet a friendly game of
poker,” as Jack Mason explained to pass the
time away.

" How is my friend behind the bars?” Morton
asked.

“ I reckon he‘s asleep,” the jailer replied. “ I
noticed awhile ago that he had camped down on
his bu il’alo-robe, and as he hain’t let a sound out
of him since, I reckon he is in the land of Nod.
Did you git onto his mine?”

“Oh, yes, I found it without difficulty",

“ And how is she, hey?” inquired the jailer
with eager curiosity.

“I think it is a big thing!"

“You do, hey?"

“ Yes. I made a careful examination, and as
far as all the indications went the lead is a good

“ Wa-al, then he wasn‘t giving you no ghost-
story arter all 1”

“Oh, no but it is a property I should judge
which will require considerable money to de-
velop, and that is the reason, I suppose, wh y
be was willing to let other parties into it. A
man of his kind would never be able to raise the
money to make anything out of it."

“ Yes, that is so, and from the way he is situ-
ated now I reckon it won‘t be long’fore he won’t
take no interest in any mines in this hyer world,”
and then the jailer in pantomime indicated the
honoring process. ,

“ did not havo much talk with him upon
that subject, of course, for it is a rather delicate
matter. He declared though that he was inno-
cent, and that when his witness came he would-
n’t have any diflilculty in roving it.”

“ The galoot is game i” e jailerdeclared with
an approving nod. “ You would be safe in bet-
ting big money onto it. He holds his end up as
well as any man I ever see’d."

“ That is true; the fellow does not appear
to be at all worried by his position; he has
perigee: faith that he is going to come out all
rig t.

“ Stranger. I wouldn’t go ten dollars on his
chance for life 1” the jailer declared, lowering his
voice to a loud whisper.

“ Is that so?”

“ Sure as you are born X”

“You astonish me!”

“ I have been talking with the b0 5, and they
have gotitin for him,”the jailer exp ained. “ He
is a stranger in the town, and the b0 8 have
kinder got a notion that he has been anging
’round the cam for no good.”

“ He is a cow 0y, I understood, and is here on
asort of a vacation, being out of a job and in
search of another.”

“The boyees have been putting two and two
together, kinder comparing notes, you know,
and none on ’em has ever seen this fellow try
to git any bit of work, and they have kinder got
the idea into their heads that he is one of the
cusses who goes to look for work and is dread-
fully afraid that he will find some."

“ Yes, yes, I see. You think, then, that he
doesn‘t stand any chance to get out of this
scrape?”

, “ Nary time! he is booked for a rope. sure!
Thar is a good deal of talk ’nout Judge Lynch
and the Vigilantes putting in an appearance;
some of the boyees are reckoning that it is
about time that this hyer» camp war purified.
Big Pete and his gang have been running things
’hout long enufl, an’ thar is pretty big talk ’bout
cleaning out the Hotel (1e Sonora, for it ain’t
gnytthing but a cut-throat dive, nohow you kin
x l

” I am glad you spoke‘about this matter, for
it gives me a cue how to conduct the mine busi-
ness,” Morton remarked. “ The half-breed is
anxious to retain an interest in the mine. He
offers to sell three-fourths for a low price, we to
find the money to develop the property.”

“ N ail him on that. stranger!” exclaimed the
jailer, in a hoarse whisper. “ ’00s I am betting
,a hundred to one that he will be dancing upon
nothing afore he is three days older. and than
you will have the hull mine to yourself."

‘fit was my idea to let him retainaquarter
interest. and I drew out an agreement to that
effect." Morton explained. “ 1 am going to £57
him ten dollarsto bind the bargain. have 1m

’ sign the agreement rte-night, and pay him the

rest to-morrow.”

“ Fix the time of payment three days off and
I reckon you won't ave to pay him nothing 1”
Jack Mason whispered. hoarsely,withachuckle.

“ Yes, but as you will probably come in for
what he leaves, that would be money out of
your pocket,” Morton suggested. _
th“'l!"uat‘s so, by hokeyl I never thought Of

at ‘

“Oh, I will make the payment so as to have
things all square. By the way. he wanted me
tolbring him a flank of whisky; in there any ob-
jectionl"

“None thatI knows on,‘ao long as we it a.
drink catch it. hey, Mickey?" the jailer replied,

"‘0h,be.Jobl me throat is as dryu a dust
hen. P’tbe Irishman exclaimed. , ‘ i « ' - '

 
  

   

 

“ eke nu t'iha‘higgfl
mrmthgsownli’m .,

,.

    

 

And the two laughed so heartin at the joke
that the noise attracted the attention of the.
prisoner.

He rose and came to tho barred window.

“ Aha! you havo returned. I sue!" ho exclaim-
ed, perceiving Morton. “ Well, how goes it!"
Are you satisfied 5"

“ Yes: I will take the mine on the terms we
arranged. Here is a contract and ten dollars to
bind the bargain.”

And as he spoke Morton produced a written
document and the money.

“ I reckon you won’t find no pen or ink in this.
hyer shebang,” Jack Mason declared.

“ I have a fountain-pen here which carries.
itls own ink, so that is all right," Morton re»
p lPd.

The pen and contract were passed through the:
bars, and the hall-breed ufllxed his signature to»
it, pocketed tho goldpiece, and then returned.
the contract and pen to Morton.

“ Say! you Wclc talking.r ’hout some whisky,”
the jailer exclaimed. “ Now, I reckon it would
be a furst—cluss idea for us to take a drink all:
round to kinder wet this hyer bargain, jist for-
luck, you know.”

“ That‘s so; here's the fluid.”-

And Morton drew a pint flask from the lower
right hand pockrtof theovcrcht Which he were:
the nights were inclined to he a little chilly, so
the wearing of such a garment excited no com-I
ment.

“ I’ve only got a tin cup hyer. but [reckon
that will do,” ack Mason remarked, producing,
the article. .

“ Will you go it first?" Morton asked, tender--
ing the flask to the jailer.

‘ Oh,no: arter you is manners,” responded
the other. “ Bay, on ain‘t got a big supply,
have you? One p nt flask ’tween four on us;. -
thank the Lord that ain’t no more on us i"

And then the jailer laughed vociferously at his.
own joke.

Morton had an idea that it was possible the: ,
jailer suspected there might be something the
matter with the whisky, so he poured the fluid
out into the cup and drank it in such a. way
that both of the men could plainly see be had
swallowed the liquor and there was no deception.
about it.

“I SHPEOSO our friend here is entitled to then
next drin ," Morton remarked, nodding to the:
prisoner. '

" Yes; I reckon that is 'bout the squar‘ thing,”
the jailer assented.

Then the flask and cup were passed through,»
the bars to the half-breed, and he took a. drink ;;
and he was careful, too, to do it in such a way,
that the others could see that the whisky really'
went down his throat. '

d .Ekfkter this the jailer and his friend had a.
r n .

If Jack Mason had any suspicions they werev
dispelled. '
After the jailer got through he handed the
flask and cup to Morton, and he carelessly put.
the flask in his pocket and set the cup down on.

the table. .

“ Hold on, hold on, what are you about?” the» .
half-breed exclaimed.

“ What is the matter?” Morton asked.

“ I thought you brought that whisky for me.
and you have shaved it into your pockctagainl” '-
the prisoner replied.

“So I did! Excuse me! I wasn’t thinking- ,
of “hat I was about just at the mom: at,” Mar-—
ton explained, and then, right below the eyes ~
of the jailer and his friend. he took the flask out»
of his packet and handed it, with the tin cup,‘
through the bars to the half-breed. ‘

There was apparently no chance for (19001»

tion, and the thought that there was anything \ j _

wrong about the proceeding never entered the
minds of Mason or Doyle.

But Morton had a secret inside pocket in his:
overcoat. right back of the regular one, and

from this pofiket came the second flask, only -
u .

about half of liquor.

He had shrewdly calculated that the first;
bout would dispose of half the quantity con-.
taincd in the flask. ‘

And after the trick was worked, Morton took

 

l.

‘.
.\‘

 

his departure as scon as be possibly could with ,

out exciting su icion. . I
The jailer an his friend returned to their
cards. and the half-breed brought his box to the
window, which was a low one,and suiting downr ‘
beside It. watched the game. ~ 
The minutes passed rapidly away: the play, ‘
at first was quite even, but, as midnight ap—

proached, the jailer b an to lose; luck ran ul» ‘ ‘

 

 

together in favor of h 5 antagonist, and as he ~ ‘

lost stake after stake, J ack Mason declared that“
he never saw such «Ton of bad cards.

“Say, old man, I will take a drink to your 2‘ ‘

better fortune l" exclaimed the half-breed, and. j
be let the liquor from the flask gurgle into the ‘
cup, makingthat pleasing melody so anti-ano—
ing to the ears of a an who is fond of the juice ~
of John Barleycorn. ‘ '
Then, in a

   

ing drops would make no noise; this done,

 

extroua manner, he contrived to ' _ , .
spill the liquor on his legging. so that the'fail‘l-r  - ‘
.i‘.

 

     

 
   

.20

I Talbot in Arms.

 

 

As he had shrewdly anticipated, the thirst of
the others was excmed at once.

“ Never mind drinking my luckl"Jack Ma-
'son exclaimed. “ Let me take a whack at the

whisky and git some luck for myself 1”

“ An’ while ye aie about it, ye might as well

’l'ave me have a. suck, so that some of the luck
will be afther coming my way!" Doyle cried.

“ All rightl but I say, boys, don‘t drink it all
up; leave a swallow for me," the half-breed rc-
marked, as he passed the flask and cup through
the bars.

“ A pint bottle—a measly pint!” the jailer

‘ exclaimed, as be cured out a liberal allowance
in the cup. “ by didn’t he bring a quart
while he was about it? W’ot good is a pint for

'three sich gen’lemen as we or ’4"

And then, with a fierce joy swelling his heart
the brigand beheld his jailer swallow the drugged
. iquor.

d Doyle followed suit, taking equally as big a

rm .

Then Jack Mason held the flask up to the light
:so as to ascertain how much remained.

“ I say, pards, thar is enuff more for a small
drink apiece for all three on, us,” he remarked.
“Hadn two better go on and finish the thing
while we are about. it?"

“ All right, I’m agreeable,” the prisoner re—

‘plied. “ It is about time for me to take a snooze
.an way.
“ Sart’inl thét’s so.”
 Then the pair took another drink apiece and
Mason returned the flask and cup to the bri-
, and, who pretended to drink the rest of the

,. nor.

‘ The stuff has made me sleepy, so I‘m off for
“the night,” the prisoner remarked with a yawn;
:then he laid down on his buffalo—robe.

. The pair returned to their game, but after

' playing for a few minutes the jailer began to

 

 
  
  
  
 
 
   
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
 
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
  
 
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
   
       
     
      
      

\-

awn.
J “ Say, Mickey, I reckon I will take a lay-out
for awhile, if you will keep your eyes on the
.. aloot in thar— not that thar is much need of it,
:if thar wasn’t anybody in hyer.”

“ Yis, sur, I will be afther kaping me eyes on
111m,” Doyle replied,at the same time so drowsy
sthat he could hard] sit up straight.

There was a bu alo-i‘obe in a corner of the
Team; the jailer took of! the rough coat he wore,
rolled it up for a pillow, and in a couple of min-
' mtes was fast asleep.

Doyle nodded at the table until he saw that
Mason was well under the influence of the drow-
sy od, and then he rose from the table and
'ma e his way with cautious steps to the buffalo-

robe.
r “ Pl’ose the Pigs! I might as well lay me down
‘for awhile. can kape me eyes open jist as

.marked.
But the Irishman had hardly stretched him-
,rself upon the robe when he was fast asleep.
The brigand had kepta watchful eye upon the
“pair, and after they were both down, he waited
until satisfied that they were well under the in-
."fluence of the powerful drug which had beenso
~ deftly administered.

Then he rose, got out his saws and com-
rfimenced work .upon one of the window-bars;
v :‘they were so far apart that the removal cf a.
:single bar would afford room for him to pass
' through. I '

A It did not take long for the keen 1:001 to ever
~It’he stout oak bar. '
' The brigand gained the outer apartment,
1heu be stripped off his Indian dress, took the
' jailer‘s hat and coat—which he dexterously re-
»rmoved from under his head—then relieved him
. of his weapons. ' r
;. When attired in Jack Mason’s cost and hat,
’being about the same size as the jailer, he was
likely to be mistaken for him in the darkness.“
To the door he advanced; the road to freedom
was open. ,
 CHAPTER XXIX.
. b don runegaéignlg.‘ d
Tm! rigsn open 9 oor an assed
, nix-cu h, closing it behind him. ' p
, He did not act cautiously, or with stealth,
but just as Jack Mason might himself have
.done. if he had taken the notion into his head to
‘ come out for a few moments for the purpose of
' getting a mouthful of fresh air.
~ - It was now about one o’clock, and the town
‘ 'was perfectly quiet; all the stores were closed,
,and the inhabitants in bed.
’ The brigand sauntered slowly up the street
I .1 toward the spot where he had been warned that
,1 I 1 the horse would be tied. .
' The steed was. there.
._ He stood for a moment and looked at it. just

"the jailer would have beep a t to have done,
speculating as to what late b had left his
beast there. , ’ _

There was a moon but it was on the'wane,
and although it afford
any one to see what they were about, yet it was
n , atrongeuough for a watcher, who was com
muscled on the other Slde of the street, in the

  

 

   
 
   
 

  

   
 

  
 

  
  
  
 
  
  
 
  
   

  
   
  

   
   

   

Well-m it {or the new;

.a

or he is locked in all right, and couldn’t git out ,

well as by sitting forninst the table," he re—,

ed lightenough to enable .

shadowofa houso,todetectthat ‘themanwh ,
flied oomefrom “91341quanka "
* mugs: . - '

 

thought enough to assume the jailcr’s coat and
hat, for if he had not done so, he would have
been pounced u )on before he had gone five feet
from the door, lor the calaboose was surround-
ed by a guard of watchers.

Front and rear, and on both sides, armed
men kept watch upon the building.

This was due to Dick Talbot, the Ranch
King. Now that the ame was in the net, he
did not mean that it s ould escape if he could
prevent it.

But, thanks to the disguise which the brigand
had been cunning enough to assume, he reached
the side of the horse without exciting the sus-
picions of the watchers, but when he unfastened
the animal and mounted, then the seiitiuels
thought there was something wrong, and they
sprung from their hiding-places.

The bri and was sheltered b the horse, so
they coul not get a shot at im, and they
dashed forward in order to intercept him.

“ Aha! the are after me!" Berna] cried, and
then giving eel to the horse, he rode behind
the house and off over the open prairie, which
extended from the town in that direction.

\Vith his left hand he guided the horse; in his
right he held a cocked revolver although it did
not seem likely that a foe would be encountered
on the open prairie.

The recaution was a wise one, for as the
brigan posed in the rear of the jail, a dark
form, which had been stretched out at full
length on the ground, lying onarubber poncho,
rose and blazed away at the fugitive with a re-
volver. '

Antici sting a shot, the brigand bent low in
the sadd 6, just as the report came, and so
saved his life, for the bullet whistled over his
head. Had he been erect it Would have buried
itself in his breast.

Bernal took a snap shot at his assailant, and,
with a cry which seemed to show that he had
been badly wounded, the man went down. -

On over the prairie the fugitive rode at the
'best speed of his steed.

The Ranch King in person, who had been on
the watch below the jail, came dashing around
the corner of the buildinggw

He was armed with a inchester rifle.

Dropping upon one knee, he drew a head on
the horseman, whose figure was clearly outlined
against the sky: then a second thou ht came to
him and be lowered his aim to the orse.

By disablin the steed the capture of the
rider was ran ered almost certain, for even if
he was not disabled b the fall, which he was
pretty certain to get, e could not hope to offer
successful resistance to the force which was af-
ter him.

Tne shot was a difficult one, owing to the dis-
tance and the uncertain light, but with such a
marksman as Dick Talbot the odds were ten to
one that he would not miss.

léeliberately he took aim, pulled the trigger

an .—

The rifle missed fire! ,

A defective cartridge saved Berna], the
brliggfind.

ore the Ranch King could recock the

weapon, the fugitive, urging his horse to its
topmost speed, was so tar away that the odds
were great now against a successful shot in so
uncertain alight. ,
’ Dick Talbot sent a bullet after the fugitive,

, though, but it went wide of the mark, and Ber-

nal. crouching low in the saddle, so as to e 039
as little of himself as possible tothe fire 0 his
pursuers, vanished in the gloom.

The scheme had succse ed, and the brigand
was a free man again.

—+——
CHAPTER XXX. ,,
AN INVESTIGATION.

THERE were five men, besides the Ranch
King, who had been on the watch, and Mud
Turtle was included in the number.

It was the Indian chief who had lain out on
the prairie and  risen to intercept the fugi-

tive. '

3% the time that the Ranch King mane. ed to

fire is shot, the cowboys had gathered n his
rear. I
No one had anticipated that the prisoner
would endeavor to make his escape on horse-
back, and so the ranchmen had not provided
themselves with steeds.
” It )‘s no use, boys!" Dick Talbot exclaimed,
springing to his feet afterflrin his shot. “ He
has beaten us this time, and am afraid the
scouudrel has badly wounded Mud ' rtlel”

Then the Ranch‘ King hastened to where the
Indian lay upon be ground, the cowboysfol-
lowing him, all anxious to see how it was With
the doubtless red chief. . , '

As Dick Talbot came up to the side of Mud
Turtle, he rose to a sitting ture passed his
hand slow-l over the top 0 his . sad, from
which the b ood was streaming freely, and then,
in a sudden burst of rage, he cried:

“ Darn~son~of—a—gunl” and then he swore at
the Mexican in so fluent a manner that even an
experienced muleodrlver would have been apt-to
turn withenvy- , V » v ‘

Itwas lain that. notwithstanding the flow of

wfioh‘ so badly stained his‘faco, Mud Tur-

    
 

   
 

 
      
    
  
     
   
     
  
 
   
  

   
  
 

 

 
   
 

 
 

 
  
 
 

 

n! ‘uYou
» ‘ -: " .l

When Talbot came to examine, he found that
tho bullut of the fugitive hail grazed the top of
the heai,l,raopening the wound made by the club
in the hands of Big Pete.

It had produced a shock which had caused the
Indian to sink under it as though badly hurt,
but now that the stunning sensation had passed
away, he was all right again.

“Old fellow, I was sorely afraid you were
done for when I saw you go down .” ’Ialbot ox-
claimed.

” Mud Turtle skin that fox when he catch
’um i” the chief announced. “ Skin Big l’ete
first, though.”

“ Yes, I reckon that to—morrow we will have
to ask him to walk up to the captain’s office and
settle, ” Talbot remarked. '

“ Mud Turtle settle him, you bet!” the lndian
declared, with great dignity.

The discharge of the shots at this unusual
hour had disturbed some of the citizens, and
when the Ranch King and his man returned to
the calabooso they met a group hurrying to that

int.
p0There was the mayor, the marshal, his deputy
and Skipper Bill, of the Silver Ship.

The four had been indulging in a “little
game,” and as it had proved to be unusually in-
teresting, they had sat late over their cards, and
when disturbed by the shots had lost no time in
hurrying to the street.

They recognized the Ranch King and his cow-
boy—thetwo parties met right in front of the
calaboose.

“ Well, well, what is up?” the mayor ex-
claimed.

1f‘ghe prisoner has escapedl” Dick Talbot re-
ie . '
P “ You don’t say so l”cried the marshal, angrily.

“ Yes, there is no mistakeabout it,” the Ranch
King replied. "‘ I had an idea that the fellow
would try to break jail, and so I put a watch on
the calaboose. But he played a sharp game and
managed to pull the wool over oureyrs. ,l u some
way he got possession of Jack Mason’s coat and
hat, so,when he came out and walked carelessly
up the street, we were all deceivod into the b:-
liei that it was the jailer; there was a horse by
the side of the house above—whether it was
there by accident, or some pard of his had tied
it so as to aid him to escape is a question, but

the moment be mounted the beast we came to

the conclusion there was something wrong, and
started for him. It was too late, though, and
he managed to get off.”

“ This beats me i” the marshal exclaimed.

“ If there was a man in this town whom I
thougtht’could be trusted, Jack Mason was the

00 l ‘

“ Well, let us go in and hear what he has to
say for himself ” the Ranch King suggested.

“Yes: and oyle was with him, too; and
Do leis a good man, as sharp and shrewd and
asllonesta fellow as there is in Arizona!” the
mayor declared.

“It is mighty strange hothhe trick was
worked; but let us examine into the matter,”
Dick Talbot remarked. ,

The door of the calaboose being open, they had

no difficulty in entering. and the astonishment -

of the part when they discovered the pair sound
asleep on t e buil’alorobe was great.

“ Wa-al, durn mypictur’, if this don’t beat all
I ever see’d or heard tell on!” the marshal ex-

claimed in a rage, as he surveyed the sleeping -

men in deep disgust. -. ‘ .

Dick Talbot noticed that one of the bars of
the window was missing, and upon examination
saw that it had been severed bya saw, so he
called his companion’s attention to it. ‘

“ Well well! it is erfectly plain now l”,the
mayor declared. “ he watchers fell asleep,
and the fellow took advantage of the fact to es
cape. He must have had a small saw con—
cealed on his person. 1 am glad to discover
that neither Mason nor Doyle aided him to es

en .5?

Bl don’t understand about the saw,” the
Ranch King remarked. “ For after his capture
he was, thoroughly searched, and I am sure he
had no such thing when he was locked up, unless
he had it so cunningly concealed that it escaped
the inspection.”

“ Some pard may have smuggled it in to him,”'

the marshal observed. . ‘

“ Téiat may b the way of it,” Dick Talbot as-
sente . ‘ i ‘

“ But this hyer biz of these darned galoots go-
ing to sleep, when both on ’em had been snooz-
ing ’bout all day, and ’lowed they wouldn’t

close‘ their eyes, is w'-ot glts me!" the marshal '

,exclaimed. . ,

“ Git up, thar. darn ye!” he yelled.

And in his wrath, he gave the sleeping men a
couple of hearty kicks apiece; but, to the aston-
ishment of all the party, they never stirred, al-
though the kicks were Violent enough to wake
one of the seven sleepers.

“ Hallo, hallo l” the Ranch Kingcrie’d, “ there r
. is something wrong here.

as i” x r r ' ,1 .. .
Alld then theyshook the slpepers in, the rough—I

51
est kind of way.- . _
At last both of themopened their eyes and

made a movement to sit up.. i . i i ,
Med 891.com!“

 

This is no natural,

 

 

 

 

 
          
   
     

         
     
   
  
    
  
   
   
    
  
     
 
 
       
   
 

 

   
   
    
   
   

l

Talbot in Arms.

21

 

 

this hyer business?" the wrathy marshal de—
inanded.

The pair rolled their eyes around in a dazed
manner for a moment, rind then laid down
again, evidently not in a condition to either un-
derstand or reply to the question.

“There has been f0L1 play here!” the Ranch
King exclaimed.
been drugged.

The rest agreed to this.

“Let us search and see if we can find any—
thing,” the mayor suggested.

This was done, and the tin cup discovered in

the prisoner‘s apartment—he had carried the ,

flask off with him.

A few drops of whisky still clung to the cup,
and Dick Talbot called the attention of the
others to it.

“ This shows that they had liquor!” the
Ranch King exclaimed. “The way the trick
was worked is perfectly plain now. Some pard
gave the half-breed a bottle of whisky—it was
drugged and the two men were fools enough to
drink it. ’

“ That is it!” the marshal cried.

“ These men not asif they had .

, l
.‘ ofa nuisance, for it is the resort of the worst

, men in the town,but, I presume, it will bring
on ll. bloody bit of work if I should attempt to
close it up."

I “ I reckon the mayor is ’bout right thar,” the

i marshal coincided. “ Big Pete and his gang are

; fighters from ’way back.”

“ Mr. Mayor, all I ask of you in this matter is
to keep your hands oil“, and let Big Pete and
Mud Turtle settle this affair in their own way.
If he has a gang, the Indian is not without
friends,” Dick Talbot observed.

“ Oh, that is all right I” the mayor declared.
“ Go ahead! If you clean out the place it will
be a benefit to the town!"

!
i This ended the conference.

“Mayibe‘

durned if I didn’t think Jack Mason had more }

sense than to be caught by sich a shallow trick!
Why, gen’lemen, a ten-year-old boy ought to
have more sense!”

“ It is idle to waste time in speculating about
the matter," Dick Talbot remarked. "When
these fellows recover from the effects of the
dose, We will be able to learn the particulars.
As the marshal says, it does seem extremely

 

CHAPTER XXXI.
nun runrna‘s CHALLENGE.

As reported in a previous chapter, the news
the unprovoked assault that the keeper of the
Hotel do Sonora had committed upon the In-
dian excited a great deal of angry talk in the
town.

The excuse that Big Pete offered—that the
red-skin was drunk and ugly—did not “go
dowu” with the townsnien ; they plainly dcclar-
ed that the Mexican lied, and there was lots of
talk about calling upon the Vigilantes to rise
and “purify” the town.

And now that the hulf~breed had succeeded

f in escaping, the citizens were more incensed
' against the saloon-hoe er than ever, and many

strange that an old-stager like Jack Maren;

could be taken into camp so easily."

It was after ei ht in the morning, though, be-
fore the men Wo 'e from their slumber so as to
be able to give any account of themselves.

Both of them protested that they never had
such a headache efore in their lives, and the
quantity of water which they swallowed was
astonishing.

When they recovered their senses they gave
a clear account of all that had occurred, but
scoffed indignantly at the idea that tho whisky
they drank had been drugged, for they declared
that the prisoner and the speculator who
blil‘ought the flask had drank from it as well as
t ey.

The Ranch King suggested that Mr. Morton
be requested to come over to the jail.

The examination was taking place in the calan
house, and only the mayor, the marshal, Dick
Talbot, Doc Brown, who had been summoned
as a medical expert, and the jailers, were pres-
ent.

Morton soon appeared, and the mayor ex-
plained the matter to him.

The speculator professed to be much aston-
ished; said he hoped that they did not suspect
that he had anything to do with aiding the
half-breed to escape; explained that he knew
absolutely nothing about the man, but had been
summoned from the hotel by Jack Mason to see
:he pfi'isoner in regard to a mine which he wished

0 se .

The jailer said this was true; the halt-breed
had asked him to buy the mine, and he had sug-
gested Mr. Morton.

Morton said he bought the whisk at the bar
of the hotel and had told Skipper ill that he
was going to carry it to the prisoner, and had
9039 straight from the bar 0 the hotel to the
18. .
He corroborated Jack Mason’s statement that
the had all had a drink from the bottle and
dec ared he had not experienced any ill eti'ects
from it.

“I assure you, gentlemen, my business with
the man was all fair and above-board,” he said,
in conclusion. “ Here is my contract for the
mine, and I can show you the property which
Mr. Bledstone, my artner, and myself, ex-
:mingd yesterday be ore we closed the negotia-

10n-

The mayor assured the gentleman that his
explanation was perfectly satisfactory, and
Mr. Morton departed.

" I told you the whisky was all right!” Jack
Mason exclaimed.

“ Oh, nonsense!” the doctor declared, in his
abru t way. “ Did you ever sleep so before in
your ivesi”

The ir were obliged to admit that they
never id.

“You were drugged; no doubt about it at
all,” Doc Brown exclaimed. “Some prepara-
tion of opium, I think, but where the deuce the
fellow got it from is a mystery, unless he carries
a. vial around in his clothes. After he got hold
of the flask he introduced the drug to the
liquor, and the last drinks you took was what
settled the hash of you two fellows.”

The pair admitted, reluctantly, that this
might be the truth.

‘ Wa—al, if anybody brought the stuff to the
half-breed, it was that Big Pete galootl” Jack
Mason declared.

“One of my men has a crow to pick with
him," the Ranch King remarked. “ My In—
dian, Mud Turtle, was assaulted and nearly
allied, by the ruifian, and he wants satisfac-

on.

“Well, gentlemen, I really think that Big
Pete and his place are getting to be considerable

 

a time the good old at age, “ birds of a feather
flock together,” was repeated to show that Big
Pete was no better than he ought to be.

The half—bi eed had fled, evidently not daring
to remain and stand trial, and the citizens, al-
most to a man, were satisfied in regard to his

ui t.
g It was openly charged too, that Big oete had
aided him to escape, and when the re rt went
around town that the Indian intendei to chal-
lengethe Mexican to come out and fight him
like a man, excitement was at fever-heat.

The Ranch King was one of those men who
do not believe in putting oil? until to-morrow
what can be done to—day, and so he advised
Mud Turtle to lose no time in sending a chal-
lenge to the Mexican.

Dick Talbot had his head-quarters at the Sil-
ver Shi ,and there the preparation for the send-
ing of t e challenge was made.

The citizens were all astir for the fight,
and about all business was suspended in the
town.

Word was brought that Big Pete, being warn-
ed there was trouble ahead, had filled his house
with a gang of the worst men in the town, and
there was a prospect of lively times. It was re-
ported, too, that the Mexican had declared he
would shoot the Ranch King or any of his cow-
boys on sight it they dared to approach his
house.

“Mud Turtle, you will have to send your
challenge by a neutral party, then,” the Ranch
King remarked, when this declaration of the
Mexwan despei'ado was re rted to him.

“ I reckon .I better take 1t,"tho marshal said.
“ I want to give Big Pete a word or two of ad-
vice, for I don’t believe he understands how
things are working, and he ought to, you
know.”

The mayor had discreetly retired. He had
taken possession of a second story room in the
hotel, the window of which commanded a view
of what would be apt to be the battle-ground if
a fight took place.

“ Well, I reckon you would be the best man to
bear the message,” Dick Talbot remarked.
“ Mud Turtle wants satisfaction, and he will
fight Big Pete in any way and with any wea-
pons that he chooses, it doesn’t make any differ-
ence to the Indian.”

“That is as fair as fair can be!" the marshal
declared. “ And I don’t see how any man can
object to a challenge like that, which allows
him to have about everything his own way.”

“ That is the chief’s say-so,and he will live up
to it! All he wants is a chance to show this
Mexican desperado that to hit an unsuspectin
man on the head with a club is one thing. and
to meet him in a fair fight, on equal terms, is
another.”

“ All right; I will attend to it." *4

And then the marshal strode away in the
direction of the Hotel de Sonora, which was
down the street on the outskirts of the town.

The reports which were flying around the town
in regard to Big Pete’s warlike preparations
were not exaggerated.

There were six hangdog-looking fellows in and
around the saloon when the marshal approach-
ed all armed to the teeth.

Rig Pete himself sat in the doorway, a repeat-
ing-rifle upon his lap and a. belt fairly bristling
with was ons buckled around his waist.

“ We. , Pete, you look as if you were all
ready for the war-path,”the marshal remarked,
as be halted in front of the desperad o.

“ I amprepared todefend myself if attacked l”
the Mexican exclaimed.

“ Wa-al, 1 should smile I” the marshal replied.

 

“But any man kin see that!”
“I am not going to be murdered in cold blood

 

by this Ranch King and his gang without a.
fight for my life l” Big Pete declared.

‘ It ain’t the Ranch King, but the Injun w’ot
is artcr yer.”

“ It is all the same I"

“ Oh, no; the red—skin is hankering after a
fair light. He says on hit him on the head and
laid him out when he wasn’t expecting it, and
now he is arter satisfaction.”

“ And do you bring this message from him i"

“ Yes, I am kinder trying to be neutral in this
hyer affair; and you know w’ot our rail 3 are in
n. case of this sort. When two gen’li-iiien quar-
relit is allowable for them to ilght it out,and
that is w’ot the red-skin is iirter. lie challenges
you toa fairiight, and you kin pick out “lot
weapons you like—he is willing to agree to any-
t iing.

“The cursed red bound is very kind I" Big
Pete exclaimed, in contempt. “ If he wants to
fight me let him come here and I will give him
all the fighting he wants.”

” Then you do not keer to meet him in a fair
flghtl”

“ No, I would not so honor the red dog 1"

“Now, Pete, if you Will take my advice you
will meet him; the citizens are r‘i ed over this
affair, and if the Indian gits his friends together
to attack you b er the chances are big that you
will have a reg’ ar army to fat-e.”

“ My house is strong, my men brave, and I
can whip the whole town if they dare to attack
me!” Ilig Pete declared, arroganlly.

“ \Vii-al, old man, if you want to butt your
head ag’in’ a stone wal , all right! I see that
you hain't got any idea of how the town feels
’bout this matter, but you will find out afore
you git throu h, I reckon.

“ So long! ’ll help to ilant yondecently arter'
the thing is over,” and t e marshal retraced his
steps.

“ American brutes, l defy you!" cried the
Mexican.

 

CHAPTER XXXII.
THE ATTACK.

WHEN the marshal returned and faithfully

reported the conversation between himself and
Bi Pete, the citizens fairly went wild.

That the Mexican desperado should dare to«
bid defiance to the whole town enraged them
greatly, and the men of Silveropolis were not at.
all “backward in coming forward ” to express.
their sentiments in regard to the matter.

Just as only a few days ago they were all
eager to volunteer toteach therunchersthatthe y

his?

must not expect to ride over the town,now they ,
were equally ready to aid the Ranch King to- '

crush the Mexican desperailo.

“ Well, Mr. Marshal, since this party will not
come out and fight like a man, but prefers to!
shut himself u in his house with a gang of ruf-
flans, and thin 5 he is able to bid defiance to all
efforts to call him to an account, I propose to
teach him that he is not so owerfiil as he
thinks “the Ranch Kin remar ed.

“ It is all right, Mr. albot, you can go ahead
as far as I am concerned,” Livmgstone said. “I
wash my hands of the matter. I gave the
galoot a chance to settle the thing like a gentle-
man, but he wouldn’t have it, and if thar is a
skirmish,and he gits hurt, he won’t havo nobody
or nothing to blame but himself.

“Pile in, Mr. Ranch King, and I will go up-
stairs and take a reserved seat in the rivete-
box with the mayor, so as to have a go chance
to see the show.’ 4

And then the marshal disappeared in the Si]-
ver Ship.

Dick Talbot had ten of his cowboys with him
including the Indian, Mud Turtle, and the irre—
pressible Dandy Jim, The-Man—froni-Red-Dog.

The red-bearded giant, with a couple more,
had arrived in the morning.

About all the male citizens of Silveropolis
were congregated in the neighborhood ; business
in the town was entirely suspended, for tho citi-
zens understood that they were to witness as
desperate a. ti ht as had ever taken place
since Silveropc is had a local habitation and
a mime.

Some of the fiery speeches made by the towns-
men in regard to Big Pete had reached the
Ranch King’s ears, and be judged it wise to
makes little speech to their. in regard to the
matter.

“Gentlemen, if you will give me your kind
attention for a few minutes have a few words
that I would like to say to you.”

“ Yes! yes !" cried a dozen voices.

“Bully for on! wade in and at it to ’em
like a man an a brother I” cried T e-Man-from—
RedDog.

There were a good many of the citizens who
looked askance at the Red-Dogite.

The trick .he had played upon them in to uni
to the lynch business was still fresh in t eir
memory, and they felt a little sore over the
matter.

And few of them had venturedto express their
opinion to Dandy Jim that his conduct had not
been—to put it mildly—just according to Hoyle,
but the red-bearded giant had Put on one of his
bread grins, and asked them 1 they didn’t con-
sider it right for a man to stick to his yard. and

if he wasn’t justified in resorting to my trick to-

 

 

   

' . ‘Turtle and Tom

 
   

22

 

Talbeti. in Arms-

 

get him out of a tight place, winding up with

the remark: -

“ If I have done anything that I ought to be
sorry for 1 am glad of it and if I haven’t played
the game according to Iloyle I am willing to be
forgiven I”

And he was so good-natured about the matter
that none of the complainants felt inclined to
pick a quarrel with him. Possibly the size and
warlike appearance of Tho-Man-from Red-Dog
had something to do with this.

A chair was brought and Talbot stood up on
it while a crowd gathered near, anxious to hear
what he had to say.

“Gentlemen, i don‘t suppose it is necessary
for me to go into the particulars of this trouble,
for all of you here must be acquainted with the
details. Suffice it to say that this Mexican dos
perado, Big Pete, the owner of the Hotel do So-
nora, assaulted my Indian, Mud Turtle, without
reason, and if his head hadn‘t been as hard as a
brickbut, undoubtedly he would have been killed.
When he was stunned he was thrown like a dog
.into a collar to die, and, fellow-citizens, I reckon
“that no man within the sound of my voice can
'tell how man victims have met their death in
that same cel or.”

This was a telling point. The citizens looked
at each other and shook their heads.

Men under the influence of liquor had mys-
teriously disappeared from time to time; they
had been traced "‘"o the Hotel de Sonora, but no
further, and in every one of these cases the man
was known to have had considerable money on
This person.

But as no bodies had ever been discovered-—
the existence of a cellar under the house had
never been suspected—the town had behaved
'the Mexican’s story that the men had departed
.at a late hour and he khew nothing about them.

“ Mud Turtle was and is willing to meet this

. Mexican murderer in a fair fight, man to man,
and so secure the atonement he desires, but Big
fete has gathered a force of desperadoes around

.him refuses a fair fight and defies the town.

“ l ow, fellow-citizens, the Indian has friends
here who are going to See him through. We are
going to clean out the Ho‘ el do Sonora and the
.gang of cut-throats who have made it their
headquarters, and if there is any gentleman
.here who feels like chipping in, and aiding the

good :ause, we shall be very glad of his assist-
.ance.

, There was a moment’s silence and then the
citizens cheered, and twenty-five or thirty has-
:tened to volunteer.

“ All right! much obliged, gentlemen!” Dick

‘ 'Talbot exclaimed. “ Have the kindness to draw
iofl to the right of the house all you who are go-
ing into this thing, and the rest, who repose to
no as spectators had better get out o the street
and secure cover, or else they will be as liable to
stop bullets as we men who are in the war, for
'withinflton minutes I anticipate the skirmish will

begin.
his was good advice; the crowd understood
that it was, and they began to scatter.

Those who had vo unteered went to the right

of the hotel with the Ranch King’s cowboys, ‘

and the others sought eligible positions from
’ whence they could see the fight, withoutvbeing
:in danger of getting hit by a stray ball.

“ Now, gentlemen, there isn’t much use for a
man to join in this picnic unless he has a rifle,
for it is not likely we will come to such close
quarters as to call for revolver-work.”

‘ There, were a few without rifles, and they
hurried of! to procure them : there were plenty
of citizens who possessed rifles yet cared not to
engage in the fight, but were glad to lend their
was. us.

hen the volunteers returned, the Ranch

King divided his force into four uads; he took

.command of one Tho-Man-from- -Dog, Mud
Martin of the others.

From his fortress Big Pete had a view of the

reparations, and understanding that the Ranch
§in meant business, he prepared for a, des-
pera resistance.

1 . 'The doors were closed and barricaded, the

r windows, too, boarded up, loopholes being left
. the deaperadoes could re through them.
‘ “And after the preparations were made, Big
Pete cried, grimly:
. "‘Now let them come! We will make them
wade in blood before they at us out of this i"
Talbot noticed that the axiom had turned

L 'his house into a regular fortress, and be ob-
served to his men, when some of them re-’

marked, with a shake of the head, that it

looked as if the desperadoes meant to give a

“bloody fight: i

I “ Now, gentlemen, don’t make any mistake

about this thing. I am not going to waste any

lives in attempting to carry the house by as-
' . aault. l esteem the life of any man of you to

-' , be far too precious to idly sacrifice it. Any

man here is worth a dozen of these cowardly
Mexican cut-throats. I am goin to have them
«out of their hole, though, and orce them to
give us a fair fight in the open !” ,
. Thén Talbot proceeded to dispose his forces
" so as to completely surround the I-Iotel do So-
' more.
.r On the. town side Mud Turtle and his men
were msted, sheltered by the houses, and the

  

other three parties were drawn out on the prai-
rie just out of rifle-range of Big Pete’s men.
W hen the forces were in position, the Ranch
King discharged a signal shot in the air.

Then Mud Turtle proceeded to “ get in his
work.”

Provided with an Indian bow and arrows—
the arrow-heads having cotton wrapped around
them, saturated with n1cohol~ he begun to
launch balls of fire against the Hotel de Sonora,
directing the flight of the arrows so they would
10ng on the roof.

Inside of five minutes the house was on fire!

 

CHAPTER XXXIII.
THE END or THE SKIRMISH.

THE Hotel de Sonora was a two-storied, wood-
en structure, old and weather-beaten, and as
them had been no rain for a month it was in a
condition to burn like tinder.

There was no way of reaching the steep,
double-pitched roof from the inside, no scuttle,
and when the Mexicans assayed to get at the
fire by chopping a hole in the roof and sending
a man out to extinguish the burnin brands, the
attacking force opened so hot 9. re upon the
house, that not a man within dared venture to
show himself.

Big Pete raged within the doomed house like
a maniac.

He felt that he was caught like a rat in a

tra .

Ills followers were cowed too by this unex-
pected attack, and he could see that they were
no longer to be depended upon.

“ Aha, you cowardsl”he cried, “ on have had
the steel taken out of you eh? on no longer
dare to fight these cursed Americans!”

“ What is the use of a man rushing to certain
death?” one of them cried sulkily, acting as
spokesman for the rest. “ 1Ve are whipped, and
there is no doubt about it. If the attack was
made on us here in the house, there might be
some chance for us but to go out and fight in
She omen—bah ! we should only be shot down like

ogs!

"And if we stay here we shall be roasted
alive !” added another.

“ What would on do?” cried Big Pete.

“ Surrender be ore we are all killed!” the man
replied.

‘By all the saints! I swear I will never sur-
render !" the Mexican desperado exclaimed in a
pal fact frenzy of rage.

“ Why should we give up our lives in your
quarrel?” cried a third one of the gang. “ If

on had acce ted the Indiau’s offer and met

‘m in a fair ht, as you ought to have done,
we would not have been caught in this hole, like
rats in a trap!” cried the first man who had
spoken.

Big Pete looked upon the sullen, discontented
men for a moment, and from their faces be un-
derstood that there was not one of them whom
he could depend upon to stand by him.

r “ Aha! you think I ought to have met this
red-skinned dog?” he cried.

“ Yes, yes i” cried the others, like a chorus.

“It is not too late; go forth, you cowards!
Tell them that you surrender and i am willing
to meet this red savage in single combat with a
knife, if he dares to face me i”

The men did not wait to be told a second time,
but unbarred the door and streamed forth, the
first one tyin a. white rag to his rifle a a flag

of truce, an the rest holding their _ us up
above their heads as a signal 1: at they ad sur-
rendered.

Talbot was in such a position that be com-
manded aview of the front of the house, and
when he saw that the foe had surrendered he
si aled to his men and they closed in rapidly.

ud Turtle and his force made their appear-
ance from behind the houses where th‘y'nad
found shelter.

“ We surrender!” yelled the foremost Mexi-
can, who bore the white flag, when Talbot came

u .

p“Where is Big Pete?" demanded the Ranch
King, immediately noticing the absence of the
desperado.

"Uh, he will not surrender, and he dares
your Indian to meet him in single combat with
a knife.”

Mud Turtle had come n1 just in time to hear
thechallenge, and his dar eyes flashed fire as

he cried: , 1

“ Let the Mexican dog come out of hishols and
the red chief will cut his heart out i" ‘

And those who knew the brawny warrior
gelt tthat he was not giving utterance to an idle

on . .

N 0 better man with the‘ knife than the Black-
foot chief had ever stopped foot on Western soil.

Then out from the burning house rushed Big
Pete, knife in hand, his eyes flaming with the
to? of despair. * l ,

he citizens, comprehending that all danger

from stray bullets was over, came in' haste
are]: their places of shelter eager to behold the

3[he antagonists faced each other.
The Mexican was a large man, hence his

 

! he could at compare with the red chief. .

With, becautious  of, he-tiger-cat the, I

,f.

i

         

name, Big Pete, but‘in muscular development ~

the know]

 

two came nearer and nearer; suddenly the Mcx-
ican sprung upon the Indian, and with a desper-
ate lunge endeavored to bury his knife in the
breast of the red-skin.

Mud Turtle parried the stroke with wonder-
ful dexterity; then, with a swift, lightning—like
movement, he cut Big Pete over the knuckles,
(lisagling him so that the knife dropped from his
han .

A yell of fiendish rage went up on the air
from the throat of the Mexican desperado.

It was his last cry on earth, for the next in-
stant the knife of the Indian pierced his heart.

He beat the air for a moment with his hands,
and then sunk lifeless to the earth.

Justice had at last overtaken the Mexican des—
perado after a life of crime.

And now that the struggle was ended, some
of the citizens suggested that an endeavor be
made to save the Hotel do Sonora from the
flames, but they soon discovered that all efforts
were useless.

The fire had got such headway that it was not
possible to put it out.

As the house was some distance from any
other, there was no danger of the tire spreading,
and so it was suifered to burn to the ground,
which it did in a remarkably short space of
time.

“ It is no loss!” was the common remark.
“It has always been a den of the worst kind
ever since it existed!”

After the death of Big Pete, the Mexicans
wanted to know what was going to be done with

em.

“ Well, I have nothing against you as far as I
am concerned,”the Ranch King replied. “ You
merely stood up for your countryman, and I
do not lay it up a ainst you. You were wise
enough to surren er when you s w that you
stood no show, and that is a point 11 your fa-
vor.

The marshal, who was standing by, thought
this gvas a good opportunity for him to put in a
wor .

" Now, see hyer, boys, this ought to be a les-
son to you fellows!” he declared. “ If Big Pete
had behaved himself he would have been alive
now, but he didn‘t, and jest see how he's been
laid out. You have all been kinder mixed up
with him, and you had better walk mighty
straight in future. "

The Mexicans, being thorough] cowed, swore
that they would make the best 0 citizens, then
slunk away.

The townsmen went back to their avooations
the cowboys departed, and Silveropolis resumed
its usual appearance.

CHAPTER XXXIV.
run DOCTOR SPEAKS.

OF the Ranch King‘s party, only Talbot and
the Indian remained in the town.

And Talbot would not have stayed had not
Doc Brown taken an opportunity to whisper
quietly in his ear that he would like to have a.
few words with him in private. ,

Since this series of attacks had been made
upon him,the Ranch King had resolved that he
would not go about without some trusty friend
at his elbow, and of all his men he placed most
faith in the red chief, and therefore told Mud
Turtle to wait for him.

Leaving the Indian in the saloon, where Mud
Turtle was compelled to hold a regular levee—
which, as it involved the disposal of quite a
number of drinks, was not at all displeasing to
the red chief, who was extremely partial to the
fire-water of the white men—the ch Kin
followed the doctor to his apartment, whic
was on the second story of the hotel.

Talbot was quick to comply with Doc Brown’s
request, for he had a high opinion of that gen-
tleman.

Brown was an able man, and had it not been

 

for his unfortunate love for liquor, would have,

taken high rank in any communit .

The Ranch King was a man 0 vast experi-
ence, and, when he became acquainted with the
doctor, realized that he was a su rior man.

' “ Sit down and make yourse f comfortable,
Mr. Talbot,” said the doctor, after the were
in the room and the door closed behin them.
“ Have a cigar!” and Brown produced a couple.

After they were lighted, and well under way, _

the doctor began: ,

“ I suppose you reckon that I haven‘t brought
you up here for nothing?”

“ Yes, for I take you to be a man who will
neither waste his own time nor that of anybody

“Well, as to my own time, it is about as
worthless as I am,” the doctor replied, dryly.
“ButI am oin to talk business. I have be-
come a g doa interested in these little inci-
dents wbich-have put you in such ,hot water
latel .” - ‘

" s that sol” ~

“Yes; I resume you have stumbled across
go in your travels that almOSt every
man who has a profession has a sneaking idea
that he would doa great deal better at some-
thing else?! , ,

“ es: I believe that is so with a great many,
Talbotreplied. I ’ I
‘9 Well, lain one'otl the great many. : Now

\

 

 

 

 

 

 

._, .&

Talbot in Arms.

2??

 

l

 

[have always been counted 8. prcttv fair doctor, I you I will try again, and’this time I take up the

but in my own opinion I would iave made a
much better fist of it as a lawyer or detect-
ive.

" Is that possible 3”

‘4 Yes; my tastes have always run in that
direction;both professions, as you will see upon
triinkin , the matter over, chiefly depend upon
the abi ity to group together scattcred things

‘ and make a Whole out of them."

“Undoubtedly that is correct.”

“ So in this affair of yours I have gone in to
do a little detective work.”

“ Well, to my thinking it is a case that de—
mands conside=rable skill.”

“ Not a. doubt of that l’7 the doctor declared.

“ Now, to begin at the beginning, I was cer—
tain, right from the start,that you had no hand
in the killing of the Maverick Man.”

“ Yet the proof seemed to be strong against
me,” the Ranch King remarked, with a smile.

“ Not strong at all to a mun with any detect-
ive or lawyer instincts,” Brown re lied.

“ What was the proofi—you ha thrashed the
fellow in the morning; that was a reason for him
to kill you, not you to slay him.

“ Your knife was found in the wound. If you
had done the deed you would not have been
idiot enough to run away and leave your knife
behind, when you had plenty of time to take it
with you.”

“ That point is well taken.”

“ Then the dying words of the man indicated
that he had recognized his murderer and be-
lieved that he could have fought him success-
fully if he had not been taken unawares. After
his extremely unsatisfactory experience in the
morning the man would hardly have thought
that in regard to y"n.”

“ That is very true.”

“ Then the testimony of the half-breed cow-
'boy, who happened to be so conveniently near
at hand; he saw the blow struck, could not see
the man though so as to be able to identify him,
but could the horse—your horse, which be de-
scribed to a hair. It was a cunning trick to fix
the crime on you Without swearing point-blank
against you; the idea was to pose as an honest
and disinterested witness.”

“ You have reached the same conclusion to
which I came.”

“ Yes; but it is safe to say that now there is
hardly a man in the town who would be willing
to hang a yaller dog on the oath of that same
cowboy.”

“ His reputation has suffered.”

“ Now, then, to come back to the death of
Mexican Mike: Why was he killedl—what could
any one gain by his death? That lets you out
right away ; the life or death of the man made
11‘) difference to you. But the fact that the kill-
ing was so arranged as to make it appear that
you had a hand in it, gives a motive for the
murder. The Maverick Man was killed so as to
make trouble for you.”

“ it seems so, and yet is it possible that a life
'would be taken on such slight grounds?”

“ Hold on a moment! ike knew his killer,
and from his disjointed words it would appear
.as if there had been trouble between them.
Now comes in a double motive: first, revenge;
second, to strike a blow at you.”

“ I believe you have hit it,” the Ranch King
observed, thoughtfully.

“ N ow then, what toe, or foes, had the Mave-
rick Man i”

“ The question is eusil answered. He was
«one of the brigand ban of Fernando Bernal,
and when the risoners were delivered into the
hands of the exican authorities, after I de-
stroyed the band, he turned State's evidence
and his testimony convicted his comrades and
saved his own neck.”

“ Exactly! any man of that brigand band
who escaped death was justified, according to
their code, in killing the traitor upon the first
convenient opportunity.

“ So if one of the brigandskilled the Maverick
Man and contrived the murder so as to fix the
crime upon you, he was killing two birds with
one stone, for you incurred the hatred of the
rascals by breaking up their band."

“Very true. But you haven’t told me any-
thing new yet,” the Ranch King remarked. ‘ I
arrived at these conclusions some ti mo ago, and
furthermore I am satisfied that the half-breed
is one of Fernando Bernal's brigands, and, in
tact, from the ability the man has displayed, 1
am beginning to have a suspicion that it may be
Fernando Bernal himself in disguise.”

“ I understood he was shot at Guaymas.”

“ He was to be shot, but whether the sentence
was executed or not is more than I can say; I
have never heard that it was.”

“ Yes, but ou captured Berna! l" Brown ex-
claimed. “ ould you not be apt to recognize
him i"

“Hardly; he was badly wounded in the fight
and was covered with blood, his face blackened
too with powder, and right after the capture I
gave him up to the Mexicans, so I never really
got a chance to see what the man looked
likr.”

-- it may be Berna]; most certainly the fellow

 

is liu slouch," Doc Brown declared.
‘ “ Now, as I haven’t succeeded in astonishing

 

escu e 01' the lialf-breed.’

“ confess I am puzzled about that,” Talbot
admitted. “ Of course he drugged the two
men, and it seems as if he must have got the
drug from Big Pete, and yet he is not the kind
of man who would be apt to have anything of
the sort.’7

“ The Mexican had nothing to do with it!” the
doctor exclaimed, decidedly. “But I can put
my hands on the man who did.”

‘ You must mean thisstranger—this speculator
who calls himself Morton i"

‘1 That is the man!”

“But why do you suppose he had ought to do
with the mzittori—because he came to see the
half-breed about the mine?”

“ That was a cunning trick to avoid suspicion.
Mark! the half-breed tells Jack Mason he has a
mine to sell; what more natural than for Mason
to think of the strangers at the hotel who bud
said they were speculators, and when the half—
breed spoke of the mine it was to give Mason a
chance to introduce these men.”

“ It is done! There is a confab in the cell;
the man goes away, returns late at night and
brings whisky with him; they drink all around;
that is to lull any suspicions the jailer might
have. Then the flask is given t) the prisoner,
and the speculator departs. Pretty soon there
is another round of drinks, and this time the
watchers get the drugged liquor and it puts
them to sleep; then away goes the half-breed!

“There is a horse near at hand, all ready for
him, and by the aid of the animal he makes his
csca e.”

“ nd that horse was stolen from the hotel
corral here; I discovered that,” the Ranch King
remarked.

“Yes, exactly, and it is an easy matter for
any one acquainted with the corrul to run out a
horse; there is no lock on it, nor any watch
kept. And that very afternoon, while I was in
the corral attending to fitting a new saddle to
my beast. the two strangers came there, and,
under pretense of wanting a pair of horses to
take a ride, examined the place and the horses.

“ At the time it struck me that they were put-
ting the hustler to a. good deal of trouble in sc-
locting horses, and were asking a lot of unneces-
sary questions, but it never occurred to me as
to what they were about until after the half
breed escaped, and then, putting two and two
together, you know, I came to the conclusion
that their sole object in visitin the corral was
to become familiar with it, am the bosses. so as
to be able to pick out a good one for the es-

“ Well, this is something that I did not know
orsuspect "the Ranch King remarked,thought-
fully. “ was not favorably impressed with
the looks of either of the men, but then these
speculators that travel around looking for pay-
ing chances don’t usually amount to much.’

‘ Another point! The drug used to fix the
watchers was opium in some shape. Nothing
else that I know of would have produced the ef-
fect it did, but the qmstion at once comes up,
where was the drug got?”

“ Yes, that is a riddle."

“I have solved it.”

“ You have?" cried Talbot,in amazement.

“ Yes, this man, Morton, is an opium-eater.”

“ Ah, yes, I have heard of such a thing.”

“It is more common than people think for;
not in a wild region like this, of course, for the
stqu is not to be had; it is an accursed habit,
far worse than drunkenness 1”

“And you think this man is addicted to it?”

“ Yes, there are certain signs which to the ex-
perienced eyes of a well-trained physician indi-
cate the opium or morphine fiend, as the men
who are slaves to the habit are sometimes
termed. This fellow has all the symptoms, and
I would stake my professional reputation that I
have not made a mistake. You see, I have been
studying the pair intently ever since my suspi-
cions were aroused. An opium-eater, coming to
a wild country like this, where he knows he will
not be able to get the drug, would be almost car
this to carry a supply with him, so you see he
had it all ready for use.”

“ Well, you have astonished me!" the Ranch
King admitted. “ Butwhat possible connection
can there be between two men, like these specu-
lators—two Americans, and this half-breed,
whether he is Fernando Bernal in disguise or
some lesser one of the brigand band?”

“ Ah! now you have asked mea question that
I cannot answer; but I am just as certain that
there is a connection between the two as that I
am sitting herein this chair. ”

“ The mystery is a deep one,” Dick Talbot rc-
marked, with a troubled brow.

“ And, by the way, you spoke of them as being
two Americans; but I don’t think that this Mor-
ton is an American, although he has been long
enough in this country to appear like a. native;
but once in a while he lets slips word, which,
from the peculiar way in which he pronounces
it, makes me think he is an Englishman.”

“ Ah! an Englishman, eh?”

And then back to the mind of the Ranch King
came a remembranca of the past.

“ Yes, I think so; I have given a great deal of
study to nationalities, and have always prided

 

myself upon my ability to pick out from their
peculiarities of speech the people of different
countries.

“ This Morton is an Englishman, I feel sure,"
the doctor continued. “ A man of birth and ed-
ucation, too, although I suspect tlu-ie is some-
thing of the blur-k sheep about him. He is far
superioriu every way to his companion as far
as building and education goes: the-other fellow,
I fancy, is nothing but a common gambler mas-
querading as a specuhm r. ”

The Ranch King gave a slight start.

“ By Jove! doctor, I bulich you have put me
on the right wont!" be PX('lliilllt'd.

“ is that so! \Vell, I am deiiccd glad of it i"

“ Yes;a couple of years ago an Englishman
and an A morican gambler went out of their
way to attack me.”

" Ahul this is getting interesting.”

“First, they lay in wait and attempted to as—
sassinate me, but the attack failed, and Ilaid
the Englishman out with a revolver-bull, which
Went through the skull, us I thought, killing him
instantly; but it afterward turned out it only
grazod his head and merely stunned him. If he
is the man there VI ill be a scar there.”

“ I will see about that," the doctor exclaimed.

“ The gamblers esvaped by pretending that
they had mistaken me for some one else. I
thought it was probable, and so did not press
:ny advantage; int afterward the pair hired a
Mexican to kill me. I foiled the man and forc-
ed him to a, confession. Then I started to hunt
up these men who were attacking me without a
reason, as far as I knew, but tht-y had fled and I
never got on their truck. I never saw them but
once, then they were smoothly-shuven; but if
the boards were taken from those two I should
not be surprise d if they proved to be my [11} s-
terious enemies.”

“ You are right, Talbot, for a thousand dol-
lars i" too doctor cried. “ And they have joined
hands with this brigand to kill you!”

“ It certainly looks like it!"

“ Oh, we are on the right track now, beyond
a. doubt i” the Ranch King declared. “ And
here is another oint which I will look into.
This Black Dun )utton. His challenge to me
to fight a duel with him up the gulch was only
a cunning trick to get me in a position so that
the half-breed Would have a chance to kill me."

“ 0h, yvs, that is correct."

“ My impression was that the half-breed put
Dutton up to this trick, but this stranger may
have had a hand in the matter."

” Put it to Dutton !" cried the doctor.
“Force him into a confession. I will go with
you right away! I will make him tell the truth,
or i w 11 poison the rascal!”

Ten minutes later the pair were by the bed-
side of the wounded man.

 

CHAPTER XXXV.
norrou ON THE BACK.

LIKE the majority of nieu of his class, Black
Dan Dutton spent his money as fast as he got it,
and so when he was laid, helpless, upon his back
he was obliged to depend upon the charity of
his friends, and there is little doubt he would
have suffered if the doctor, true to the instincts
of his profession, had not “passed around the
hat " for him.

“ Don’t you worry, man," he had said to Dut-
ton, when he lamented his poverty, and “ reck-
oned ” he stood a good show of starving to death,
“ I will see that you do not suitor for anything
you need. It is iriyprivate opinion that you are
an unmitigated scoundrel,” he added, with
characteristic bluntness. “ still I don‘t think
you ought to be allowed to suffer and die like a
dog for want of Christian care,» I will look out
for you.”

It was this knowledge of how much Black Dan
was indebted to him that made Doc Brown so
confident that he could get the follow to con-
fess.

The wounded man was surprised to see the
Ranch King, and his face showed it.

To the doctor’s question as to how he felt he
“ allowed ” he was considerably better.

“ Well, I am glad of that,for you haven little
ordeal to go through now, and you will need
strength, ma be," Doc Brown announced.

Black Dan utton opened his eyes widely and
looked with up rehension upon h s visitor. -

“ Sit down, albot, and make yourself com-
fortable, while I put this fellow on the rack,”
the doctor continued.

The Ranch King did so, taking a seat at the
foot of the rude bunk upon which the wounded
man lay, while Doc Brown sat near the head.

“ Now, Dutton, old man, I am goirg to talk
to on like a. Dutch uncle,” he declared. “ I
rec on you understand that if it hadn‘t been for
me you would have had tough scratching for
your life this time?”

“ Oh, yes; I know that. The darned galoots
who were allers so ready to help we spend my
money when I had plenty, gi’n me the cold
shoulder.”

“ You bet! that is the way of the world. The
men who stick closest to you in the sunshine are
always the first to go back on you when clouds
come."

“I’ve got a lesson to last me all the rest of

 

24:

Talbot in Arms.

 

 

my life. Money is n. man’s best friend,and he is
a darned fool who don’t hold on to it.”

“ And is that all the lesson you got?” the doc-
tor asked.

“ W’ot do you mean?” said the other, sulkily,
stealing a glance from under his heavy eyebrows
at the Ranch King as he answered, for he had
an idea what the doctor wasdrivmg at, although
he pretended ignorance.

“Don’t you think you have received a lesson
that it doesn't pay to do wrong in this world
when it is just as easy to do right?” the doctor
askedz shar ly

“ Wa-al, I reckon I won’t make no sich bad
break ag’in l” the wounded man responded.
“Anyhow, I got darned well punished for it.”

“ You cannot touch fire and not be burned 1"
Doc Brown declared. “ You went into this
thing with your eyes open, and you must not
complain if you get salivated; but. don’t ou
think you ought to make some amends to Ir.
Talbot here for your attempt to get him
killed 3"

“ I don‘t own up to that!" Dan Dutton replied
in a sulky way.

“ Dutton, you are a stilf-nocked, obstinate
brute, and I reckon I will have to put the screws
on you in a way you will despiscl” the doctor
exclaimed.

“ Have you anyidea what has become of your
Bard, that half—breed cut-throat of a cowboy?”

i'own asked .

“ No, how should I know? Thar don’t two men
a day come in to see me; I don’t know anything
’bout what is going on.”

“ I must tell you the news, then,” and the
doctor detailed the particulars of the escape of
the half-breed from the jail, and how Big Pete
had been brought to task and his“ shebang " de-
stro ed.

“ on see, there has been blazes to pay gener—
ally,” the doctor said, in conclusion. “ And
now, if you are wise, you will make a clean
breast of it, and tell how it was that you came
to be mixed up with Big Pete and the half~breed.
If you are obstinate and refuse to speak, hang
me if I don’t let you die here like a dog, for you
will not deserve any better treatment. ’

Black Dan Dutton reflected over the situation
fora few moments: as far as he could see, he
had everything to gain and nothing to lose by
speaking.

He would have confessed before, but his de-
feat rankled in his mind and he did not feel
inclined to gratify the man who had conquered

m.

But now the doctor had got him in a. tight
place, and he could not see any was, to get out
of it without (1ng as Brown desire .

“Wa-al, I ain’t got nothing much to tell,” he
replied, “ but I will spit out w‘ot I know. It
guis‘tho half-breed who put me up to the gulch
JO .

And then he related the particulars of his in-
terview with Jo Cadoza in the Hotel de Sonora,
when the plot to murder the Ranch King was
formed.

" Why did he desire Mr. Talbot’s deathi” Doc
Brown asked.

“’003 he was afeard that Mr. Talbot would
git back at him on account of his testimony
bout Mexican Mike’s death.”

“And was that the only reason he gave?”
asked the doctor.

“ch. W’ot other reason could he have?”
asked Black Dan Dutton, with an amazement
that was evidently not aSsumed.

“ He did not say anything about otheiflnarties
in the town who were anxious to take ' r. Tal-
bot’s scalp 3”

“Nary time! Why, who else is thari W’ot
are you driving at, anyway?" exclaimed the
wounded man in wonder.

It was plain that Black Dan Dutton knew
nothing of the strangers.

After a few more words the two departed.

“Well, we didn‘t make anything this heat,”
hBréivlvn remarked as they walked back to the

o e .

“ No the pair are careful to keep in the back-
groun , but I will put spies on them at once,
and if they are mmemies I will soon unmask
them!” the Ranch ' gdeclared.

CHAPTER XXXVI.
run nawxs asvrvn.

FirrnEN miles, as the crow flies, from the
mining-camp of Silveropolis, in the heart of the
old Cababi Mountain Range, there is as wild,
and rude, and desolate a piece of country as
can be found anywhere in Arizona, that land of
rude, wild scenes; and high up amid this almost
inaccessible mountain region was a fertile little
vale, through which ran a mountain streamlet,
the place a veritable oasis in the wild, sterile
mountain-land.

The vole had an opening to the southeast; the
smoke of the distant mining-camp, Silveropolis,
could plainly be distinguished curling up against .
the sky; on every other side huge clifls arose
so steep as even to bid defiance to the efforts of
the sure-footed mountain - out to scale the
hights, except in one place ere there was an
opening. ,

Some great convulsion of nature bad rent the

 

giant rock asunder and left a narrow passage-
way, winding amid the peaks, which here were
heavily fringed with dwarf pines and j unipers.

But even the agile mountain goat could not
have escaped from the vale in this direction,
for at the point where the cliffs came to the
vale there was a deep ravine, fully twenty feet
across, just as if some mighty giant—a god—
like creature—bad with a ponderous battle-ax
split the rocks in twain.

Across this gulf, though, the hand of man
had constructed a bridge by felling three trees
and placing them side by side—a rude struc-
ture, yet perfectly safe, and wide enough to
allow the sure—footed prairie steeds to cross.

In the vale some rude huts had been con-
structed, and a group of Wild-looking, brigand-
like men were scated around a fire, burning
merrily, in front of one of the huts.

A dinner—pot was suspended over the fire, and
from the savorysmeli it was plain that prepara-
tions for a meal were going on.

A stranger, favored with a bird’s-eye view of
the group, would not have hesitated long in de—
ciding in regard to how they gained their liv-
mg.

There were a round dozen in the party, and
not a man of them all upon whom the word
“outlaw ” was not distinctly written.

They Were all armed to the teeth, knives, re-
volvers and rifles, but they evidently felt per-
fectly sure that their retreat could not be sur-
prised by a foe, for all the rifles were leaning
against the side of the nearest hut.

There was reason for their confidence.

At the opening of the valley a sentinel was
laced, and this man, seated upon a rock with
is rifle resting carelessly between his (noes,

commanded a view of the country for miles.

The vale was so situated that there was but
one road to it——and this the roughest possible
trail, barely passable for horses, and that was
all.
The sentinel commanded a view of this trail
for a good five miles, for so sterile was this
rocky land that a jack-rabbit would hardly
have been able to find “ cover” enough to con-
ceal him in an approach to this vale, “shut in
by Alpine hills.’

The Hawks of Cababi had been revived.

This was the brigand band of Fernando Ber-
nal.

It really seems sometimes as if Dame Fortune
looked with a favorable eye upon the daring
souls who lead wild lives of adventure, even
though they do not live up to the code of moral-
ity; for in the group seated by the fire were
some old acquaintances of the reader who has
Ear-used the story of “Dick Talbot, the Ranch

mg.

These men had escaped the perilsof the bloody
fight when Dick Talbot, with his band of cow-
boys, bad struck the brigands and destroyed
the band.

Among those who had escaped the slaughter
were the two lieutenants, Durango J o and Red
Dias, the right-hand men of Berual: these two,
the readers of The Ranch King will recall,were
the brains of the outlaw be rid.

“ Is it about time for the captain to come?"
Red Dias asked, with a glance at the sun now
fast sinking behind the for Western peaks.

“ Yes; heou htto make his appearance short-
ly,” Durango o answered, “ It was his calcu-
lation to return before nightfall.”

“ He must haste then, or the sun will beat
him for it is sinking fast.”

“ mething may have occurred to detain
him ” Durango J o remarked.

“ es, that is true; and he is not tied to time
in re ard to his coming. I hope the captain has
struc something,” Red Dias continued. “ It is
about time that we gave this region a taste of
our Quality.”

“ es; we owe Silveronolis and its neighbor-
hood a grudge," Durango Jo remarked. “ It
was there that this accursed North American,
Dick Talbot, the Ranch King, raised the force
with which be destroyed our band.”

And the face of the speaker grow dark with
anger as he reflected upon the past.

“ There is an old proverb which says, ‘ It _is a
long lane which has no turning,’ and you can
depend upon it that Fernando Bernal will settle
with the Ranch King in such a way before long
as to make him regret the day when he dared to
meddle with us,” Red Dias observed.

“ I should not be surprised if we received or-
ders to move when the captain returns,” Duran-
go Jo declared. “ It is about time we made a
raid—about time that we showed the world that
the Hawks of Cababi are on the wing again and
their beaks and claws are as sharp as they ever
were.”

The two were a little apart from the rest, the
most of whom were engaged in a game of cards,
and so their conversation was not overheard by
the others.

At this point the sentinel gave a shrill
whistle.

“ Aha!" exclaimed Red Dias, springing to his
feet “ some one is coming.”

‘ t is the captain, undoubtedly,” Durango J o
remarked, also rising. ,

The two advanced to where the sentinel sat on

the mks The rest of the hand took no notice of

I

 

the signal, knowing that the lieutenants would
attend to the matter.

“ A horseman l” the sentinel exclaimed, point—
ing down the valley to a mounted man who had
just come in sight.

“ I think it is the captain,” Durango J 0 re-
marked aftor taking a good look at the horse-
man, “ but he is too far off to say for sure.”

“It is almost certain that it is Btrnal," Red
Dias declared. “A stran or would not come
on so steadily up the trail. If you notice ho
bends neither to the right nor left, but advances
like one familiar with the road.”

“ \Ve will soon see.”

It was the brigand chief, Fernando Bernal,
still in his half-breed, cowboy dis uise, and
wearing the coat and hat which be ad stolen
from Jack Mason, the jailer.

“ Well, here I am safe and sound 1” be ex»
claimed as he dismounted from his steed.
“ But it is no fault of the cursed miners of
Silveropolis that I am not dangling at the end
of a rope.”

“ How is that, captain?” Red Dias asked.

“Why, I have had about as narrow a squeeze
for my life as I ever experienced, and yet I
have had some narrow shaves in my time and
lived to tell of them. W'ait till I got rid if my
dis ruiso and then I will give you the story.”

I e called one of the brigands to take his horse
to the corral, which was at the upper end of the
little vale, and then entered the first one of the
cabins, which was sacrcd to the brigand chief;
the lieutenants followr-d.

Bernal stripped off the rough clothes and
arrayed himself in a neat Mexican suit, such as,
is worn by the ranchers of that nation.

Then he removed the rough,coarse»hnired wig
which covered his own short, black locks, ap-
plied a razor to his face and shaved off the
board; after this, with a sponge, wet with
alcohol, he removed the dye which had given
the copier tinge to his skin.

The transformation was marvelous, and no.
one seeing the brigand in his neat rancher’s.
dress could possibly have believed he had been
the rough—looking half-breed, unless they were
sure of the fact.

“ There now, I feel something like myself,” be
remarked after the transformation was com-
pleted. “ And now I will give you a history of
my adventures.”

And this he did, much to the amazement of
the others.

"' So you see,” he said in conclusion, “ that this
Ranch King is in one respect like myself, he has
the devil’s own luck. I laid two as skillfully-
devised traps for him as the mind of man over
conceived and et he esca ad from both of
them with very ittle troub e, and in the last
attem t to compass his death, I experienced the
fate o the engineer who was hoist by his own
petard, and if it had not been for these two-
strangers, who helped me to escape from Guay—
mas Jail, my neck and a nempen noose would
have become intimately acquainted.”

“A miss is as good as a mile, captain,” Red
Dias remarked.

“ Atruer sentence was never spoken l” the bri—
gand chief declared.

“ What is the programme now i” Durango J o
asked.

“ I am goin to Silvaropolis in my own pro—
per person. am a rancher this time from the
south who has sold out his place in Mexico and
thinks of getting one near Silveropolis."

“ Isn’t it rather risky ’9” Red Dias asked.

“ I think not; few in Arizona have ever seen
me without a disguise, and the odds are a
million to one that no one Will recognize in the
Mexican rancher the unlucky deVil of a half-
breed who came so near to a rope.”

“ That is sol” Durango Jo assented.

“ Oh, yes, your disguise was perfect,” Red
Dias remarked.

“ I want you two to come with me this time;
get yourself up as miners looking for work, but
also possessed of a deal of sporting blood. I’ve
got some (plan in my head, and, as soon as I can
arrange etails, I will try my luck again with
this Ranch King. I

“ Put Yellow Jim in command of the men
here, with instructions to advance to the junc-
tion of our trail with the north road, so as to get
there three hours after he sees the smoke signal,
which commands him to move.”

“ I will attend to it,” Red Dias replied.

“ And now let’s have something to eat, for I
am almost starved l"

 

CHAPTER XXXVI].
uxnxrncrnn VISITORS.

MORTON and Bledstone sat in their room in
the Silver Ship. It was two nights after the
one on which the half-breed had sucCeeded in of-
fecting his escape from the calaboose.

A candle was burning on the table; the pair
had just come from supper, and now they were
Buffing away at their cigars, but in anything

at a contented state of mind.

“ Old man, things don’t work the way they
ought to," Morton remarked.

‘ That is a. fact," Bledstono admitted.

“ And yet man my that there is no such thing
as luck in this world.”

\

. ,, , .n N... v“-..-

«mm-

M: WWW. ‘u.

 

 

 

 

    
 
 
   

/

Talbot in Arms.

25

 

 

“ Bah!” exclaimed the other, in supreme
contempt. “ The men who say that don’t know
rhitnthey are talking about. This world is all

uc l '

“ Yes, and this Talbot, the Ranch King, is the
luckiest manlever ran across in all my ex-
perience.”

"‘ That is true.”

“If he had been any ordinary man with an
ordinary run of luck, some one of the many
blows that we have struck at him would surely
have sealed his doom.

“That is true enough, but as it is, be has
come up smiling, every time!" Bledstone ex-
claimed.

“ I am disgusted, of course, with our ill-luck,
but I do not despair,” Morton remarked. “ In
one particular, we have been lucky, and that is
in succeeding:I in keeping in the background all
the time. It was evident that suspicion was
roused in regard to our having something to do
with the escape of tho half—breed, but we man-
aged the aflair so cleverly that we came off
with flying colors.“

“ Yes, and speaking of lucky men, this Fer-
nando Bernalwas not behind the door when
luck was given out!” Blcdstone exclaimed.

“Yes, that’s so; he has no reason to com-
plain.”

“ He had a mighty narrow escape! Idon’t
think I would be willing to risk my neck so
near a halter for all the money there is in the
mountains of Arizona.”

“ It is not money that urges him on,” Morton
observed. “ It is the desire to be avenged upon
the Ranch King.”

“ Yes, I understand that; but do you think

we shall see anything more of him? Will not '

this last narrow escape be apt to take some of
the dare-devil out of him ?”

“ I think not; the craving for revenge has be-
some a passion. and only death will be apt to
cure him of his desire.”

There was a knock at the door.

“ Come in i” said Morton.

The door opened and Fernando Berna] ap--
peared, but his appearance was so changed that
neither one of the men recognized him.

“ I beg your pardon, gentlemen for intrud-
ing, but I would like the pleasure o a few min-
utes’ conversation with you, if you will grant
me the privilege. My name is Juan Torrejon.
I am a rancher from Sonoramhave lately dis-
'posed of my place there, and am now in search
-of a new location.”

“ We are at your service, sir; pray be seated,”
Morton replied.

Bernal helped himself to a chair. ,

He was delighted at the completeness of his
disguise and made u his mind to have a little
fun at the expense 0 his hosts.

“ I wanted to speak to you upon an important
matter. I am informed that you bear a deadly
hatred to this Ranch King.” I

The pair were thunderstruck, and they stared
"for a moment in speechless amazement at the

gman.

Morton was the first to recover the use of his
tongue. ‘ ‘

“ I——I beg your pardon, sir; there is some mis-
take—it is not so! We hardly know the gentle-
man!” he declared.

“ Is the report also false, then, that
in league wit this brigand, Fernando
the other asked, coolly.

Again the pair stared, and then suddenly a
light broke in upon them. There was but one
man who could possese knowledge enough to ad-
dress such questions to them, and that was the
brigand himself. . u >

i “ Ohol it is quite a 1joke, isn’t 1t?”Morton ex-
claimed. “But I tel fyou what it is, your dis-
guise is so perfect that or a moment your words
sent a cold chill all over me.”

on are
cruel?”

“ Yes, you gave me quite a start,” Bledstone'

added.

The brigand laughed.

“ You did nor. recognize me?”

“ No, indeed I” Morton answered.

“ There is not much danger, then, that any one
else will,” Bernal remarked.

“ None at all !”Morton declared.

“ We are well-acquainted with you, and if you
could deceive us it is not likely any one else will
rec nize you.” .

“ o trace of the half—breed cowboy now, eh’l”

“ Not a bit," Morton replied.

“ N 0, nor of the pale-faced ha gard man who
lay indchains in Guaymas J’ail,’ Bledstone ob-
serve . ‘ v

“ Ah! I thank you for bringing back to my
mind the remembrance of those hours of tor-
ture l” the brigand exclaimed, his brow dark
and his eyes flashing angry fires. “‘ It will serve

‘ to whet my appetite for revenge upon'this ac-
cursed Ranch King. to whom I am indebted for
' ' those dark and gloomy hours.”
“ You arenot disposed to give up because you
, have failed i” Morton inquired.
. ‘ “ Am I not on the ground now, more eager to
' kill this Dick Talbot than ever?” -
‘ “ Have i$1":in any schemerin your headi”Bled-
stone inqu .
“ Yes, but it is not yet developed enough to
explain; patience! soon I will be ready to strike
in blow. 'I came to let you see that I am ready

 

surely be

to go on. You must make my acquaintance in
the saloon, so we can confer together without
exciting remark. When I am ready I will let
you know."

And then the brigand departed.

“ He will do the trick after all!”Bledstone
exclaimed.

“I think sol”

The two conspirators felt better now, and as
they were discussing this unexpected occur-
rence there came a knock at the door, and when
Morton bade the knocker enter, through the
portal came Dick Talbot, followed by the In-
dian, Mud Turtle. .

 

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
TALBOT SPEAKS TO THE POINT.

THE two were amazed at the appearance of
the Ranch King, and from the way that he and
his red satellite marched into the room, they
jumped to the conclusion that danger threatened
them, although they were unable to guess in
what shape it would come.

Like able masters of the art of dissimulation,
they concealed their fears and received the un-
expected visitors in the most cordial manner.

“ Why, my dear Mr. Talbot!” exclaimed
Morton, springing to his feet as soon as he
discovered that it was the Ranch King. “I
am delighted to see you! Pray take a chair.”

Bledstone also rose, and while Morton brou ht
achair for Talbot, he did the same for the n—

dmn.

“ Will you have a cigar?”inquired Morton
taking out his cigar—case, after they were all
seated.

“ No, thank you, Mr. Morton—Morton is
your name, I believe?” said Talbot, in the quiet
way which rendered it an impossibility for any
one to guess his purpose.

“Yes, sir, Morton is my name—Jonathan
Morton.”

“ And this gentleman?" Talbot looked at
Bledstone.

“ BIedstone—William Bledstone,"he hastened”

to say. I

“ Ah, Morton and Blcdstone,”'l‘albot repeat-
ed, in a thoughtful way. “ Those are not the
names I expected to hear.”

Despite their strong powers of self-control, a
trace of nervousness was apparent in the man-
ner of both the men.

“Excuse me, I do not think I exactly under-
stand,” Morton remarked, in his smoothest

way.

" Well, I had an idea that I had met ou two
gentlemen before, but you did not ca your-
selves then by the names w ich you have just
given me,”the Ranch King remarked, with slow
deliberation. .

The pair felt that they were in a ticklish po-
sition, but they saw no other course open than
to assume a bold front.

“ You are laboring under some mistake, I
am sure, Mr. Talbot,” Morton replied. “I am
certain we have never met before, for a man
like yourself, Mr. Talbot, once seen, is not apt
to be easily forgotten.”

Talbot inclined his head slightly, but the cold

expression upon his face did not soften.
“I am sure I should keep such a face as

yours in my memory for years!” Bledstone de-‘

clared.

“ You are quite certain, then, that we have
never met before?” the Ranch King asked.

“ Oh, yes, decidedly sure!” Morton cried.

“ I am quite positive I” Bledstone asserted.

“ It is very odd, then,” Talbot remarked, in a
thoughtful way. ‘

“ Excuse me. but what is odd?”

Morton was impelled to ask the question, al-
though he had a SHSplcion that the answer
would be a disagreeable one.

“ Well, I think that it is odd that if you two

clare, you should go out 0 your way to attack
me as if I was the hitterest enemy you had."

“ Attack you I” cried both the men in a breath,
and they paled visibly as they uttered the ex-
clamation. '

“ Yes. attack me! That is what I said,” the
Ranch King replied with cool deliberation.

“ But what put such an idea into your head?"
Morton cried. “ Why should we attack you?” !

“Now you have put just the uestion which I’

would like to have answered," albot rejoined.
“Why, indeed, should you two attack a man
who never to his knowledge, either wronged or
interfered with you in any way.”

“ You never did, Mr. Talbot!” Morton cried.

“ Certainly not!” Bledstone added.

“ Men attack their enemies, of course. attack
men who have excited their hate in some way
but never in the course of my experience did I
kn0w of men seeking to kill another who was an
utter stranger to them, and could not possibly
have injured them in any way.”

“The idea is absurd! No one buts. maniac
would act in that way I” Morton declared .
“Neither one of you appear to be insane!” the
Ranch King remarked, ‘ and yet} am satisfied

you have attempted my life.” _ . , .
bledathis was» no
man would

 

    

  

  

The pair were visibl
proof of iltthou h. or
striped you: x
\ n-fl'»

.Curl
gentlemen are utter strun crs to me, as you de- '

 

   
    
  

 

“ What makes you think so?" Morton ox-
clsimed. “ I am at a loss to understand 1”

“Because on, I think, were the men who
eg'ged this ha f-breed on to attack me.”

his direct accusation for a moment almost
took the breath of the two away, for it was en-
tirely unexpected.

“Mr. Talbot, I am sure you have no proof of
this!” Morton exclaimed, trying to assume an
air of injured innocence.

“ N o, it is surmise, I own, but that you aided
the half-breed to escape I am certain. ’

" Oh, no, Mr. Talbot. you cannot be certain!”
1lllioz‘fion protested, and he believed this to be the

ru .

“ You supplied the half-breed with the opium,
or morphine, with which he drugged the whisky
which put the jailers to sleep.”

“ I am not a doctor to carry drugs around
with me!” the other declared.

“ N 0, but you are an opium eater and so are
accustomed to have the drug with on." '

This was a home thrust, and orton winced
in spite of his firm nerves.

“Oh, no, Mr. Talbot, you are wrong!” Mor-
ton protested. “Some enemy of mine must
have poisoned fyour mind against me!”

“ And one 0 you two wns the man who stole
the horse from the hotel corral and tied it so
that the half-breed could have it to aid him to
escape.”

The men were. rofoundly puzzled. How had
it been possible or the Ranch King to become
so wash-informed in regard to the facts in the
case

The only conclusion that they could reach was
that he really knew nothing; he was onlyshrewd-
ly guessing at the truth,and a stout denial must
be made.

“ Mr. Talbot, as I said before, you cannot
rove these accusations by evidence that would
0 satisfacto to a jury of honest men!” Mor-

ton declaime with a fine afl'ectation of the in-
dignation of innocence. “ it is not true that we
ai ed the half-breed in any way! Why should
we? He was a stranger to us. Why should we -
attack you, a stranger also?”

“ As said before, that is just what I want to‘
find out,” the Ranch King replied. “ Onl a
year or two ago a similar occurrence to t is
business happened .

“ An attempt was made to assassinate me one
day as I was riding homeward. By a bare
chancel escaped. I shot one of the pair who
ambushed me and had the other at my mercy,
but he pleaded that it was a mistake. They
thought I was another man with whom they had
quarreled. I believed the tale. for I could not
conceive that two strangers could want to mur-
der me without a reason.

“ But I was tricked; the man I spared and his
companion, whom I thought I had killed, but
had in reality only stunned, my bullet oin
along his skul instead of into it, hired 8. ex ~
can bravo to assassinate me, but the scheme fail-
ed and I trapped the man; in order to save his
life he confessed e‘verythin .

“ He had been hired by t ese two men to kill
me. Then, as soon as I could, I came to Silver— '
opolis to call them to an account; though I
searched diligently for the pair I was not able
to find them. They had vanished,but as I could
describe them I found no difficulty in discover-
ing who they were. 

‘ The man whom I supposed I had killed was
an Englishman by birth. but he seemed so like
an American that few would have suspected be
was not native to the soil; he called himself Ben
England; that was not his real name. of course,
for that it was assumed is evident. He was an
adventurer; a man who had evidently come of a
good family) but plain] a black sheep, one who
had probe l y been 0 liged to fly from his
nativell‘rai‘iid; the other was a gambler known as

l .

“ ow, gentlemen, although you have man- ‘
aged to so com letely change your personal alp-
pearance that have not been able to recognize
you, yet it is my belief that you are those two
men who once sought my life, and now are again
attempting it.”

“I assure you Mr. Talbot, on are in error!”
Morton declare , making a esperate efllort to
ap ar calm,although the cold hand of fear was
pu ling at his heart-strin s. v

“ You are not this Ben ngland, than?”

“ No, sir; I am an American.”

“ And on are not this gambler, Curl Kid!”
the'Ranc Kin asked, turnin to the 0 er.

He was equal y as prompt an emphatic in his
denial as his companion. _

Although the air were terror-stricken at the ,
disclosure of D ck Talbot‘s sus icions, for his

uesses had hit the truth, yet t ey felt certain
t at there was no way by means of which he‘ .
copld prove that they were sailing under false
co ors. . ~

That appeared to them to‘ be an utter impos-
sibility, and so they were prompt and strong in
affirming that he was mistaken. ' ,

“ Yet,'in spite fwhat you say, gentlemen I.
am sure I am r ght about this matter,” 
Ranch King declared.

“My dear sir. although I know that it will '
netbaan easy matter. for us to vs thatwe
are’the person: we pretend to , u we are

x I

\

 

  

     

   
  
  
  
  
    
  
 
   
    
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
     
  
  
   
  
 
 
    
    
  
  
  
 
 
  
    
 
   
    
  
 
 
 
 
 

  
  

  

.26

in the” meal-tub then.”

i . Talbot in Arms.

 

 

 

strangers in this section, yet I am sure it will be ‘

impossible for you to bring forward any testi-
mony to show that we are the men you take us
to be."

“ Oh, yes, I can prove that you are Ben Eng-
iandl” Dick Talbot replied. “Prove it to the
satisfaction of the whole town!"

The confident announcement amazed the con-
spirators.

- “ Upon my word, Mr. Talbot, I am sure that
before you got through you would come to the
conclusion that you had undertaken an ex-
tremely difficult task !” Morton declared.

“ Oh. no, not difficult at all. I should merely
sag, ‘ I know this man is the Ben England
w om Ishot, when he attempted to assasdnete
me, and left for dead upon the prairie, because

Ollll willflnd upon his head the scar left by my

11 e .

The breath of Morton came thick and hard; i winning the love of the widow, so that she

he saw he was entrapped.

Bledstone turned pale. and there was a slight
movement; of his hand, as though he meditated
the drawing of a weapon, but gladly as he
would have brought on a light, if he thought he
could get “ the drop” upon the intruders, quick-
ly he came to the conclusion that they were
prepared for war.

Talbot had his right hand in the pocket of his
loose sack~coat, and Bledstone suspected that it
grasped a pistol, probably with hammer raised,
ready for action. I v

The Indian was all wrapped up in a blanket,
after the fashion of the red-men; both of his
hands were concealed in the folds, and as the
gambler meditatcd a resort to arms, he caught
the cold gleam of the savage’s dark eyes.glitter-
ing snake—like, and immediately understood
that the red—skin was fully pre ared for war,
and would have his revolver out ong before he
could hope to get his tool ready for action.

There was a dead silence for a. few minutes,
then the Ranch King spoke:

“ If you are not the man you bear no scarl
Do you dare to let me see your head?”

“I—I—this is a most extraordinary coinci-
dence I” Morton stammered at last.

“ An, you have a scar then, but you are not
the man?" Dick Talbot observed, in an extreme-
ly sarcastic manner.

“ Yes, it is so; an accident when I was but a
mere boy,” the other exclaimed, nervously.

“ It is unfortunate for you that it is so, for it
satisfies me that you are the man I took you to
be,” the .Ranch Ki remarked. with all the
calm serenity of a. ju ge passing sentence upon
a. condemned criminal. “ And now for the
warning which I. came to give. ,

“ I don’t know whv you have attacked me,
but I am going to put a. stop to it. I have
brought you to hook,qand in the future I am
going to hold you two res nsible. The first

'me that I am attacked, shal take it for
granted that it is your work an I shall seek
out and kill both of you on sight! -

“Mark! there will be no more warning. so
take heed ‘how you plot against me! That is all
I have to say i” .

And then the Ranch King and the Indian de-
parted, leaving consternation behind them.

CHAPTER XXXIX.
ix COUNCIL.
Tnunn was a long period of silence after the
unwelcome visitors departed.
Bledstone, or Curly Kid, to give the gambler

/

‘, his right name—the one by which he was
’ known when we first introduced him to our

readers in the! tale of “Talbot, the Ranch
King,” and by which we shall herealter call
him—was the first to speak. ,

“ Well. all the fat is in the fire now, for sure i”

5 he exclaimed.

“ Yes, there is no doubt of it. He has pene-

' traged our disguise, and it will no longer serve

us. i
“‘ He‘hasn’t got at the reason of yourattacks,
thlou hi" '
“ o,and on can see that it puzzles. him
atly, and tie no wonder. The name of Ben
ngland gives him no clew, no information;
but it he knew that 1am rightly called Reginald
Curford Broughton, then h might have a sus-

picion in regard to why I esire to take his life.

0 would understand that I am a near relative
of his wife, the ’Frisco Nell of other days, and
he would guess that my attem ts to have him

I killed had something to do wit the vast estates
' .  in England which were once her father‘s.”

“ Oh, yes, he would be able to see the mouse

“He would be blind indeed it did not

I suspect the interest which I have in is life or
, death ” * '

  
  
  
  
   
    

'1

on

  L

“ But I say, old fellow. , there are some things

in this ofl'sir of yours which puzzle me.”
‘ “ Indeed?”

“Yes; it seems tome that you are taking a

great deal of trouble, and running a terrible,
, ,risk,,for a small stake.” the gambler observed.
first pro—.

“It I remember rightly. when you
to me to go into this nfl'air with you,
r statement was‘th

killing the Ranch ing ,and marl-iii:
widow. you‘ would come in torn-,1:
pounds,whichis five thoii magnum ‘_

/.

   
 

y

  

. if you could succeed
his .

can money, on your wedding day, and your
wife would receive an annual income of five
thousand pounds—twenty-flvo thousand dol-
ai-s.

“ Yes, that is what I said."

“ That is a nice sum of money; the five thou-
sand dollars is not to be sneezed at, and if your
wife got twenty-five thousand a year, no doubt
you would be able to get some pretty pickings
out of it.”

“ Certainly l”

“ But in order to enjoy these moneys, first,

i you had to kill the Ranch King,or separate him

I

. . “Five hundred thousand dollarsl”exclaimed

hot is the heir.

cost me my life, the gain will not be worth the

 

sand

‘ from his wife in some way, so that she would

be free to marry again; second, you had to woo
and win the widow.”

“ Correctly stated."

“ The Ranch King is but mortal, therefore he ’
could be killed; but that you could succeed in

would be willing to become your wife, seems to ‘
me to be an experiment that a wise man would ‘
not feel like banking much money on.”

Broughton laughed.

“ You are right there," he replied; “ a -
parently I am running a big risk for litt e ,
gains. But, if things were as you put them, a. {
desperate man. to whom it was the last chance i
to 1make a. stake, might be justified in going into §
it

" Yes but not otherwise.”

“ Wei , I am about to the end of my rope. and
if I don‘t land a stake out of this aflair, I shall
be pretty badly off,” Brougntoii admitted.
“But I have not told you everything.”

“ Oh, well, of course, I don't want to pry into
your affairs. You have lived up to your agree-
ment with me, and I have no right to com-
plain."

“ We have got to make a desperate effort
now, or give u the game,“ the other remarked,
thoughtfully, ‘ and I don’t mind letting you in-
to the secret.

“ This Mrs. Talbot is the heiress of a hundred
thousand pounds l”

the other in amazment.
pretty plum l”

“ Yes, the sum was left to her by will; it was
all of her father’s estate that he was able to dis-
pose of in that way; you know our English laws
keeprlanded property to the male line.

“ he man who succeeded to the estate was a
rascal: he got possession of the Will; the lawyer
who drew it was dead, and be suppressed it, but
did not destroy the paper. ”

“ I have heard of such cases.”

“Now he is sickly, has not long to live and
his conscience troubles him. When he dies. he
wants the will to he found, and then Mrs. Tal-
bot will come in for the money. But this man,
and myself, are the only two persons in the
world that know, and can prove, that Mrs. Talw

“By Jove! that is a

“ So you see, if- the Ranch King is out of the
way, even it I am not able to woo and win the
widow, I can,r-undoubtedly. make a good bur-
gain with her in regard to this money.”

“ Yes, yes, I see!” , ”

“ Of course, there i a chance that I can win
her if I play my cards carefully.”

“ Oh, yes, there is a chance,” the gambler ad-
mitted.

“ You see I am playing for a big stake and
am justified in taking a big risk.”

“That is true: and the risk is big now too,
you may he sure of that!” Curly Kid declared.

‘The’ Ranch King meant business when he said
that it he had any more trouble he should take
the war-path against us. ”

“ Oh, yes. he was in earnest, and I have no
doubt he will live up to his word.” ,

“ We must keep our eyes peeled then!” the
gambler declared.

“ If we do-not we shall be apt to suffer.”

“ Oh, yes, certain l”

“ Just as scan as Bernal gets his plans ar-
ranged he will make another attack on the
Ranch King." ' -

“ And it he failsl” Curly Kid questioned.

. “ Well, we must look out for ourselves.”

“If we do not, it is ten to one that this Ranch,
King will put us in acondition for planting!”
the gambler declared. ” I don’tadmire funerals, '
anyway, and I have the strongest possible ob-
jections to riding in the first carriage for awhile,
for I am not tired of life.”

“ I agree with you there. I am terribly anx-
ious to land this big stake, but if it is going to

risk.” r

“ You are right for a thousand ducatsi" Cur-
lyKid declared. “We trust are Berna'l and
report

i n to him the particulars at this inter-
v ew, '

“ Yes, that is a good idea, for he ought to
know what has Occurred.” . ,—

l“ Then, when he gets ready to strike his blow,
he can give us timely warning}?

f‘Exactlylr so we will be able to make ,our-
selves some in case it fella? Curly Kitluggest-

:5“ We had best seek him at once.”

. three returned to the apartment, making sure

‘ enemy.

I given up now, for the Ranch King will be sure

  

glust leaving his room, which was on the some
cor.

_ Broughton informed the brigund that he had
; important intelligence to communicate, and the

that there was no spy mar in l ()te them.

Then Broughron communicated to the brignnd
Ego particulars of the interview with the Ranch

ing.

Bi-rnal’s brow darkened as he listened.

“ Aha! he thinks it is about time that he
struck a lew blows!" be exclaimed. “ He is 1
getting tired of these attacks in the dark, and '
is anxious to meet his too in the open field.
Well, I do not blame him. I do not like myself
to be perpetually on guard against a secret
it is the hidden, unknown danger that
duums the Soul of man.”

“ Will this matter interfere with your plans?”
Broughton inquired.

“ Oh, no, not at all i” the brigand replied. “I
was not counting on your aid. I am glad,
though, that you took care to promptly inform
me in regard to it, for now I shall know how to
conduct myself.

“ [t was my intention, you know, to appar-
ently make the acquaintance of you two in the
saloon, so we could converse together without
exciting suspicion, but that will have to be.

 

:l‘

to have his spies about, and if we were seen to
exchange words it would direct suspicion to ,
me; so we must be careful When we meet not to
take any notice of each other.”

The others agreed that this was a wise pre»
caution. ‘

Then an idea occurred to Berlin].

“ How would it answer for you two to leave)
the town?” he risked. "Go away, you know.
just as if you were disgusted with the game and
were satisfied that it would be best to give it.
u .

The pair thought over the matter for a few
moments, and then expressed the opinion that
it would be a good move.

“ Do you see how it will be a t to work?” the!
crafty brigand asked. “ The nch King will
be sure to jump to the conclusion that his
threats have frightened you away. He will:
say. ‘ So! now that they know I am up to their
game they have come to the decision to give it
u . I have scared them out of the town!’ ” ’ '
“ Yes, he Will be certain to come to that con- i
clusion l” Broughton exclaimed. -

“ If he does not, then he must possess the
wisdom of the serpent!” Curly Kit added.

” The move will be almost sure to throw him
of! his guard, and then 1 can take him un-

awures.’2
“ Let me see Where had we better go?”
‘Broughton rein rked. “ We must not go the
fur away, for I should like to be in at the death,
when the Ranch King is hunted down.”

“ Be my guests for outline,” the brigand said.
“I have a truly romantic retreat up in the-
mountains, and if my plans succeed I will have ‘ .
the Ranch King up thei'e,‘ helpless in my power, ‘ 4 l ';
before he is a week older."  .

“ That is a ‘good idea; we will go there!” the
Englishman declared.

“ Pay your bill, take yo 1- horses and announce
that you are oing to ababiville on mining
business,” said rnul. “ On the road a. herdsr
man will meet you. He will tell on that itis a
fine night, and ask ou if you 0 not “cut to
hire a good man. 3 cu engage him and he will
conduct you to my mountain home.”

“ All right. How soon shall we set out?"

, “In half an hour.” ‘ r

This ended the conversation, and thirty min~l
urea later the conspirators rode out of Silverop—
o is.

,The night was bright enough to enable them
to see their way, but not to discover that a ,sEyi
was on their trail, tracking them as the dds '5!
Indian warrior does his intended prey.

CHAPTER XL.
summon AT LAST. *

FROM trifles, light as air, sometimes spring
consequences which involve the fate ct nations. a

It-was the Ranch King’s intention to set out ‘i
for homelabout nine o’clock on thisevening, durw ‘
ing which his speech had carried such dismay
to the hearts of the cons irators, but when the '
time came and he look for. the Indian, Mud
Turtle was not to be found. ‘ '

He wondered at the circumstance, for he had‘ r
1.1 the red-skin he did not intend to remain in - I
Silveropolis after nine, and, as a rule, Mud Tur- v.
tie was as punctual as the sun. . f ’
.Thinking he would soon appear. Dick Talbot v
returned to the Silver Shin, fil‘d while waiting
therein the saloon the landlord made up a card— ,
party and pressed him to take a hand. -

With the idea of passing aw»y the time untiI

thng ltpdiun. should come the Ranch King con— ‘
sen e . l .

The game‘provedto be an interesting 01:0.st
as Mud Turtle did not arrive to call the Ranch.
King away he stayed. With the Imti’lit;
« broke u . which was not until after in dnight...

 

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' I “Hal 0!” exclaimed Talbot, as he consul

  

 

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Talbot in Arms.

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,“I wonder what on earth has become of my
Indian!” the Ranch King said. “ I toul him to
put in an appearance about nine, us i intended
to make an early start for home.”

“ I reckon he must have been sampling some
of the bug-juice around town, and it has prove»!
too much for him," Piunkctt suggested, the
mayor being one of tho card—party.

“ I have known the lndiana good many f‘eurs,
and I cannot recall the time when ire, would :0!)
take care of all the fire-water he could get on
board."

“Our bug-juice here beats the worlll" the
mayor declared, “ particularly the stui? which
our worthy host sets out. It has laid out many
a man.”

“Belay, therel take a reef in your jnwing-
tackle and come to anchor!” Skipper Bill or
claimed. “ Goodjudges of licker admit that I
keep the best. rum to be found in Arizona, bar
none!"

“ You don‘t dare to ask us to have a drink so
we can try it!" the mayor declared, with a.
Wink at the rest.

“Ah, you lubberl I knew that yes what
you Were fishing forl" Skipper Bill replied.
“ But I am not the man to take n. llnrc [TUUI any
son of a sea-cook in this by er district, so brace
yer royals and heave up alongside! Git'n it a
name, my hearticsl W’ot’ll you have ior yer
nightcaps?”

And the landlord went behind the bar to do
the honors.

The liquids were called for and dispatched;
then the mayor insisted on “ another one with
me!" and after this a miner stood treat, so it
was nearly one o’clock before the Ranch King
left the saloon.

But although all was quiet in the stre t when
he got out, as everything was closed With the
exception of the hotel bar, yet no though of
danger came to him.

He was puzzled by the absence of the Indian,
for he knew Mud Turtle too well to sup 086 that
he had got drunk, and was sleeping o the ef-
fects of the liquor in some quiet corner, as had
been suggested.

“ It is quite probable that he has struck some .

trail which he thinks is worth following up,”
the Ranch King remarked, communinr with
himself as he proceeded to the corral. “ It may
be that he has got on the track of the half-
breed, although it doos not seem possible, after
the narrow escape the fellow had, that he
would dare to come near the town for some
time.

“ I fancy I have put 8. spoke in the wheels of
these two plotters," he continued. “If they
keep on with their designs against me, they
are more plucky than I take them to be.
Thanks to Doc Brown, I was able to give them
what must have been anything but an agree-
able surprise, and it was so entirely unexpect-

ed too.

Then Dick Talbot indulged in a. quiet laugh
as he reflected upon the startling effect which
his words had produced in the bearing of the
mo “ speculators.”

The night was not alight one, although there
was a moon, but it was a waning one, and par—
tially obscured by clouds.

Being well acquainted with the corral. how-

ever, he knew he would not have any difficulty 5,

in getting his horse, no matter how dark it
was.

Of course, at such an hour, he would have to
attend to the getting out of the beast himself,
for the hostler was in bed long ago.

All was still, with the exception of the stamp-
ing of some restless horses upon the hard
ground, and the shed was pretty dark where

is beast was tied.

He stopped within it, totally unsuspicious_ of
danger, but had not advanced more than a yard
when he received a b10w upon the head, almost
heavy enough to fell an ox.

He staggered back, threw up his arms—an
involuntary motion, for he was stunned by the
shock, so knew not what he did—and then sunk
to the earth.

At last bold Injun Dick had fallen into a.
snare.

CHAPTER XLI.
run BBIGAND’S VENGEANCE.

WHEN the Ranch King recovered his senses,
he found himself in the open air: his wrists and
ankles were bound with stout lariats and he was
tied on the back of a horse in such a. way that
he could not fall off. face downward, asd the
animal, guided by a horseman who rode at his
head. was taking him up into the mountains,
through as rude and sterile a. tract of country
as he had ever seen.

Two more horsemen rode in the advance.

The Ranch King had a violent headache
when his senses returned to him, and it was
some moments before his mental machinery
worked smoothly.

He had received a blow that would have been
sure to have cracked his skull had it not been
unusually thick: as it was, though, as soon as
he recovered suflilciently so as to be able to

realize his condition,he felt he was not ma- .

tcriully damaged.

It (lid not take him long after he TGCOVPI‘F‘d "

I his sensrsto come to a conclusion in regard to
what had happened.

He was in the bands of his enemies, and the
half-breed cowboy, undoubtedly, was at the
bottom of the matter, for he could see that the
man who led the Lorre, upon whose back he
was bound, was dressed like a. Mexzcan herds
ILLPU.

But who was back of tbo half-breed? It
seemed Curtain that he, single—handed, could
not have carried our. so hold a s"liemc.

Had the two nun whom he had

warned
. dosed to plan and commit so bold an assault?
i It did not seem possible.
And where was he being carried?

l Up into the mountains, amid the wild peaks

of the 01:! Cababi Range.
! 'l‘heii into the Ranch King’s mind come
‘ gioulghts of Fernando Bernal and his brigand

uDI .

This was like a piece of brignnd wor k.

HJHl Ileriial escaped the death to which he,

the Ranch King, had condemned him when he
l gave the captive brigand chief into the hands
l of the Mexicali authorities, and was this the
L vengeance he was taking for having been thus

treated?
I The path grew wilder and stecpcr; up, up
‘ they went, along a narrow, windng trail, so
rude and rough that even the sure-footed prai-
rie steeds, the unshod horses of the Western
wilds, had all they could do to keep their fect.

At last they came to a little vale, the en-

trance to which was guarded by a sentinel who
I sat on a rock, rifle in hand. '
f And when the R'lucli King saw this man, he
understood that the vague suspicion which had
entered his mind was true; he was in the hands
of a brigand band, and then to his remembrance
i came the thought that he had uttered to the
doctor.

From the marvelous skill the half-breed cow-
boy had displayed in effecting his escape, it
seemed possible that he might be the brigand
captain, Fernando Bcrnal, in person.

he horse which bore the captive was halted
in front of the larger one of two huts which
were in the middle of the vale.

The Ranch King was released from the lash-
ings which bound him to the steed, and then
was carried into the but; the lariats around his
ankles and wrists were not disturbed, and he
was placed upon a buffalo-robe in a corner.

After this was done orders in regard to his
safe-keeping were given.

As near as he could make out there were six
or eight men asleep in the but; four of them were
roused and placed on guard, two within the but
and two without.

N o word_was said to the prisoner.

Soon the quiet of the wilderness reigned
:gailn, only broken by the trampiug of the sen-

ine 5.

Like the majority of men who have led a life
of advei-ztui'e, Dick Talbot was able to sleep un-
der circumstances which would have eifectualiy
banished slumber from the H es of ordinary
men, and so, realizing that until morning came
he would not be able to learn what was to be his
fate, he closed h s oycs and in half an hour slept
as sleeps the man “hose mind is not troubled
with the weight of cankt ring care.

Bright and early in the morning the men who
slept in tho but with the prisoner were aroused
by the sentinels, and one by one they departed.
casung many a curious glance (it the bound
man, who made no atrelnpt to enter into con-
versation with thtm. but took matters as calm-
ly as thou ’h this extraordinary experience was
an every- ay afl'air.

That the men were members of a briuand band
was plain, for their appearance betrayed that
they were outlawed outcasts.

After the Ranch King was left to meditate in
solitude he could hear the men without building
a fire, evidently preparing breakfast, and soon
the savory smell of cooking meat rose on the air.

it was about an hour from the time the camp
was roused before any one came near Talbot,
then twos'iva Ere-looking fellows entered the but.

The Ranch King recognized one of them as
being the man who had ridden next to him on
the journey.

They removed the Iariat from Talbot’s ankles
and bade him rise, but the limbs of the Ranch
King were so cramped that it was some minutes
before he was able to use his legs.

As soon as he could walk the two conducted
him out of the but.

A strange, picturesque scene met his eyes.

Before the door of the but where he had been
confined blazed a huge fire: the morning was
rather chilly, and the brigands had built a fire
large enough to roast an ax, using huge pieces
of a. dead tree which they had cut down, and it
was apparent that their occupancy of the vale
was to be more than a temporary one, for by
the Slde of the but was a huge pile of small pine
trees, which they had cut down and thrown into
a berm to season. The pile was almost as big as
the hut.

The most of the outlaws were in a grou by
the fire, and a few paces from them a the

 

 

two men whom the lluih'b King had brought to
bwk on the prcvmus evening, Broughton and
the gainl lcr, Cu: ly Kid.

lVith tlmni W‘lS a good -looking Mexican,
drcsscd lrkc ii l‘l.\ll"llel' of that iintior, with a
dashing, military air, and the Ranch King im»
nicdiatelyjumped to tlieconclusiou that this was
the brigand chief, Fernando li: rnal.

The eyes of the thch sparkled With triumph
as they looked upon thc-ir captive.

“Aha, Sci‘ior Dick ’l‘ulbot, Bunch King of
Arivacu. I bid you welcome to my mountain
home!” the briguiill (‘hicf mo lriiiced.

“ Thank you," Dick Talbot replied, with per-
fect coolnl rF. “ If you boil rot Luke-n inc so by
sui‘pi'isc, it is possible I would upprccialo your
Welcome more than I do at prescni."

Tho brignnd (-liicf burst into ii. loud laugh.

“ Now, by all the saints, [ swcnr you are a
cool hand, and it is npity that thing-sure us they
are!

" Have you any idea who i am?"

“ Yes, I think I recognize you, though I
would not, prombly,cxr-cpt for the Ill'l'uliflr
circumstances attend ing this mcctilip. You are
Fernando Bernai, the brigaud chu t.”

“ Yes, you are right, I am Fernando Bernal,
the man Whom you delivered to the McXicnn
authorities, and who would have been shot to
death bytbematGuaymus, nftci‘ laying for many
wear months in prison, loaded with chains,
had not been able to ell’cct my cscupc.”

“ I reckon I will have to plcndguil'iy flt‘illfit,”
the Ranch King remarked. “ it h it two bill."

“ You, to-night, have experienced a little of
the misery which I suffered in (bmym ls jiil,”
the brigand chief remarked. “ lint u itn the
difference that the minutes in your case were
days in mine.”

“0h,I don’t think it needs a. yersonul ex-
perience to satisfy a man that to lay in r. dark
and dreary dungeon, loaded with chains, is
neither agreeable nor conducive to health.”

The brigands looked at each other: fhey had
seen some cool men in their time, but never one
to equal the prisoner.

“ And can you guess how I spent the greater
part of my time in that dark, limp ,celll”
demanded Berna], a fierce light shining in his
e as.

y“ Raking your mind to find some means to
escape from the fate to which you were doomed,
I should suppose,” the Ranch King answered.
“ I know that would be what I would be apt to
do under like circumstances.”

“ N 0, you arewrong; l was so securely guard-
ed—the chance of escape was so small, that I
did not think it was possible I could in that way
avoid in doom."

“ I rec {on I et atwhat youmean; you whiled
the time away y thou hts of ven ounce.” Dick
Talbot remarked, spea ing as in ifferently, as
though he took no interest in the matter.

“Yes, you are rightl I dreamed of ven-~
geance upon the man who had brought me to
such a fate l” the bri and cried, his eyes darting
lurid fires, and his ands clinched as though
he was about, tiger-dike, to spring upon the
prisoner.

“ Yes, but it seems to me that it was not a.
very rational proceeding,” the Ranch King re-
marked, reflectively. “ Now you say that you
had no hope of escaping; if you could not get'
out of the "til, you could not hope to secure
ven eance. if 1 had been in our place, I would
not ave bothtrod my hes with thoughts of
vengi ance, but should have bent all my brains
to devise some way to escape, and then, aftcr
that was accomplished. there would be time
enough to plan for satisfaction.”

“ I begin to think that you do not understand
the nature of the trap into which you have
fallen I” cried the brigand chief, astonished at.
the coolness of the prisoner.

“ Oh, yes, I reckon I understand it well'
enough," and the Ranch King made a grimace
as he looked around upon the outlaws. -

“ You comprehend that you are here, utterly
at my mercy i”

“ Yes.”

“The mercy of the man that you gave to-
death i"

“Yes, and do you know Berna]. that is one
act of my life that I have felt a little bit sorry
for,” the Rnnch King remarked, his brows
wrinkled with thought. “ I have wrestled with
the matter considerably. and my conscience has
been a little troubled about giving you an to
the Mexicans. who were never brave or skillful
enough to capture you.

“ By the wayl” cried Dick Talbot, abruptly,
asthough the idea had just come to him, “I
am not saying this. you know, with the idea.
of currying favor with you,because I am not
fool enoug to imagine that anything I may say
will have sufficient influence to turn you frcm
My purpose you may have fanned in regard to

e.

“I am telling you this to please myself—to
relieve my mind, for the matter has bothered.
me a little.

“ I regret that I turned you over to the Mexi-
cabs --not but what you richly deserved to be
punished for your crimes, but as they did not.

ave any band in your capture, they ought not.
to have had you. ,

 
    

 

 

 

 

K} a.» -

, get hold of some of it.”

I

.1

.V,

    

‘ told:

:28

Talbot in Arms.

 

 

 

“ Then, when I think the matter over, I say
(tom self, ‘ What could I have done with the
iman Let him go free? That would not do, for
tho had been as a scourge to Arizona, and I have
come to the conclusion that I ought to have
.. iven you up to the authorities of the nearest

rizonian district upon whose inhabitants you

:had reyed.”

“ n that case I would undoubtedly have been
hung up to the nearest tree without bein af‘
'forded the luxury of a trial l” the brigan eX<
~claimed.

“ I reckon you are right. I don‘t think they
'would have stood on much ceremony with you;
‘so, after all, as far as you are concerned, it was
a good thing for you that I yielded to the re-
quest of the Mexican authorities and gave you
up to them.”

“ You can thank these gentlemen for my es-
cape from Guaymas jai ,” Berna] remarked,
:nodding to Broughton and the gambler.

“ Well, I did not suspect that. although I felt
certain that they aided you to escape from the
«calahoose in Silveropolis, for you were the half-
breed cewbo , I suppose?”

“ Yes, an in endeavoring to strike you a
blow I pretty nearly lost my own life.”

“It was a narrow ueeze,” Talbot said.

“ Now I begin to see into this thing,” he con-
tinued. “These men helped you to escape from
'the jail at Guaymas in order that you might
attack me; by freeing you they secured a
bravo.”

“ “ You have hit upon the truth, Talbot,”
Broughton remarked. ‘ ‘ I don’t mind admitting
'it now that the knowledge comes too late to be
-of any benefit to you.”

“ The riddle is out now, yet there is one thing
‘that I do not understand: why have you two

attacked me] There has never been any trouble
between us, hecauseI am sure I never saw either
-one of you before the day when you laid in wait
for me on the prairie.”

“ You are right; that was our first meetin ,"
Broughton replied. “ And now eeeing that y u
 in a trap from which, with life, it will be
:impossible for you to escape, I don’t mind giv-,
ing vcu a‘hint which may enable you to see into
“this mystery.

“ I am an Englishman, as you suspected, but
'though in this country I have alwa 5 been called
,Ben England, my right name is eginald Car-
ford Broughton.’

_“Ah, I see! a light breaks in upon me!” the
Ranch King exclaimed. “You are a relative
of to wife, and you are named after her father.”

,1 “ xactly!”
“There is some money in the question, and
your calculation has been that if I was out of
- the way you would be able, through my wife, to
_ “ Your guess is correct. Your death will
leave your wife unprotected and 1, as one of her
nearest relatives, will take great pleasure in
looking after her interests, expecting, of course,
'«to be well paid for my trouble.” \
The Ranch King burst into aloud laugh, much
"-to the surprise of all. _ '
“You are an idiot!” he exclaimed. “ This

/ liiittle scheme of yours will not work, and you

will find that you have had your trouble for
nothing. You don’t know Mrs. Talbot.”

“ When you are out of the way I will win my
game, all right.” Broughton declared.

“Talbot, you are a good man—a' better one
rthan I expected!” Fernando Berna! exclaimed,
“ and I am sorry that I am obliged to kill you,
abutI have sworn it, and I am a slave to my

' word!”

. “ If you have an delicate samples about kill-
ringa man who is elpless in your power, and
sfeel inclined to give me a chance for my life, I

‘ will tell you what I will do. Give me arevol-
. wver, turn me loose and I will fight all of you!

Then you will have the satisfaction of killing
me like a gentlemen and not like acowardly
assassinl” .

The brigands stared at each other in wonder.

What manner of man was this to make so

, daring an ofllerl . ,

. “ Oh, no i” exclaimed the outlaw chief, with a
shake of the head. “It is not my game to
give you any chance for your life, or expose
rooms of my men to certain death. Isaw you
.flght thethree men in front our ranch, and I

I know how expert you are wit , your weapons.

“No no, Ranch King, th is no escape fer

you! Ihave condemned you to death and you
will be executed! ,

“ One boon only will I grant you; I will not

strangle you to death with a rope. like a dog, as
~. in your cursed North American fashion, but you
shall be shot and die like a soldiio!”

‘l‘ You are a coward, Berna], at heart. for all
your dash and bravado, or you would give me
a chance for my life i” the Ranch King exclaim-
ed‘, contemptuonslyc.’ » l

‘Talk away! ords are the only weapons

thatyou will ever use again i" the brigand chief

retorted. - '

' ‘ “ If maids would wound, you would not dare
m usetheml”

""I am going to give you the honor of being

A ‘ shot by my ownhand." Berna] remarked.

on a pretty ood marksmanand Ithink five or
wilfflnish ypug Go fifty paces,turn

“balls

       

- mation davoutly to be wished,” after the stirring
. life he had. led. ’ v

 

and face me, if you dare, and I will give you
your death l”

By this time all the brigands were on their
feet, clustered just in front of the fire, in a little
group; a yard from them. standing also in front
of the fire which was now at its hight, roaring
away amid the big sticks, stood Bernal and the
two conspirators.

“ h you need not fear but that I will face
you! I have looked death in the eyes too often
to be afraid to face him now.”

“All right] go ahead and we will see if on
can make your boast good i" cried the out aw
chief tauntingly. ‘

Talbot started with steady steps.

He felt that he was walking to his death, for
no way of escape seemed open to him.

He had been searched, and all his weapons re-
moved. His arms were securely bound, and
yet for all that he had made up his mind to make
a desperate dash for life.

He was proceeding toward the sentinel at the .

lower end of the vale who was watching the
scene with great interest.

The Ranch King had resolved when he had
covered forty paces to make a sudden rush to-
ward the sentinel, hopin that he might, by a
superhuman effort, brea the cords around his
wrists.

If he could not, death would not be any more
terrible, reaching him after the attempt.

Thirty paces he went, with regular, soldier-
like steps, and thenthere was a surprise that
none of the actors in the scene anticipated.

All were grouped in front of the fire, which
1was onlya dozen feet from the brush-pile by the

ouse.

From behind the heap of pine boughs appear-
ed a dark form; one single motion of a muscular
arm, and a paper package, containing nearly a
pound of powder, was tossed into the middle of
the flames. '

The brigands heard the swish of the package
through the air, and turned in alarm; around
the back of the hut darted the intruder.

And then came a terrific explosion, hurling
the burning logs in all directions. .

Not a man of them standing by the fire but
what was prostrated by the terrible shock, and
half of than were either killed outright or
badly wounded by the flying fragments of the
flrel It was just as though a shell had exploded.

The man who had come thus timely to the res-
cue was the red chief, Mud Turtle.

The hut protected him from the explosion,
and a moment afterward he raced from behind
it at a wonderful rate of speed toward Talbot, a
knife in his right hand—a revolver in' the left.

The Ranch King had turned at thesound of the

explosion, and, perceiving Mud Turtle, under- ‘

stood what had happened.

He hastened to meet the chief.

A single slash of the knife and Talbot was
fre’el .

He grasped a revolver tendered by the In-
dish, and then the two boldly charged the bri-
gands.

The outlaws who were not disabled by the
shock did not wait to give battle, but fled in
terror, making their escape over the bridge at
the upper end of the vale. I

The sentinel fired a single shot and then fled
down the valley as fast ,as his. legs could carry
him. ‘

The fight was won!

Again the Ranch King had triumphed.

Berna], the brigand, and the two conspirators
were cold in death.

All three had been instantly killed by the fly-
ing logs. " ‘

The secret of Mud Turtle’s'absence was ex-
plained. ,

He had tracked the plotters to the brigand’s
cave, and managed, by circling around, to en-
ter the vale at the upper end; amid the pine
boughs he had found concealment until oppor-
tunity offered for him to deal a deadly blow

Reader, our tale is told. ‘

The death of the Ranch King’s peristent foes
ended his troubles; no more had he to be con-
stantly on guard—Talbot in Arms—lest a secret
enemy strike him unawares. ‘

Before him was peace and rest, “ a consum-

Joy then to bold Dick Talbot, Aiivaca’s Ranch
King, and so we‘ leave him. ' v 4 :

 

BEADLE’S

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His Training Day. For one male and two females.

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Meddling With S .nta Claus. For numerous char-

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R Y llLL (30031158.

5 Vagabond Joe. iliu Young Wandering Jew.

Ill The Dunlh pr.

2? Antelope Aloe, th- Buy Guido.

Bi Keen-knife, llla Prim-ta ut‘tho i’miriel.

41 Lila-n Jack. tlI-- Yuan: Manhunt".

5" The Border King; ur,'l'nu Secret Foe.

71 Delaware Dick. Hm Y"““L1“"Jlldl’39Y'

74 liawk-efin llarr ' llle Yuung Trapper Ranger.

83 Rollo, t e y l anger.
in“ SIlrl' shat , 1h. liny Rilleuuul.
I43 Hour-Fare haul. the Silent Hunter
.14“ Silver atar. tins llny Knight.
21153 Eagle Kit. the Hay ileum".
Iliii Little 'l exalt, the Young Mutt-agar
17H Itld solitary. the Hermit Trapper.
1152 Little Iinrrlt‘une. tho Bo Captain.
20:! Pro: yet-t I'ewx or, i'ha ’mmg outlan Human.
220! The My Ilorcnlont or, The Prairie Trnmpo.
.813 Tiger 'l'om. tin: Texan Torn-r.
294 Iln-hlnz Dlvlq or, 'l'rupper 'l‘om’o Cattle.
32” Little \V iltllll'l', the Yuan; Prairie Nomad.

The Pal-nun Detective: or, The Little Ranger.

348 The Di-uznl—ed Guide: or. \i‘ilrl Raven, the Ranger.
960 Dare-Devil Dan, the l'nnm: Prairie Ranger.
£79 Mlnkal-in .“Ike, the lioy Slmrpubuotor.
990 Little Foxfire, lhe Buy Spr.
1300 The Sky Del ; or, Rninlwli, the Ranger.
38-]. “’hlp-klnu L, the liuv Rnncliero.
409 lieroulear hr, Dirk, the Buy Ranger.

. 4|? \Vebi’uot Monte, the Trump Detective.

' 420 Rub Sam. the iiuy Giant oi the Yellow-tone.
444 Litt e lluekakin. lno Young l’ruiria Contour.
467 \l'ingedi’oot Fredt or, itlvl Polar Soul.

488 'i‘alnarat' Tom, the Blfiz'l‘rn par B .

478 Old Tam Rattler, tho ed iver Epldamlc.

483 stonewall liob, Ihu Boy Tromn.

662 lllunderlng line“, the Hon-tit Boy happen.

65% Don llnrr, the Plain Freelance.

601 (Did kit Randy's Deliverance.

45?0 Norway Nola, the Big Boy Mountaineer.

6H0 Dauntleaa Dan the Frwlnncr. or Olil Kit Bandyin Arcadia.
1'78 Highland Harry. Mr Wizard Billemrm.

lH' BUCKEKIN HAM ()iaior Darn. S. Hall.)
084 mu Rocky a " iio ears! or. Honlw "to Horn-Bruin.
‘46! Giant George; or, ho An’i o! the lion”.
#75 Arizona look 3 or Giant Goorgo’a Pun.
:89? The Tarantula o Tao-i or, GiantGoorao’a Bovongo.
:60? The Strange Pard : or, ittlo Bon’o Doath Hunt.
818 her-whoa Ker-whoa ur,Tha Tarantula nf'i'aoo.
69? Creeping at, the Cad or o .Tho Rod andwhlto Pardo.
88. filo Fred: or, The Tonhway’o not.
Ail-l4 0 Fl htilz Trio: or, Rattioanuke, tho Tonhrray.
849 “'illl all; or, Big-Foot Walinco to tho Frnni.
353' The Ranch Raider-u or. Tho Slop of Fort Parntory. ‘
864 Snap-Shot. the Roy Ranger.
875 Chiota. the Greek]; or Tho Three Thundorholto.
891 liandera Blll‘ or. rio Truth to the Front.
809 Home and the Red" or, The Balearruorod Roach.
404 Little Lariat; or Poona Poto’a Big Rampago.
414 no may m... llenver. :
45 The Three Trailer" or, Old Rocky on tho Ramp...
Blufl Bill: or Tho Lynx oitho Loono. ‘
455 Little Lone dtar: or,The Bollo of tho Clholo.
63-1. Cache Cari. the Chico Glut
HY PII [LIP s. W.‘ RN
0'! Puma-Leather Joe: or, Old Rattle-n tho Charm“.
175 Capt-In Arizona; or. PutanvLanthar Joo'o hi; Gan».
‘ 2i”! Captain Hook; or, Pntant-Lonthor Joo’a berm.
319 lDePard. the Dueliatt 0!. The Mountain V-mpiroo.
R K ll Bay| or,1'ho warl’l vongo.
l‘ornada: or. Tho Outcaatl ol‘ tho Glou.
[ingot or. tho Qunor Pnrd.
lh-my or, Caught in Hio Own Tran-
-Iihoo- iy or, A Race (or a Ranch.
Li“ e Leather- reeohetot or. Old Jumbo'o Onno.
little Ah Sing or, The Guru of Blood.
Joiorado Kate. A Tnlo of tho nllnu.
l‘hrao Jolly Parda.
im Giudden’o Deputg.
Fine Jolly Put-do to t e Rescue.
antly Andy; or A Good Man Down.
.ariot Lil; or, The Cast for o Lilo.
4 “ti \Venlcl-top, the Man with tho Don.
Keen Clem. thu Ranch imp.
9 Jinn Dandy tho No-Nama Sport.
Billy Blazer-r or.’l‘he Skoleton’l Lonny.
€85 ukhhoma III the BlneCoat Scout.
648 Happy liarry’a Bi Find.
£64 Cheeky Charley t a Special.

' BY EDWARD WILLIE".
,, Ill? Ann Mott, tho Shamhnat Bo

 

 

V I "190 Featherweight tho Boy Chhmpion o! the Montana.

. ' :15 The Vagabond De

5+1
.1,

r 588 Jaek-o'J
.‘08

R Alf or, Featherweight/Among tho Outlaws.

Pypo leteetlver or, Wouol, tho Boy Tramp.

.95 Tea leo- Phil; or, Tho King at Quartnlllo.

Oil The Rovln Sport: or, The Pride oi Chuckaluelr Camp.

832 Nola? t e emotive; or, Kit Konfion‘a Vondotta.

m Clip he Contortioniltt or.Tho, ontona Virilanloo.
nr 30 PIERCE.

ll? Holt 0’ the Bowery: or, Tho Prinoo oi‘ Hnlbony Strut.

 

toetivet or. Downy Bob’o
tho Strut-Boy Datoctivo. ’
awyer a Shadow; or Lnko'o lam.
allltysiloe,'th§’Youn}Horu-KIB:.
or [ratio may orrymau Vo.
‘33.?"tpllL. .. m...”
” U 0 ll ‘1’ fl.
.  Fin Pointo Phil’o Mongolia.
59‘ North River Nat. the Pier Detoctivo. !
638 Wrestling llex, the Prido nl‘tho sum. Ward.
541 Jeif Flicker, tho Stnbla Boy Win.
551 Niel: Nettle tho Bo Shadow.
5:» llnrlern Jg’k, the lite Bay Damn...
«h 9 Brooklyn on. tho On-Hi-own-Hook
‘27 Pavement Pete tho Soctot 5m...
uteri, tho Undor-Sea Proopoctor.
n the Street-Stan".
'acoh, t e Dotocilvo'o Aid.
uek Bumblebee tho Harlem Hnmmor.
p.689 Sunrise Bani tho éxpmo-Tralu Forrot. ‘
1M9 ’Garaln Bola. t o Bowery Badger: or, Scoop!“ o Slim Bot.

 

3 053 Sky-Rocket Rob. on Lita-Savor.

‘ 688 Ilaltpeter Sol. the ‘New York Navigator.
‘94 Epic, Jim, tho Onlr Ono oi lilo Kind.
rm: 'l'om Thlatle. the Road-Homo Damn".
Mk, tho Haulor Gamln.
Dal the Brown 5 rt’o Kid.
(9 o the Doc with“ Itch.
7 r“i‘1‘r'""”ri.§l?"3:u l’ d ‘m'li. Kum'n 1! ca.
ox o or | or, o I no
; 1:1 Gonzo! Cale. the Sewage-t Dotoctlvo. m ‘
BY J. W. HERON. /
400 The Rival Gianto ofNowhor'.
498 Caetuo Barr. tho Man from Hard but.
537 “Ill lluekeie. tho Slam Shadow.
5’84 Powder P Ii, tho Boy Minor.

. Boll D i th V t be
[20.9, Lnflye IAorr- i. r e "on mil"
I 688 P k

l .

Mail: or. Th; Hm oltno inland
hm an], t o Boy Proapocaor. .
:51 aid-lint Dan, the Troll Patrol.

id Daot Dan’o Ooth) or Rothko M,‘lin Mahler. I

’ 6“
709

 

BY ALBERT \V. AIKEN. .
I] The Two Detectivcli or,’l‘hn Fortunes oia Bowery Girl.
76 Abe Cult. the Cruw-Killnr.
T9 Sol Ginger, lheGiant'l'rappur.
288 Joe Rack of Angela and iii-I Roy Ford.
441' New York Nat. A Tale ul‘TrlclnI and Trapl in Gotham.
45“ New England Nick; or. 'I'hr Fortuuua oi'n Fondling.
434 l‘llllble Nit-k, the Cirt-ua l’rincc.
498 'i‘ao- 'l‘ed. in»: Arizona 5 mrt.
510 Cool Colorado, the Hull-Bread Detective.
518 Cool Colorado in New York.

Rh GEDRGE C. JENKS.

45f) Git. Thar Owney the Unknown.

492 (tit 'l‘har (lwney’u Pledge.

518 The Demon Dot-tor.

bill Double-Curve Dan. lhv Pitcher Detective.

59! Flatt-y trm Slxm~r Dutwtiv...

(Hill The Pitcher Dotm-tlvo’a Foil; or, Dnu‘l Double Play.
016 The llct-au Don-«tire: nr.'l‘hu IluhtCrninunrthu Black Bear.
til-ll The PIN-her lloleetlve'n Tougher“. Tut-tale.

736 Larry the Thoroughbred: ur, eaten on Evury Side.
779 lron Hand, the Cllnrulczl Detective.

R Y CHARLES MORRIS.

18 Will Son-era, the [inn Detective.

22 Phil llurdi‘, [lie hm Boy.

26 l’il-aynne ’0th or, Nicodemus, the Dog Dotoctlvo.

80 Detective Dir-in or, The llerir in rum.

All! llandannle Harry, the llonihlarli Detective.

47 \l'lll Wlldilre, the Tlmrmthbred.

5B Rim-l. "can. Will Wildfire a lint-er.

57 Mike Merry 1h.- Hurhur Pullers Boy.

62 Will Wildfire In the \l'ooda.

65 llllly Baggage. illr Railroad Buy.

70 A 'l'rlunp (turd: nr. Will Wildfire Winn and Lona.

74 Rob Ranker,” ur. My-lerien of New York.

Til lluh Rut-ken the Bunk Runner.

his The Hidden linutl "r. Will Wildflre‘o Revenge.

1 57 Fred llalyurd, the éie hunt Buy; or. The Snuggle".
89 Rob Rocket” ur. Dr ran tn this Wall.

9“ shadowed ; or, Bot. knrhett‘a Fight for Lilo.

i 06 Dark Paul. "H! Tiger King.

i i“ Ira-hing have. tho Dandy Detective.

i 20 Tom Tanner: or. Tlln itlnck Sheep oi the Flock.

i 25 Sum Charcoal llie Pmnlnnt Dnrky.

l 3") Shadow Sam. the lllruenuur 803'.

i 42 The Two “ Blood: ”; or, Shenandoah Bill and Hi: Gang.

5% Dick llaalunrayr or, A Dakota Boy in Chicago.

till The Young Ehnrpux or, ilollicklng Mike’s Hot Trail.

74 Jolly Jim. the Detective Ayn irantice.

‘89 Jolly Jint’n Job; or, The oung Delel‘tlve.

98 The “'uter-Hm id: or, The Ynung Thoroughbred.

05 Haul-away. urt'llakutn; or. A Wattarn Lad in Quaker City.

85-} Ralph Ready. the Hotel Boy Detortlvo.

84I 'l‘

858

 

any Thorno. the Vnuabnnd Datactivo.
The Reporter-Detection or, Fred Flyer'a Blisum‘

‘ Bil? W hie-Awake Joe: or. A Boy of the Times.

87” Lav-r . the Leveiert nr. The Blnod- oi the Boulevard.
408 Fire y, Jock. ll|u Rivor—Rnt Dutentivo. ‘
m ' he Lent Fin er; or. The Entrnppod Cuhler.
438 red Fl er tto Reporter Dow-two.
482 Invincible man, the Pinkerton Ferret.
466 Bill? Brick, the Jolly Vagabond.
46$ WI e-Awake Jeri-v, Detective; or, Entombed Allvo.
479 Detective Dod e; or, The Myotery of Frank Hearty.
48!! w lid Dir-k Rat- ct.
501 Booth. the Boy Fireman r or, Tno Sharp for the Sharpor,

e eeret Mgr-vice Bo Detective.
'lnlln ,the laid or, A nmh Among Wolvoa.
"our race at rknnanat or. The Wall in tho Fold.
’incky Paul, the Boy Speeulator.’
7 “oh and Burn, the Daily Deterllvel.
The Carin-tone Detective: or. Harry Haia’a Big Beat.
15'! Detective Frank’s Sweep-Italian. .

BY MAJCR E. L. ST. VBAIN.

993 Sancho Pedro tho Boy Bandit.

801 Leadvllle Nic the Boy Sport.

on Redtop Rube. ti... Vlailanto Prlau.

888 Brim-tone Rob, and Hi! Lightning Horn Quorum
855 Tomhatone Tom. tho Ariaona Boy of “Band.”
859 Durant!“ Dave, the Y‘ 111w "Inn n n n “‘rutlar.
I'll Klufiholt Chrin, tho Ymn: Har -8holl man.
330 Ava anehe Alf. tho Foothill! Guide.

390 Jaguar Joe. nftho Maintain Mail-Lino.

BY EDWARD S. ELLIS.
6 Bill Ridden, T11???-
8 Seth Jone" or, a Captivoa oi tno Frontier.
10 Nat Todd: or, Tho Fate oi'tha Sioux Captiva-
.1 Inc Frontier Angel.
98 The Boy Minn-a: or, The Enchanted inland.
m The Hunted Hunter; or, The Smnu Hanan“.
'54 T e Haif-llloodx or, Thu Panthor of tho Plainl.
I‘ll ’l‘ 6 Race Hunter: or, Tho Steam Prairlo Man.

BY BRACEBRIDGE IIEMYNG. /

89 Island Jim: or. The Pot of tho Family.
91 The Captain of the Club: or. The Rival Athiotoa.
101 Jack liarkaway in New York.
BY MAJCR HENRY B. STODDARD. Ex-leollt.
son Neck-Tia Ned: or,'l’m nupom Parda.
840 i a ier Ra haeit orfl‘ho Swordsman oithoou.
Bill K- -Glovo lat. the Dandy oi the Rnekioo.
406 i‘d'llz‘d‘ K" ll“ PM: 93.“; ll?” 5'13 u
an- n er: or. o n
505 Frisiell’a Pardt or. The One-Amati Gian“: u Fury
, DY 001.. A. F. HOLT.
899 Black Bach-kin: or.'i'ho Mukod Mon oiDooth Canyon.
419 Kenneth, tho Knife-King.
435 Little Li Infant. tho Pilot of tho Wnndu.
IIB The Don y Snort; nr.’i'ho King Pin Con hour.
878 Headlight Harry’o Hazards or, Tho Ll: tning Expnu

mt v .
om alodttlm nut-y’- Haul.
727 Headlight Harry’a Riren.
759 Headlight llarry’o Heritage.
‘ BY 0. RUNNING CLARK.

35 Ca tail Paul or. Thd Boy 9 oi tho Mountain!-
loo Th: Yankeo Rajah: or. «tilt... of tho Black Shorooi.
BY Will. i}. PATTEN.
“ll The Diamond Sport! or, Tho Donhla I'm alliod Book.
Mil gas-tal- alyote :or.l"lvein Ono.
631 "are tho port from Donoor.
581 Old oath-hell, the honor Dom-tin.
004 Iron Fern tho Mnn oil'lro. r
019 The Bov ramp Deter-tire: an'l‘ho Daublo GripWiiuoo
eon Violet Vane, an. v.1... 5......
041 D1 ave'o nandv Paul.
851 Round Boy Frank. tho Young Annual Doiocllvo
Otis Violet Vaae’a Viz-tor? ‘
- nan Ridor.
«on Violet and fiat-y, the my mm.
105 Viola: Vane’a Vow: or. The Crafty Domitvo’o (hit.
14 on iaery, tho Man from Mlunnri.
B4 Violet Vane’a Von eaaco.
780 Violet Vane’l Var lot.
Vane. ilie Ventril nl-t Vidocq.
7 one. ll“! Vonquia ad. I
1’68 Violet Vane’o Vioion,
1’74 Clear-Gr“ Cal, the Nover-Say-Dla Detocfive.

 

 

.148 Sharp Sum

 

RY JOSEPH E. BADGER. JR.

2 Yellowntone Jack: or, The Try-rigor.
4.8 "lurk John thu Road-Agent; or, It! Outlaw'l Rotroat.
65 llnrrlrane lillli or, M untanz Still) and Hin Ford.
19 Mustang San- ; nr.’l‘he King oi'the Pluial.
36 Night-Hawk Kit: 1-r.’l‘he Daughter oi'the Ranch.
Dainty Lam-e the lluy Sport.
i Panther Paul: or. Dninty Lnnce to the Rescue.
0 The lilaek Giant: or, Dainty Lance in Jeopardy.
8 Deadly Daah: or, Flghting Fire wnh Fire.
. l The Roy Trailer-n; ur, Dainty mea un the War-Path.
3 The llo 'arda; or. Dainty Lance Unmuslu.
I Crooket Cale, Illa (Inllhan of Celestial City.
0 he Ran-anon “'oli'r or,TlIe Beautiful Decoy.
t The “lack Rider; or,Thu Homo-Thievea'unguo.
885 old Double Flat or. The Slmnze Guide
2515 The Klan» al‘ I In- l'omla: m Dnnnn Boona'l Lut'l‘rall.

coaams

wanton-Hana.-
hill

--

th Fox. the Border 80 ' Detective.

625 Chinvapiu Dan, the lay Trailer.
6?? (ililneanin llan’u Rolland Trail.
“88 Chlnoapin llan‘a Home flirt-toll.
“93 illd Crazy. the Man Without n Hand.
70R Light-Heart Luio’a Legal-‘3’.

TIN Li ht-Iluart Lnte‘n Lant 'lrall.
T23 SI v...‘ he “‘ '
729 Silverll n
739 Silt'u‘u ...
74B Silt“ '

 

a» the Halt—Blund; or, The Border Beagle at Bay.
u the Huatilv.
the Friendly; or, The Border Beugle’l Boy Pli'd.
ll" JACK FARRAGUT.
815 Ned. the Cabin Roy.
8930 The Sea Sorcerer-tn or. The Boy Skippor.
BY LIEUT. ll. 1). PERRY. U. S. N.
176 The Roy Runaway; or. The Bum-anew of the Bay.
180 The Sea Trailer; Dr, A Vow Well Kept.
19“ Captain Kit: or. The hiyuter) of Montauk Point.
RY CAPTAIN MAYNE REID.
78 Blue Dick onTha Yellow Chief's Vangonnco.
87 The Land lrutea or, 'l‘hn Leanna oi Dovil’n inland.
187 The llelsleua llan ; or, Backwoods Ratribntion.
939 The Gui -oeeker Guide: or. Tim Lott Mountain.

 

 

 

 

 

RY WILLIA“ ll EYSTER.
190 Randy lhirke; or, The Tigers of High Pine.
810 Faro Frank 3 or, Dandy Duke’a Go-Down Paul.
B" CAPT. ALFRED B. TAYLCR U. S. A.

ll“ Hull’an Billy. the Boy Bnllwhacltar.
194 Buil’ulo Hill I Hot: M. The Gamhlor Guido.

RY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS.
546 Captain Cactua the Chaparral Cock.
568 The Handy of Dodge.

{fill The Silver Sport.
533 Bath-on $01. the Man With a Shadow

1589 Torn-Cut and Part]; or.Tha Dead Sot at Silver City.

601 lla [15 Hanna, th. Dutch Viduc .
611 llil a Barnaole, the Detective
622 Texan Toni-Cat's Triad
68]. Tom Cat‘s Terrible Tank.
688 Tmn-Cat’r Triumph; or. lllvck Dan’a Great Comhiuo.
«Mi Cowhn livid. the rattle-Range vemtiro.
66’? War-bl n: “’illlnm, the Mountain lllonutehank.
lilil’r Jully Jer lulu the Plains Dewetivo.
676 Si nnl Sam. the Lookout Scout.
689 I! l: thi- Gygyafi Spy.
699 Simple Sim, l e macho BIA-tor.
T12 The Me-meriat Sport; M, The Myotlflod Dotooilu
783 Talteu Tom, the Mad Prospector.
745 Kaunas Jim. the Cram-Cut Detective.
T61 Marmaduke, the Mustang“ Detective.
773 The Rustler of Rolling Stone.
785 Lone Hand Joe, the Cummitteu 0i Ono.

HY CAPT. MARK WILTON.

.58 Y um! Kent-wk: or, Tho Red Lana.
970 H uard Ben; or, 'l‘hn Riot at Keno Camp.
986 Jolh. the Roy Tenderl‘not.
BY DAN RUNNING.
T46 uiai. Jack, the Secret Service Spy.
16? ac and Jack, the Invincihlal; onThe Diobollcai ’l‘hreo.
MISCELLAN Bulls AUTHORS.

4 The Wild-Horne Huaten. By Capt. Mayno loin an.
Yrodorick Whittaker.

l) A untnre- oi‘ Huron Hanehanoon.
19 Gal-iver’o Travelo. By Don built.
14 Alnd dhu or. Tho Wondorful Lanny.
16 Rolmumn Crusoe. (91 Illuatra loan.)
18 Siadhad the Sailor. Hla Sovon Vo‘yaloo.
£9 The Sea Serpent“ or. Tho Boy Rob noon Cnaoo. By Joan

howl .
as Tue'oeean Bloodhound; or, Tho Rod Pinko of a.
Carribooo. y S. W. Pl no. ’ ,
or. Tho Aron- Qnoogzckay I 8. Tina.

orcnlen.

 

on The Ho! Clown;
88 Ned Wyl e. “an Boy Scout. By Tell! .
51 The Boy .illeat nr.'l'hu Undo ound Canto. By A.C.llona.
95 The Rival Raven: or. Tho rubooton of tho Mint-inn.
By Honk-Col. Halo tino. .
98 Robin Hood. tho Untimod Earl: or.'l'ho Marry Mon at Groan-
woo . B Prat. ildorolmo.
105 (lid Rulre. tho Humor; or. Tho Cm Cami". 3, Canal-
Hamilton Holman.
Hallie Mad Hunter: or. "MOI" of Dent. lyhmaluo.
134‘ Elm”. tho ’l‘exaal or. Tho Young Champion. 3, Goon.

oronn.

lfls The. Young l’rivauen or.’l‘ho Pinto’a Stronghold. I,

Harry Carond h.
or, Tho Advontnrol ot a Mondlooa Boy. I] .l.

Aloxaudor Pa u.

at lanky Harrell. 'i'ra por: or, Tho Groon Bangor oi tho Yo].

tow-tuna. By Idwo mo.

90! Fe ua Pearl-aufhi. tho Now Y trh Boy. 3 e. L. Allan.

lilo Kil War. the (In der ~r,Davy Croehtt‘o roohod Trail.

By ln-lru . .Warrou. ‘ - _

09! Red Claw. tho Only-d Tumor; or. Tho Maid at tho cur.
By Captain Com-took. . I

31': Pomofl} 1:94: tho Livon had lulu loadvlllo. 3, Idol-

l T. (WHO.

8.8 The Sky Detectivoi or. A Boy’- flghi tor “fond flout.
B Molar Michoy hoo. \

850 Ilyed Ralph. the River Rover: «.11.. W a.
vonn. y Nod hunt no.

365 Baltimore “an ill! Boothlui Donation. I A. P. Harri.

874 Gold-nun Ton" or. Bnn’o Dnohio Match. 0 ll. Inn.

876 California Joo'l Fir“ Trail. By (‘4 on.) than.
Ho or Mon-my.

ii. Billy Bomb-shell. tho CiilClirnhor. 31 I. I. Winthrop.

 

saw-m"  own...“

"333%...." " ' ' '°° "
B The Cowho naive. 9! Edwin lrooko I'M

5' Ariel the Al hm. by David Druid. ‘

' 585 will Wale", tlo Bov Form. Bo H.lnioa.

683 The Head “ruotive’o Donhie. By Gerald Carlton. -
791 Maverick Mono tho ’Ariooua Dotottlvo; on'hoWilard oi
rllrhoa Pan. By win Linahoo. ,
A New Inna Evory 'l'neaday.
TheiHalf-Dlme Library to for solo by all “Idaho,”
mykaopy,oroonllymallnlrooolumaixeomooui ‘
BEADLE A” ADAII. Publio‘ooro.

‘08 Willlaal Street. New Yorh

 

BEADLE’SakDIMErILBRARY.

Pubhshed Every chdnesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers.

 

 

BY \VILLIAI‘I R. EYSTEIfi.

1'18 Uncle liedrock's llig Bounce.

707 The Rival Rovers.

6x7 Double Cinch Dan. the Sport With a Charm.

677’ )1 r. Jackson. the Gent from Jaybird.

12,74) (jut—Edge Johnny; or. Roldan and His Rovers.

1331) Lucky Lest: ‘s Lone Hand.

liril Uid Handcurt's tiig Dump.

622 The All Around Sports.

603 Dt‘Sl‘l'. Alf. the Man With the Cougar.

Still tienlle Jack. the High Roller from Humbug.

.57 Seven Shot Steve. the Sport with a Smile.
l‘he Dude Detective.

.558 Hurrah Harry. the High Horse from link-yon.

Fle liels'luzzur Brick, the ilailltt of Blue Blazes.

Siiil Oregon. the Sport With a Sear.

52.“) Fresh Frank. tln- Derringer Daisy.

.3051 The Dude from Denn-r.

» ’ Pinnacle Pete; or. Th:- Fonl from Way Back. .

45. Major Sunshine. the Man of Three Lives.

429 Hair Trigger Tom of Red liend.

102 Snapshot Sam; or. The Angels” Flat Racket.
396 The Piper Detective; or. The Gilt Edge Gang.
375 Royal George. the Three, in One.

.3513 Tl”- e Handsome Sports; or. The Combination.
2111 Double Shot Dave 01' the Left Hand.

333 Derringer Dick. the Man with the Drop.

$300 A Sport in Spectacles; or. Bad Time at Bunco.
268 Magic Mike. the Man 01’ Frills,

2:29 Captain Culsleevo; or. The Little Sport.

7314 The Two Cool Sports; or. Gertie of the Gulch.
'19:: The Lightning S mrt.

182 Hands Up; or. '1 le Knights of the Canyon.

160 Soft Hand. Sharp; or, Tlr- Man with the Sand.
145 Pistol Pards; or. The Silent Sport from Cinnabar

BY CAPT. FRED. \VHITTAKER.

fill The Showman Detective; or. The Mad Magician.
609 The Texas Tramp; or. Solid Salli.
445 Journeyman John. the Champion.
412 Larry Locke. lhe Man of Iron.
406 Old Pop Hicks. Showman.
378 John Armstrong. Mechanic.
326 The Whitest Man in the Mines.
3 The Marshal of Saranstown; or, The League.
303 To -Notcb Tom, the Cowboy Outlaw.
295 01. Cross-Eye. the Maverick-Hunter.
290 The Lost Corvette: or, Blakell-y‘s Last Cruise.
234 The Three Frigates; or. Old Ironsides‘ Revenge.
‘27? The Saucy Jane. Privateer.
2272 Seth Slocum. Railroad Surveyor.
Old Double-Sword; or. Pilots and Pirates.
A Yankee, Cossack; or,The Queen 01’ the Nihilists.
Alligator Ike: or. The Secret of the Everglade.
1. The Fog Devil; or, The Ski )pcr of the Flash.
The Flying Dutchman of 1 +10.
' l‘he Mad llussars; or. The 0's and the Mac’s.
- T P lrson Jim. King of the Cowboys.
C ilwnel Plunger; or, The Unknown Sport.
‘ One Eye. the Cannoneer.
. The Man in Red; or. The Ghost of the Old Guard.
The Death’s Head Cuirassiers.
The Phantom Knights.
. Red Rudiger. the Archer.
Nemo. King of the Tramps.
The SeVered Head; or. The Castle Couey Secret.
The Duke of Diamonds.
9.3 The Rock Rider; or. The Spirit of the Sierra.
96 Double Death; or. The S )y of ‘Vyoming.
6 The Irish Captain. A Ta 9 of Fontenoy.
65 The Red Rajah; or. The Scourge of the Indies.
89 The Russxan Spy; or, The Starry Cross Brothers.

BY GEORGE C. JENKS.

'726 Fearless Sam. the Grand Comliinztion Detective.
719 Boston Bob. the Sport Detective.
.572 Jaunty Joe. the Jockey Detective.
551 Mad Sharp. the Rustler. '
538 Rube Rocket. the Tent Detectlve.
.526 Death-Grip, the Tenderfoot Detective.
507 The Drummer Detective.
43".) The Giant Horseman.
.898 Sleepless Eye. the Pacific Detective.
BY PHILIP S. WARNE.

1583 Captain Adair, the Cattle. Kin .
587 Cap'ain Midnight. the Man ofCraft.
514 The Back to Back Pards.
5‘22 The Cham ion Three.
502 Bareback Suck. the Centaur of the Plains.
14722 Six Foot Si: or, The Man to “ Tie To.“
431 California Kit. the Always on Hand.
401 Silver Sid; or A “ Daisy " Bluif.
330 Tiger Dick's filed 9; or. Tnc Golden Serpent.
359 Yellow Jack. the estizo.
.338 Jack Sands. the Boss of the Town.
299 Three of a Kind; or Dick. Despard and the Sport.
280 Tiger Dick’s Lone Hand.
'251 Tiger Dick vs. iron Dnslpard
207 Old Hard Head; or. W iirlwind and his Mare.
171 Tiger Dick. the Man of the Iron Heart.
114 The Gentleman from Pike.

80 A Man of Nerve; or. Caliban the Dwarf.

54 Always on Hand: or. The Foot-Hills Sport.

29 Tiger Dick. Faro King; or. The Cashier's Crime.

4 The Kidnapper; or. The Northwest Shanghai.
1 A Hard Crowd: or. Gentleman Sam‘s Sister.

BY LEON LE‘VIS.
‘699 The Cowbo Couriers.
686 The On-the' Ving Detectives.
1524 The Submarine Detective: or. The Water Ghouls.
484 Captain Ready. tbs Red Ransomer.
481 The Silent Detective. or. The Bogus Nephew.
456 The Demon Steer.
428 The Flying Glim; or. The Island Lure.

BY PROF. J. H. INGRAHAM.
316 Lafltte’s Lieutenant; or. Child or the Sea.
314 L'lflite; or. The Pirate of the Gulf.
118 The Burglar Captain; or. The Fallen Star
113 The Sea Slipper; or, The Frecbooters.

BY DR. NOEL DUNBAR.
730 Duke Despard. the Gambler Duelist.

804 The Detective in Rags- or The Grim Shadower.
500 The 'rrue-Heartrards‘. '

. 711

1 bid!

 

BY CAPTAIN H0“’AIID lIOLi'lES.
721 (‘aptain Hercules. the Strong Arm Detective.
Dan Damon. the (iiltrFldce Detective.

Silver Stl-vv. the Branded Sport.
6111 (lldeon Grip, the Secret SllzuloWl-r.
V~-lvet Van. the Mystery ShadoWer.
671' The Dude Desperado
671 Jason (dew. the Silk-Handed Ferret.
661 Monk Morel, the Man-Hun er.
651 Sol S llllllX. the Ferret Detective.
61;! Red ’ard and Yellow
61H Silent Sam the Shadow Sphinx.
5!)”: (.‘11 Ituin Sill, the, Shasta Ferret.
57’. Oh Cormorant. the, Bowery Shadow.
51;!) Captain Cobra. the Hooded Mystery.
5'36 Danton. the Shadow Sharp.
536 Silk Hand. t ~e Mohave Ferret.
bl: "he .‘llagnale llell-l-tive.
lack Javert. tho independent Detective.
.. Reynard of Red Jack: or. The Lost Detective.
‘ (,‘uptnin Veh'et‘s Big Stake,
. . l’llil Fox. theUenreel Spott'r
' Richard Reduce, the Tum Worlds‘ Detective.
Sunshine Sam. a (‘bip of tin- Old Block.
Hawkspear. the Man with a Secret.
Ccldgrip in Deadu'ood.
Captain Coldgrlp. the Detective
": Captain Coldgrip's Long Trail.
Volcano. the Frisco Spy.
The California Sharp.
Lucifer Lynx. the \\ nnder Detective.
Father Ferret. the Frisco Shadow.
5 Captain Coldgrip in New York.
Captain Coldgrlp‘s Nerve: or. Inggun Nick.
41)!) Captain Coidgrip: or. The New ork Spotter.
3112 The Lost Bonanza: or. The Root of Silent Hound.
38-2. The Bonanza Band: or. Dread Don of Cool Clan.
371 Major Blister. the Sport of ’l‘w l Cities.
865 Keen Kennard. the Shasta Shadow.
35? The Des crate Dozen.
317 Denver uke. the Man with “ Send."
Cool Cdnrad. the Dakota Detective.
33:3 Flash Dan. the Nabol); or, Blades of Bowie Bar.
321 California Claude. the Lone Bandit.
2111 Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy.
278 Hercules Goldspur. the Man of the Velvet Hand.

BY \VILLIAM II. MANNING.

71-1 Gabe Gall. the Gambolil-r from Great Hump.
7113 Spokane Saul. the, Samaritan Sus Jct.
Dead-Shot Paul, the Dccp~Range l‘xnlorer.
655 Strawberry Sam. the Man with the Birthmark.
646 Dark John. the Grim Guard.
6:38 Murdock. the Dread Detective.
6:33 Dangerous Dave. the Never-Beaten Detective.
611 Alkali Abe the Game Chicken from Texas.
596 Rustler Rube: the Round-Up Detective.
Dan Dixon‘s Double.
575 Steady Hand. the Napoleon of Detectives.
563 Wyoming Zeke, the Hotspur of Honclsuckle.
551 Garry Kean. the Man with Backbone.
539 Old Doubledark. tho Wily Detective,
531 Saddle-Chief Kit. the Prairie Centaur.
5:21 Paradise Sam. the Nor’-West Pilot.
513 Texas Tartar. the Man With Nine Lives.
506 Uncle Honest. the Peacemaker ct' Horncis’ Nest.
498 Central Pacific Paul. the Mail Train Spy.
49:! Border Bullet. the Prairie sharpshooter.
lit‘ltl Kansas Kitten. the Northwest Detective.
4TH Gladiator Gabe, the Samson of Sassujack.
471) The Duke 01' Dakota.
463 Gold Gauntlet. thr- Gulch Gladiator.
455 Yank Yelloubird. the Tall Hustler of the Hills.
4-19 Blutf Burke. King of the Rookies.
41;! Wild West Walt. the Mountain Veteran.
437 Deep Duke: or. The Man of Two Lives.
427 Tue Rivals 01’ Montana Mill
415 Hot Heart. the Detective S V.
405 Old Baldy. the Brigadier: Buck Basin.
385 Will Dick Turpin. the Leadvillc Lion.
297‘ Colorado Rube. the Slrong Arm of Hotspur.
279 The Gold Dragoon. or. California Bloodhound.

BY WM. G. PATTEN.

715 Double-Voice Dan on Deck.

70‘: Douhl~~~Volc-- Dan, the Always-on-Deck Detective
696 Double-Voice: Dan. the Go-it Alone Detective.
699 The Sparkler Sharp,

676 Hurricane Hal. the Cowboy Hotspur.

66) Old True Blue. the Trusty.

663 The Giant Sport; or, Sold to Satan.

056 Old Plug gly. the Rough and Ready.

618 Gold Glove Gid the Man of Grit.

611 Aztec Jack. the rsert Nomad.

631 Colonel Cool. the Santa Fe Sharp.

602 Captain Nameless. the Mountain Mystery.
571 Oh Dismal. the Rang) Detective.

545 Hustler Harry. the Cowboy Sport.

BY CAPTAIN MARK WILTON.

323 Hotspur Hugh; or. The Banded Brothers.
811 Heavy Hand: or, The Marked Men.
805 Silver-Plated Sol. the Montana Rover.
201 Horseshoo Hank. the Man of Big Luck.
28.5 Lightning Bolt. the Canyon Terror.
276 Texa: Chick the Southwest Detective.
271 Stonefist. of Big Nugget Bend.
268 Leopard Luke the King of Horse-Thieves.
263 iron-Armed Abe. the Hunchback Destroyer.
258 Bullet Head. the Colors. lo Bravo.
245 Barranca Bill the Revolver Champion
237 Lon Haired lax; or, Th» Black Lea .
227 Buc shot Ben. the Man-Hunter of Ida 10.
293 Canyon Dave. the Man of the Mountain.
219 The Scorpion Brothers; or. Mad Tom's Mission
202 Cactus Jack. the Giant Guide.
194 Don Sombrero. the California Road Gent.
176 Lady Jaguar. the Robber Queen.
BY H \ not.» PAYNE.

Z318 Degective gurr‘s Full.

)0 active urr. the Head usrters S is).
713 Detective Burr‘s Spirit Chgse. pee
701i Detective Burr’s Seven Clues.
698 Thad Burr. the invincible.
690 The Matchless Detective.
680 XX. the Fatal Clcw.

 

BY Nli I) BUN'I‘LINI‘}.

657 Long Tom. the Privateer.

6311 The Sea 8 7y.

621 The ill-d l rivaleer: or. Th.- Midshipman Rove:

5H1 Il‘ire Feather. 'ln- llueezlneer King.

SIT iiulfalo ilill s first Trail.

361 'i‘omhstone llil-k. lln- ’l‘l‘uin Pilot.

271) Andy“... um Rover; or. 'l'ln- Pirate‘s Daughter.

1'32 Saul Subberday. the Idiot ISpy.

Ill The Smuggier t 'aplain; or. The Skipper's Crime.

61 Captain Senu'nil‘. (he l‘rivnt. l r.

'-' The Red Warrior; or. 'l'|.e (‘omnneln- Lover.

» The Sea llandit '. The Queen of the isle.

:16 The While wm . . tr. ’l'ln- Seminole Prophet.

Thayennlanegeadhe Scourgl-uir. The “hr-Eagle.

I!" CAPTAIN lVIAl'NE REID.

The White Squaw.
The Hunter's Feast.
M The Maroon. A Tale of Voodoo and Dir-ah.
The Wild Huntress; or. The Squatrer.
.‘ The War Trail: or. The Hunt of the Wild Horse.
Tile White Llhiei’. A Romuncu nt‘ Mexico.
The, Ride Rangers; or. Adventures in Mexico.
» The Captain of the Riiles: or. The, Lake Queen.
' 'l‘he Specter liarlple. A Tale of the Pacific.
. The Scalp Hunters. A Romance of the Plains.
' The Death-Shot: ul‘. Tracked to Death.
The Headless Horsennln.

“Y (10L. ’I‘IIOIVIAS ll. NIONSTERY.

3:1": Spring-Ht w l Jack: or. The Masked Mystery.

262 Fighting Tom. the Terror of the 'l‘ouirhs.

2:16 Champion Sum: or. The Monurchsot’ the Show.

16‘.) (‘nl'pul‘dl Cannon. the Man of li‘orry Duels

157’ Mourad. the illumeluke; or, The Three Sword
masters.

151) El lilibio bravo. King of the Swordsmen.

it.‘ The (‘zztr's Spy; or. The Nihilist League,

1' ' The Demon Duelist: or. The League of Steel.

8.11 Iron Wrist. the Swordmaster.

BY COLONEL BELLE SARA.
it‘ll Shamus O‘Brien. the l'ould Boy of Glingnl.
87‘ Thn Scarlet Cllplltlll; or. Prisoner of the Tower.
53 Silver Sam; or, The Mystery of Deadwood City.

IIY JACKSON KNOX—“ 01d Hawk.”

732 The Hurricane Detective.

64:3 Cusdemaine. the Silent Sitter.

616 Magnus. the Weird Detective.

666 Tile llrop Detective.

595 \Vellhorn. the Upper Crust Detective.

hm Jnrmn. the Detective Expert.

. ‘ Old Falcon‘s Double.

561 The Thug King' or, The Falcon Detectivefs Foe.
518 Falconbrid e. lie Sphinx Deteclive.

5:16 Old Falcon s Foe: or. The Detective‘s Swle Job.
515 Short-Stop Ma e. the Diamond Field Detective.
56‘.) Old Fnl 'on. t in Thunderbolt Detective.

501 S ringstoel Steve. the Retired Detective.

dill T in Dl-tectlve's Spy.

48.5 Rowlock. the HM )Ol‘ Detective.

477 Dead-arm Brandt.

467 Mainwaring. the Salamander.

46.. The Circus Detective.

£151 Grinlock. the Rocket Detective.

414 The Magic Detective: or. ’1 ho Hidden Hand.

4‘24 Hawk Heron's Deputy.

386 Hawk Heron. the Falcon Detective.

BY K. F. IIILL.

721 Sam Saunders. the Go-As‘YouAPlease Detective.
410 Sarah Bron-n. Detective.

BY CHARLES NIORRIS.

589 Princu Ilal. the. Rnttllng Detective.
330 Cop Colt. the Quaker L‘ity Detective.

MISCELL \NEOUS.
mm T1... hauntll-ss Detecdve: rr. Tho Daughter
Avenger. lly Tom W. King.
512 The Ocean Drift; or. The Fight for Two Lives.
By A. 1“. "oil.
531 Green Mountain Joe: or. The Counterfeiter‘s
Cave. 1in Marmaduke Day.
5 8 Royal Ric lard. the Thoroughbred. By J. W.
shon.
366 The Telegraph Detective. By George H. Morse.
353 Bart Brennan; or. The King 0! Straight Flush.
liv John Cuthhert.
350 Flash Fnlenn. Society Detective. By W. J. Cobb.
312 Kinkl'ont Karl. the Mountain Scourge. By Mor-
ris Rcilwing.
SW) The Snluggh-r Cutter.
261 Black Sam. tl.e Prairie
Jo Yanls.
it)” The Three Guardsmen. By Alexander Dumas.
179 Conrad, the Convict. By ’rof. Gildersleeve.
1m: Owls-t, the Robber I’rinco. B ' S. R. Urban.
15% The Doomed Dozen. By Dr. ll‘lzak Powell
1:)": (,‘nnvuln lronnerve. the Connieri‘eiter Chief.
1 16 The Doctor Detective. 13 George Lemuel.
iii The Hunchback of Noire )nme. Bv Victor-Hugo.
116 The Three Spaniards. By Geo. Walker.
133 Rody the Rover, By William Carleton.
1‘27) The Blacksmith Outlaw. Hy H. Ainsworth.
110 The Silent Riileman. lly H. W. Herbert.
10:2 The Masked lland. By George L. Aiken.
TS The Mysterious S )y. By Arthur M. Grainger.
76 The ueen's Mus .‘eleers. 1% ' George Albany.
68 The lighting Trap ler. liy C’apt. J. F. C. Adams.
60 Wide Awake. the ohbcr King. By F. Dumont.
3‘3 B‘hoys 01’ Yale: or. The Scrapes of Collegian;
11 Mids iipman Easy. By Captain Marryntt.
10 Vidocq. the French Police . py. By himself.
9 Handy Andy. By Samuel Lover.
6 Wildcat Bob. By Edward L. Wheeler.

A new issue awry Wednesda: .
Bendic’n Dime Library is Mr sale by all
Newsdealers, ten cents per copy. or sent by mail on
receipt of twelve cents each.
BEADLE AND ADAMS. vausnzns.
98 William Street. New York.

B J. D. Conm .
T‘ixun y

derbolt. By Col.

 

BEADLE’SrDIMrflBRARY.

. i.

Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Umform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers.

 

 

BY COL. PRENTISS INGRAHAM.

704 Invisible lvnn. the Wizard Detective.
685 The Red-skin Sea Rover.
679 Revello. the Pirate Cruiser; or. The Rival Rovers
672 The Red Rapier; or, The Sea Rover’s Bride.
662 The Jew Detective; or, The Beautiful Convict.
610 The Rover‘s Ret ibution.
635 The Ext-Buccaneer; or, The Stigma of Sin.
630 The Sea Thief
625 Red Wings; or, The Gold Seekers of the Bahamas.
615 The Three buccaneers.
610 The Red Flag Rover;or.White Wings of the Deep.
605 The Shadow Silver Ship.
600 The Silver Ship; or, The Sea Scouts of ’76.
593 The Sea Rebel: or. Red Rovers of the Revolution.
587 Conrad. the Sailor Spy; or. True Hearts of ‘76.
581 The Outlawed Ski per; or, The Gantlet Runner.
560 The Man from exico.
553 Mark Monte. the Mutineer; or. The Branded Brig.
546 The Doomed Whaler: or. The Life Wreck.
540 The Fleet Scourge; or. The Sea Wings of Salem.‘
530 The Sava es of the Sea.
524 The Sea hsser; or. The Pirate Noble.
516 Chatard. the Dead-Shot Duelist.
510 El Moro. the Corsair Commodore.
493 The Scouts of the Sea.
489 The Pirate Hunter; or. The Ocean Rivals.
482 Ocean Tramps ; or. The Desperadoes of the Deep.
476 Bob Brent. the Buccaneer; or. the Red Sea Raider.
469 The Lieutenant Detective: or. the Fugitive Sailor.
457 The Sea Insurgent: or. The Conspirator Son.
446 Ocean Ogre. the Outcast Corsair.
435 The One-Armed Buccaneer.
480 The Fatal Frigate; or, Rivals in Love and War.
425 The Sea Sword; or. The Ocean Rivals.
418 The Sea Siren: or. The Fugitive Privateer.
899 The New Monte Cristo. ,
398 The Convict Captian.
888 The Giant Buccaneer: or The Wrecker Witch.
877 Afloat and Ashore: or. The Corsair Conspirator.
873 Sailor of Fortune; or. The Barnegat Buccaneer.
369 The Coast Corsair: or. The Siren of the Sea.
864 The Sea Fugitive; or. The Queen of the Coast.
846 Ocean Guernllas; or, Phantom Midshipman.
841 The Sea Desperado.
he Magic Snip; or, Sandy Hook Freebooters.
385 The Gentleman Pirate; or. The Caseo Hermite.
818 The Indian Buccaneer: or. The Rovers.
807 The Phantom Pirate; or. The Water Wolves.
281 The Sea Owl; or. The Lady Captain of the Gulf.
259 Cutlass and Cross; or. the Ghouls of the Sea.
255 The Pirate Priest; or. The Gambler’s Da htor.
ueen Helen. the Amazon of the Overlap .
1 Lightning the Man of Chance. ‘
The Kid Glove Miner; 01'. The Magic Doctor.
Black Beard. the Buccaneer.
The Specter Yacht; or. A Brother‘s Crime.
216 The Corsair Planter; or. Driven to Doom.
210 Buccaneer Bess. the Lioness of the Sea.
205 The Gambler Pirate; or, Lady of the Lagoon.
198 The Skeleton Schooner; or The Skimmer.
154 the Ocean Vampire; or, The Castle Heiress.
161 The Scarlet Schooner: or. The Sea Nemesis.
177 Don Diablo. the Planter-Corsair.
172 Black Pirate: or. The Golden Fetters M story.
162 The Mad Mariner: or. Dishonor-ed and lsowned
155 The Corsair Queen: or, The Gypsies ot the Sea.
147 Gold Spur. the Gentleman from Texas.
139 Fire Eye; or. The Bride of a Buccaneer.
134 Darkefi Dan. the Colored Detective.
181 Bucks in Sam. the Texas Trailer.
128 The Chevalier Corsair; or. The Heritage.
121 The Sea Cadet; or The Rover of the Rigoletts.
116 Black Plume; or. The Sorceress of Hell Gate.
109 Captain Kyd. the King of the Black Flag.
104 Montezuma. the Merciless.
108 Merle, the Mutineer; or. The Red Anchor Brand.
lance. the Buccaneer.
89 The Pirate Prince; or. The Queen of the Isle.
B5 The Cretan Rover; or. Zuleikah the Beautiful.
2 The Dare Devil; or. The Winged Sea Witch.

 

BUFFALO BILI. NOVELS.
By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham.

785‘ Budalo Bill and His Merry Men.

731 Buffalo Bill‘s Beagles; or Silk Lasso Sam.
' 727 Buflaio Bill's Body Guai .

722 Buffalo Bill on the War- th.

716 Bairan Bill’s Scout Sha owers.
‘ 710 Busalo Bill Baffled; or. The Deserter Desperado.
.697 Buffalo Bill's Buckskin Brotherhood.
Buffalo Bill's Blind Trail- or. Mustang Ma e.
Buflalo Bill‘s Swoop;or. The King of the M nes.
The Cowboy Clan; or, The Tigress of Texas.
lgasso Kinfi’s Le e;or. Buck Taylor in Texas.
1 uflalo Bi '5 Chis of Cowbo s; 01'. Buck Taylor
Buiralo Bill’s Bonanza; or. S ver Circle Knights.
862 Buffalo Bill’s Grl ; or. Oath Bound to Custer.
329 Buflaio Bill’s Pl ge: or. The League of Three.
189 Wild Billis Gold Trail; or. The Desperate Dozen.
, 175 Wild Bill’s Trump Card: or, The Indian Heiress.
168 Wild Bill. the Pistol Dead Shat.

 

By Bull‘an Bill. '

089 The Gold King: or. Montebello, the iflcent.
599 The Dead Shot Nine: or. My Pards of t e Plains.
414 Bod Renard. the I dian Detective.

‘ 401 One-Armed Pard; r. Borderland Retribution.
397 The Wizard Brothers: or. White Beaver’s Trail.
894 white Beaver. the Exile of the Platte. .
819 ild Bill. the Whirlwind of the West.

804 Texas Jack. the Prairie ttler.

243 The Pilgrim Sharp: or. T e Soldier‘s Sweetheart.
88 Gold Bullet Sport: or. K hts of the Overland.
52 Death-Trailer. the Chic! 0 Scouts.

‘ By Leon Lewis, Ned Buntllne, etc.

682 Buflalo 3111’: Secret Serfloe Trail.
629 Buffalo Bill‘s Darin Role; or Daredeath Dick.
m Buflalo Bill's First rail; or. The Express alder.
/ '158 Rain Bill. Chief of Scouts. ’7
117 Buil'alo Bill s Strange Pard' 05,1)th Dandy.
92 Buflalo am, the Buckskin ling. I , t

‘33 

 

BY JOSEPH E. BADGER, JR.

720 The Secret Six; or. Old Halcyon.

712 The Man of Sil '.

705 Bantam Bob. the Beaut from Butte.

693 Kent Kasson, the Prose er Sport.

683 Bob Breeze. the Rounder Detective.

675 Steel Surry, the Sport from Sunrise

668 Solemn Saul’s Luck Struak.

661 The Get-There Sharp.

651 Silvertip Steve, the Sky Scraper from Siskiyou.

645 Gopher Gabe. the Unseen Detective.

636 Dandy Darling. Detective.

62? Mosska Mose, the Mountaineer.

617 The Grip Sack Sharp’s Even u .

597 Big Bandy, the Brigadier of Br?mstone Butte.

588 sandy Sands. the Sharp from Sun City.

576 Silver»Tongued Sid: or. Grip Sack arp‘s Sweep.

564 The Grip-Sack Shag: or. The Seraphs of Sodom.

555 Grip-Sack Sid. the mple SpOrt.

547 The Buried Detective; or, Soul‘s Six Sensations.

541 Major Magnet. the Man of Nerve.

585 Dandy Dutch. the Decorator from Dead-tht.

527 Dandy Andy. the Diamond, Detective.

514 Gabe Gunn. the Grizzl from Ginseng.

504 Solemn Saul. the Sad an from San Saba.

495 Rattlepate Rob; or. The Roundhead‘s Reprlsal.

486 The Thorn hbred Sport. 1

474 Dadd 1) -Eye. the Despot of Dew Drop. ‘

465 Old ugh and Ready, the e of Sundown.

458 Dutch Dan. the Pilgrim from Spitzenberg. I
i
I

 

450 The Rustler Detective.
443 A Cool Hand; or. Pistol Johnny's Picnic.
4'18 Oklahoma Nick.
43‘) Laughing Leo; or. Sam's Dandy Pard.
426 The Ghost Detective; or. The Secret Service Spy.
416 Monte Jim. the Black Sheep of Bismarck.
409 Rob Roy Ranch; or, The Imps 01' Pan Handle.
406 The Nameless Sport.
395 Deadly Aim. the Duke of Den'lngers.
387 Dark Dun}. the Ishmael of the Hills.
879 Howling onathan. the Terror from Headwaters.
872 Captain Crisp. the Man with a Record.
367 A Royal Flush: or, Dan Brown's Big Game.
360 Jumping Jerry. the Gamecock from Sundown.
355 Storm Steve. the Mad Athlete.
351 Nor‘ est Nick. the Border Detective.
845 Masked Mark. the Mounted Detective.
339 Spread Eagle Sam. the Hercules Hide Hunter.
331 Chis Charley. the Gold Nugget Snort.
824 Old orked Lightning. the Solitary.
317 Frank Lighttoot. the Miner Detective.
802 Faro Saul. the Handsome Hercules.
292 Moke Homer. the Boss Roustabout.
286 Pistol Johnny; or. One Man in a Thousand.
288 Sleek Sam. the Devil of the Mines.
257 Death Trap Diggings; or. A Man ’Way Back.
249 Elephant Tom. of Duranzo.
w Spitfire Saul. King of the Bustiers.
283 The Old Boy of Tombsmne.
201 Pirate of the Pincers; or. Joafiuin‘s Death Hunt.
197 Revolver Rob: or. The Belle 0 Nugget Camp.
180 Old ‘49; or. The Amazon of Arlnona.
170 Sweet William, the Trapper Detective.
165 Joaquin. the Terrible
154 Joaquin. the Saddle King.
141 E uinox Tom. the Bul’ ' 1' Red Rock.
127 So Scott. the Masked iner.
119 Alabama Joe; or, The Yazoo Man-Hunters.
105 Dan Brown of Denver: or. The Detective.
88 Big George; or. The Five Outlaw Brothers.
71 Captain Cool Blade: or. Mississmpi Man Shark.
67 The Boy Jockey; or, Honesty vs. Crookedness.
64 Double-Sight. the Death Shot.
50 Jack Rabbit. the Prairie Sport.
47' Pacific Pete, the Prince of the Revolver.
45 Old Bull eggs. the Lightning Shot.
40 Long-Hal Pards: or. The Tamers of the Plains.
80 Gospel George; or, Fiery Fred. the Outlaw.
28 Three-fingered J ack. the Road-Agent.

BY J. (l. COWDRICK.

626 Ducats Dion, the Nabob Sport Detective.

612 Sherlfl Stillwood, the Regulator of Raspberry.
598 The Dominic Detective.

591 Duke Daniels. the Society Detective.

580 Shadowing a Shadow. .

565 Prince Paul, the Postman Detective.

557 The Mountain Graybeards: or. Riddles‘ Riddle.
519 Old Riddles. the Rock er

499 Twilight Charlie. the port.

478 Gilbert of Gotham. the Steel-arm Detective.
452 Rainbow Rob. the Tulip from Texas.

436 Kentucky J can, the S ort from Yellow Pine.
422 Blue Grass Burt. the old Star Detective.

890 The Giant Cupid; or Clbuta John‘s Jubilee.

BY MAJOR DANGERFIELD BUBB-

448 Kerk Kenton. the Traitor.

188 The Phantom Mazeppa: or. The Hyena.

156 Velvet Face. the Border Bravo.

142 Captain Crimson, the Man of the Iron Face.
117 Dashing Dandy; or. The Hotspur or the Hills.

BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS.

728 Teamster Tom, the Boomer Detective.

709 Lodestone Lem. the Chain ion of Chestnut Burr.
695 Singer Sam. the Pilgrim etoctive.

688 River Bustiers; or. the Detective from ’Way Back
678 Stuttering Sam the Whitest Sport 0! Santa Fe.
666 Old Adamant. the Man of Roe .
318 kansas Karl, the Detective King. . l
552 Prince Primrose. the Flower of the Flock.
528 Huckleberry. the Foothills Detective. ‘

BY HAROLD PAYNE.
734 Detective Barr's Foil- or. A Woman’s Strategy.
728 Detective Burr. the eadquarters Special.
713 Detective Burr‘s Spirit Chase. '
706 Detective Burt’s quen Clues.
098 ad Burr the Imucible: or,

‘ 652 Tue Fresh's Rustle at Painted C

 

Th The “I. “ one. ‘
690 The Matchless Detective.
68011 the Fatal Claw: 0r, Bun-"s Master 

v

ALBERT \V. AIKEN'S NOVELS.

Dick Talbot Series.

741 Dick Talbot's Close Call.

737 Die: Talbot in A ache Land.

731 Dick Talbot. the non King.

729 Dick Talbot‘a Clean-Out.

72': Dick Talbot in No Man‘s Camp.

384 Dick Talbot in the Rockies: or. Injun Dick.
354 Dick Talbot: 01. The Brand of Crimson Cross.

2 349 Dick. the Gentleman Road-Agent.

107 Dick Talbot. of Cinnabar.

93 Dick Talbot. King of the Road.

41 pick Talbot in Utah: or. Gold Dan.

88 Dick Tulbot's Iron Grip: or, The Velvet Hand.
36 Dick Talbot; or. The Death-Shot of Shasta.

85 Dick Talbot at the Mines: or. Kentuck. the Sport-
34 Dick Tz-lbot’s Foe; or. Rocky Mountain Rob.

38 Dick Talbot at White Pine; or, Overland Kit.

Alken’s Fresh 0! Frisco Series.

660 The Fresh in Montana- or. Blake‘s Full Hand.
1. .
647 The Fresh at Santa Fe; or The Slranger Sh'vrp.
556 Fresh. the Sport: or. The Big Racket at Slide Out.
537 Fresh Against. the Fie d: or. Blake. the Lion.
529 The Fres of Frisco in New York.
497 The Fresh in Texas; or The Escobedo Millions.
461 The Fresh of Frisco on the Rio Grande.
173 The Fresh in Arizona; or. California John.
97 The Fresh in BigWalnut Camp; or. Bronze Jack;
77 The Fresh 0! Frisco.

Alken’n Joe Phenlx Series.

708 Joe Plienlx's Siren; yr. The Woman Hawkshaww

700 Joe Phenix’s Unknown; or. Crushing the Crooks:

681 Joe Phenix‘s S cials; or. The Actress Detective

637 Joe Phenix in ‘razy Camp.

632 Joe Phenlx's Master Search.

658 Joe Phenix's Combin ; .. r,the Dandy Conspfmtor

620 Joe Phenix's Silent Six.

601 Joe Phenix‘s Shadow ; or.the Detective‘s Monitor

419 Joe Phenix.. the King of Detectives.

891 Joe Phenix‘s Still Hunt.

161 Joe Phenix's Great Man Hunt.

112 Joe Phenix. Private Detective; or, The League.
79 Joe Phenlx. the Police Spy.

Aiken’a Mlscellaneous Novels.

717 Captain Pat McGowen. the Greencoat Detective-
674 Uncle Sun Up, the Born Detective.

670 The htwelght Detective.

665 The sec Detective; or. The Golden Gate Find-

613 Keen Billy. the Sport. I -

" Detective.
as.

607 Old Benzlne the “Hard

594 Fire Face, the Silver King’s
583 The Silver Sharp Detective.
577 Tom. of California; or, Detective's Shadow Act.‘
570 The Actress Detective; or. The Invisible Hand-
1562 Lone Hand. the Shadow. .

520 The Lone Hand on the Caddo.

490 The Lone Hand in Texas.

475 Chin Chin. the Chinese Detective.

465 The Actor Detective.

440 The High Hone of the Pacific.

426 The Lone Band; or, The Red River Reel-cents.
408 Doc Grin. the Vendetta of Death.

881 The Gy y Gentleman; or. Nick Fox. Detective.
876 Black eards; on. The Rio Grande High Horse...
370 The Dusky Detective: or. hushed to t e End. ‘-
363 Crowningshield. the Detective ‘

820 The Genteel Spotter; or The N. Y. Night Hawk. V

252 The Wall Street Blood; or. The Telegraph Girl..
203 The Double Detective; or.1‘he Midnight Mystery.
196 La Marmoset. the Letactive Queen.

160 Captain Volcano or. The Man at Red Revolvers”

101 The Man from New York. ’
91 The Winning Oar: or. The Innkee er’s Daughter,
84 Hunted Downbor. The League 0 Three.
81 The Human Tiger: or. A Heart of Fire.
75 Gentleman George: or. Parlor. Prison and Street..
7:! The Phantom Band: or, The 5th Avenue lioness.
63 The Winged Whale: or. The Red Rupert ot Gulf.
59 The Man from Texas; or. The Arkansas Outlaw..
56 The Indian Mazeppa; or. Madman of the Plains,
49 The Wolf Demon; or. The Ksnawha eon.
42 The California Detective: or, The Witc as 0! NJ?»
81 The New York Sher ; or. The Flash of 12.1%an
27 The Spotter Detect ve: or. Girls 0! New ork.

LATEST um saw Issues.

786 The Never-Fall Detective. By Captain Howard!)
Holmes. 1

737 Talbot in Apache Land. By Albert W. Allen.

788 Detective Cluxton. the
Wm. Manning. ,

789 Buffalo Bill's Blind. By Col. P. Ingruham.

740 Captain‘ Claw. the Fighting Detective.
Jackson Knox. _ .

741 Dick Talbot‘s Close Call; or. The CowboyDeadr
Shot. By A. W. Aiken.

742 Detective Burr Among the New York Thugs. By- '
Harold Payne.

By-

748 Buflalo Bill’s Flush Haniinor, Texas Jack's; H ‘

Bravos. By Col. P.

Steel-Arm. the Sunset 3 m- or The stormy?
Session atSilverado. By os.’n.iianger,.r. ,

745 Joe Phenlx’s Mad gone: mime Doomed Syn-—

dica'e. Albert . Aiken.
Egg-nary 1.

Ready _ .

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ylleadlo’s Dime Library/is for sale by all»
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744

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