’ilillu‘l‘uilllv CUDyrlKhtml, Hui. No.777. hy HEAD”: AND A“.ka Published Every Wednesday. cfjeculle g)- chlanzs, (Publishers, -.—- l‘lN‘l‘hlchI m an (ILL-“5 MATTER AT nu; Nuw Yuan. N. Y., :uptuuher m. 1593. Vol. LX. Ten Cents a. Copy. 95 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. “~00 ‘ Y0"- The Masked Men of Grand Canyon. A Romance of the Dread Driver of the Colorado. p BY COLONEL PRE.'TISS INGRAIIAM, AUTHOR or ran: “ BUFFALO BILL" xnvnm, :Tr. CHAPTER I. THE HBRMI‘!‘ OF THE GRAND ('ANYON. A unusqux drew win one morning, upon tlw brink of what is one of the wwulvn of the vmrhl, vet seen by very few—mu (Ex-and Canyon of the (folbradO. A mighty abyss, toovast for the eye to takw in in Its grand immensity; a mighty mountain rent. asumlur and forming a chasm which is a valley of grandeur and beauty, through wblch thst i /' A 3 ~ ‘. \ “R l D \R‘ \ (.HINH lil l’l".\|.U BILL FUI'NI) .\ RIC'I‘IH‘LVX‘ l‘l‘HV 'IHh ILIl‘l" IN HUT” DH”) THINK HIM A VIEW t 4 i ' - . ' Buffalo Bill’s Spy-Shadower. the Colorado Grandehand with ranges of mountains towering to cloudland on all sides; cliffs of scarlet, blue, violet, yes, all hues of the rainbow; crystal streams flowing merrily along; verdant meadows, Vales and hills, with massive forests everywhere—such was the Sight that met the admiring gaze of x the horseman as he sat there in his saddle, ‘ his horse looking down into the canyon. It was a spot avoided by Indians as the abiding place of evil spirits; a scene shunned by white men, to whom it is yet, sure. to a few, a form incur/mm; a mighty retreat where a fugitive, it would seem. would be forever safe, no matter what the crime that had driven himto seek a refuge there. Adown from where the horseman had halted, was the bare trace of a trail, winding around the edge of an overhanging rock by 'a shelf that was not a yard in width and which onlya man could tread whose head was cool and heart fearless. Wrapt in admiration at the scene,the mist~ clouds floating lazily upward from the can- yon, the silver ribbon far away that revealed the winding river, and the songs of birds coming from a hundred leafy retreats on the hillsides, the horseman gave a deep sigh, as though memories most sad were awakened in his breast by the scene, and then dis- mounting began to unwrap a larint from his saddle-horn. . He was dressed as a miner, wore. a slouch hat, was of commanding presence, and his darkly bronzed face, heavily" bearded, was full of determination, intelligence and ex- pression. ' Two led horses, carrying heavy packs, were behind the animal he rode. and attach- ing the lariats to their hits he tOok one end and led the way down the most perilous and picturesque trail alcn the shelf running around the jutting ponii of rocks. . , When he drew near the narrowest point, ’ 5 he took‘off the saddle and packs, and one at a time led the horses dOanard and around the hazardous rocks. ' Ai-ta'lsestep, a movement of fright in one ‘ of theirixiipnlsmould send him downward to the downtime thana mile below. . But the tremblin animals seemed to have ' perfect canudence 11 their master, and after ‘ , along whilesl‘x‘e got them by the point of ‘ , greatest peril. ' a . .Going,hack and forward he carried the > -’ . packs and saddles, and replacing them upon, ’ the animals be in once, more tl descent of ,1 ‘the only trail ending dew 4 into the; Grand ‘Oun on, fromthat side. , way was rugged, most dangerous in places, and. several 1; mos his horses barely escaped,“ fail over the precipice, the coolness, and strong‘m the man alone saving them I from death, , his stores from destruc- ' ' tion. » " ' X It was martyrs-unset whenhe at last reach- ed the“ bottom of; tlr‘estupendous rift, and onlytfictops of the cliffs were tinged with the 01 n ight, the valley being in densest sh ow. v .» , . 3 Going on along the canyonw a brisk pace, as though anxious to reach some camping- place before ni htfall. after a ride of sevng miles he came 11 iii ht; of a wooded canyon. taxing the one 9 was then in. ands-with baggie tower-in toward heaven» for that {5.11 low seem ashlaek‘aa m ht. r _ p ' _‘ But a stream wound out'of t 0 Canyon, to ‘ 'mfiy‘peaf‘gt‘ hand, answering a cabin that stood upon the sloping billet the base of a cliff that WWQfid‘kfif foot above it. When Withiniariew hundred yards of the grinding sound, a tau-rifle roar. a rnmklii' , d the earth a ‘ ‘ ’ ,CShaken violently t sending up showers. o ‘ binding and appalling! 1 Back from t e scene or i danger tied the ghtened horses, the rider showing inched. . like with i . his face white, his whole form mgfimmlo his-horses stood trembling ‘Llf'ylGodl the cliff has fallen upon my \ , and my , unfortunate comrade“ lien ' W as contain of. c Q A horseman rode I , '19 its clear waters with the grand Colo- ; e"'izlftivera mile awaypnndr massive trees 2 ; thug. a‘ud runnin ’ lon’e cabin, suddénlyiithure Was a crashing, it zcanyon abov hole face attire.- j ighty cliff camevcrushin' g .. , wn into‘the r find, gathered up our 5 ‘5' intered rocks «clouds of dust that were {and mad you to a y no de- , watch for you in be morning: but thank rem chock their flight until a spot of safety ' Heaven you are safe and home 33313;" , halts mile from the fallen cliche Lucas. ‘ inc cllfl'hwhpnhgt fen, and . deg t aH 3g , dreadtzf' f0" ‘, “ \Ye mined too far beneath the cliff, thus causing a cave-in. “ A few minutes more and I would also have been buried, shared poor Langley’s fate; but a strange destiny it is that protects " me from death—a strange one indeed! “He is gone, and I alone am now the Hermit of the Grand Canyon, a Crowns in Wealth of gold,yet a fugitive from my fellow- men. “ What a fate is mine, and how will it all end, I. wonder?" Thus musing the Hermit Miner sat upon his own horse listening to the echoes rum- bling through the Grand Canyon. growing fainter and fainter, like a retreating army fighting oflvits pursuing foes. CHAPTER II. FOR EWAHNED. AN hour passed before the unnerved man felt able to seekacamp for the night, so great had been the shock upon him of the falling cliff, and the fate he had felt bad overtaken his comrade. At last he rode on up the canyon once more, determined to, seek a spot he knew well where he could camp, a couple of miles above his destroyed home. ' He passed the pile of rocks, hen ed for up the cliff from which they had falen, 160k- ing upon them as the sepyulchc‘r of his com- panion; ' SQPOOI‘ Lucas Langley! " _ ,4}ng his sorrows, his secrets, which drove him, like me, to a retreat far from mankind, and Wm hunted mantra ‘ l: l ‘ “Alas! what-than the, future in store for me?" ' With .igh he on up the valley, his Grand Canyon has hundreds ,of ,otlicrs branching off from .t, and , y I "of them Peiuctmting for miles",haclc~-‘iint,o ' bemoan ta ns. . ,‘ w . He had gone u this canyon for a few hundred yards. an wésljust about to halt, and go into camp upon the banks of a small streammhenhinyes conght sight of a light at last turned intoaiother canyondor'thé‘ “ Ah! what does that mean?” he ejaculated~ in surprise. Hardly had he spoken when from can on come the deepvoice ofa dog, i; k" ing, his scent telling him of a human pres- ence near. , ' ' a 1 -.r1, “All? 811‘“ e is not dead-,then'. and. after all, what I but no hope of 'Whatever,y, Lucas Langley may have escaped death," and the quickly on toward the light. The’harhing of the dog contin H, but it was not n-npte of warning ‘but 0 ;. welcome, nodes the horseman drew rein by‘n camp- fire a huge brute Sprung up and 'him witnwery manifestation of deli ht, while a man “came forward ,from the s cm of the trees: and cried: ~ “ Thank Heaven youlnre back again, Pard Seldom, for I had begnngto fear for your aafet .~ ‘ _, A. " 1nd I was sure that I would never meet I. on again in life, Lucas, for-.1 believed you but the bottom of that mountain of rocks that fell from the cliff and crushed,_out our little home." and the hands of, the two men met in a warm grasp. .. 1“Itrwould have been l0. ut for a warn- ing I 113d. When work-high! the mine. “1 Saw that the cliff W“ 'Pmtlng and set- eutl‘discovered that it must fall. and be ore veryl ' ."I at once ot the mom 8 out of the e5 packed "all .011? traps upon '3 . ,mm- Pad hatched aw ' to E spot of safet “.i got all else I co, (1 god, and came, here : ' “Thenl returned an eour cam . I “ Tomi ht the ciiff fell.‘ but not expecting re by at ht, I .was to be on the “And I am happy to find you safe, "I was within an eighth of smile of ' I shall, never (1, the. 'ppallin% smut: 0 u g H g c; Q m m lug of the oil way now guided by the moonlight alonaaqd. caring inc-along l kc “ It was appalling, and I have not dared leave my camp since, far as I am from it. for it resounded through the canyons like a mighty battle with heavy guns “ But, come, comrade, and We will have supper and talk over all that has happened." The horses were staked out up the can- yon, where grass and water wore plentiful, and then the two men sat down to supper. though neither seemed to have much of an appetite after what had occurred. But Savage, the huge, vicious-looking; dog, felt no bad results from his fright of a few hours before, and ate heartily. \Vhen their pipes were lighted the man who had lately arrived said: “ Well, Lucas, I brought back provisions and other things to last us a year, and I Can.- not to re again from this canyon untill can a ortune in gold with me.” “ es, here we are safe, and I feel that something has happened to cause you to say what you do, pard.” “And I will tell you what it is,” imprcs sively returned the one who had spoken of himself as the Hermit of the Grand Can- on.” y “Yes,” he added slowly. “ I will tell you a secret, comrade.” CHAPTER III. THE mum’s sncnn'r. “ PARD, of? what has happened, the fall- , and our narrow escape from death, I feel little like sleep, tired as I am, 50, as I said, I will tell you a secret,” con- tinued Andrew Seldon, speaking in a way that‘fihowed his thoughts Were roaming 1n the gas on will I ' huge 11 good listener, pard,” "Yes. I: '_ ,lfiithat I will, and you having toldmegthit'j'ou were a fugitive from the Iii-W. that your life had its curse upon it. Iwill tell you of mine, at least enough of it to P70“? #0 you that I also dare not show my face among my fellow, men, ‘ . ‘f You know me as Andrew Seldon. 511d I have with me proof that I could show to convince one that such is my name; but. in Want .Andrew Seldon is dead, and I am 91m. y playing his part in life. forI am not unh e him in a pearance, and. as I said, I have the proofs that enable me to imperson~ ate him. . “ My real name is Wallace Weston, Whom Circumstances be end In control made a murderer and f ug tive, an here I am. “entered the army as a private cavalry soldier, and worked my way up to sergeant, (vivrth the hope of getting a commission some ay. ” But one day another regiment came to the frontier post where I was stationed. and a member of it was the man to whom Ifmved all my sorrow and misfortune 1n 1 c, . r , “ Well, the recognition was mutual. a quarrel followed, and he-his name W83 Manton Mayhew—fell by my hand. and he: too, was a sergeant. .‘ . t ' “ I said nothing in my defense. for I Wonk! not reopen the story for curious eyesto as mania. 1’ ~ .- my senteIrfirebeln enemy-tic“ - “on one 4 “in an ndian fight, I had saved, of the scout Buffalo Bill-v” ' "Ag, I know of him,” said the lis- tener. eamfififlY- I H 39, in? return, rode through the Indian country, to the quarters of the district com- mariner, to tryand get a reprieve, hoping to glean new evidence to clear me. ‘ ,“He was refused, and returned ust as I Was led down on the banks of, the vet for, execution. . 3" ; g , A . " I heard the result and determined in a second. to esca ,or be killed in the attempt. " Buffalo BiiI’zs horse stood near. and With ' a bound I was upon his back, rushed him " into the stream, swam across and eacaped. ~4 . ., ,' ‘fI was fired upon by the. scout, under an ,. I , order to do so, but his bullets were not aimed- v- ' l to kill me; - . — - t . ‘f Night was near at hand, and pursuit Was good start, reached ‘1 begun,'but I had a desert and entered, it , .- “ Thqnext‘day, for the sec ' ” worn, down, in p , l ‘. . . . ; 7i i l i i s l ' to sleep. , v ,, '. ' i- ." .‘-“‘ ‘ .y. vhf... . . a“. .c «,3 . _,. .m 1 . .,; . ladlfrom my, en, hardly more than a 1 pen int 1- 1 name ofBuflalo Bill. - ' ~50 ' .‘v r".»', a r 5 ‘ ‘ Buffalo Bill’s spy¥ShadQWer. W saw...“ as... -g-~WWWW¢9_ 3 a, taken me had I not suddenly come upon a stray horse in a clump of timber, an oasis in ‘ the desert. ‘ “ mounted him and pushed straight on into the desert, and the next day came upon a solitary rock, by which lay the dead body of a man upon which the coyotes had just begun to feed. “ He had starved to death in the desert, and the horse I had found was his. “At once an [idea seized me to let my pursuer believe that I was that dead man; so I dressed him in my uniform, killed the horse near him, left the seout‘s saddle and bridle. there, and started off on foot over the desert, attired as the man whom I had found there. “ With him I had found letters, paperS, and a map and diary, and these gave me his name, and more, for I found that the map would lead me to a gold-mine. the one in this canyon in which we have worked so well to our great profit. “ I wandered back, off the desert, and you know the rest: how I came to the camp where you lay wounded and threatened with death by your comrade, Black Heart Bill, who knew that you had a mine which he was determined to have. “In 'Black Heart Bill I recognized a. brother of Sergeant Mouton Mayhew, an- other man whom I sought revenge upon. “Hugh Mayhew had also wronged me as his brothers had, for there Were three of them, strange to say- triplets—Manton, Hugh and Richard Mayhew, and to them I owed it that I became a in itive from home. “You remember my uel with Hugh Mayhew, and that he fell by my hand? “ Well, there is one more et, and some day we may meet, and then it must be his life or mine. H “Takin the name of Andrew Seldcn,and leaving al to believe that I, Wallace Wes- ton, died in the desert, home here, with you as my companion. ' , :‘We are growing rich, and though the ~(‘hfl’ Mine has fallen in, there are others that will an out even better. “ ut, pard, when I went to the post this time for provisions, I came upon Buflalo Bill escortin "a deserter to Fort Faraway, nnd a band 0 desperadoes from the mines of Last Chance had ambuhed him to rescue the risoner. - “ went to the rescue of the scout, saved him and his prisoner, and went onmy way to the post; but yet I half believe, in spite of believing me dead, and my changed ap- earance with my long hair and heard, that ufillo Bill half recognized me. “I. must take no more chances, so shall remain close in this canyon until ready to V leave it and go far away with my fortune, 'to enjoy it elsewhere. ' “ Again. hard: I had written to the home of Andrew Seldon, whom I am now imper- sonating, and I find that he, too, was a fugi. tivc from the law, and that there is no mm for me to share this fortune with an one there, as I had intended to do; so now at- us be lost to the world, hermits here in, this weird land of mystery, the,Grand Canyon, where no one dares come, until‘we are ready 'to seek new associations and‘homes else. where, and enjoy our riches." : ' “ Ford, 1 thank you for your confidence, your secret. I felt that you had been a sufferer in the past, while I am sure you were not the one ‘to do the first wrong. “ In all'things I will be uided by you." said Lucas Langley warm y, and it being,r late the two‘ men retired to their blankets . i'\ m CHAPTER! Iv. THE GRAVE AT THE DESERTED CAM'P. Two men had met in the remote wilds of the Grand Canyon country. asthe district bordering upon the Colorado Rive;- wng can- ed, having ap inted a mysterious, deserted camp as a ran ezmus. , One of these men needs no dmcription , assing notion to, say that he bore the dhad come alone from Fort Faraway. to in Ghana walled himself the Her .Claim as " Doctor Dick,” and a man of mys- tery. The latter was, in person, almost as strik- ing in appearance as was handsome, dashing Bill (Jody, for he was tall, sinewy in build, graceful, and dressed in a way to attract at- ' tention, with his cavalry boots, gold spurs, Corduroy punts, Velvet jacket, silk shirt» and broad black sombrero encircled by a chain of gold links. Doctor Dick, too, was not afraid either to. make a lavish display of jewels, his weapons were goldqnounted, as was also his Saddle and bridle, and from the fact that he was an ardent and successful gambler, and was supposed to be very rich, he was called in Last Chance “ The Gold Kine.” Doctor Dick had made his debut into Last Chance mining—camp, by bringing;r in the coach, one day, with the dead body of the driver on the box by his side, and two mur- dered passengers on the inside. He had run off, singlehanded, the road- agcnts who had held up the coach, and therefore became a hero at once, adding to his fame very quickly by showing that he could “shoot to kill ” when attacked. ' Signifying his intention of practicing medicine and surgery in Last Chance, and gambling in his leisure moments, Doctor Dick had established himself in a pleasant cabin near the hotel, to at once become po ular, and began to make money. hen Buffalo Bill went to Last Chance on a special Secret Service mission. to investi- gate the holding up of the coach, and had recognized there a deserter, whom he had orders to take “dead or alive,” Doctor Dick had helped him out of what appeared to be a very ugl scrape, and thuslthe two men had become riends . = Becoming confidential,.Doctor Dick had. told the scout a few chapters of his life, and he alone doubted that his foe from boyhood, Sergeant Wallacr: WestOn-—who had been re- ported as dying in the desert while seeking to escape—was dead. and the two, the scout and the mbler doctor, had arranged to meet at t e deserted camp and discover if the real truth could not be ascertained. Soft was at the deserted camp the had met, and Doctor Dick had stood wit un- covered bond before a quaking aspen tree, at the foot of which was a grave. Upon the tree had been "cut a name and date, and this told that there lay the form of Hugh Mayhew, killed in a duel by one whom he had wronged. , It further told that Hu h Mayhew was known in the mines as a: esperado, whose cruel deeds had gained for him the sobriquet of Black Heart Bill. -. Convinced that the bodv in the rave was that of Hugh Mayhem after hehat unearth- ed the remains, and recognizing in that de- caying form his once brother—one of the triplets born to his mother~D0ctor Dick had Seemed deeply moved. when he told thathe was the last of the trio and lived to avenge. them: that he was sure Wallace Weston. their old foe, was their sin er, for he knew from the scout that he had illed his brother Manton at the fort. and hence he would not be convinced that the grave in the desert of Arizona held the body 0f eston until he had certain proof 0f 15- ‘ , "" That man who came to Our rescue, who 13 of the Grand n 'on, who sought '30 Shun you after his 891‘ ccto you, is either Wallace Weston, or knowS/scmetbing of him, and it is his trail we mg; pick upon his returnjo his retreat: and follow to we end, before I gm satisfied," Doctor Dick had said to Buffalo Bill... ' And ao'it was that the two had met at the floscnad'cam to 9le up the trail cf the Hermit andfollow it to the end. bring what it mightto Doctor Dick. , y I ' 3 CHAPTER V. ‘mn FATE OF A FOE. Tm: trail of the Hermit of the Grand'Cam yOn—who had told the secret to his'com- panion that he was Impersonating another man, one whom he knew to be awful whom he owed the discoverylof the gold- mine then making hi rich—rams ail: ‘ m . by Buffalo-Bar, and . i. mm, Die Landfall ,edtotipihv' . » ‘ to their View. , for a dread of the g ‘ , Doctor Dick roamedabont. no hits no to To a less experienced scout than Buffalo Bill, there would have appeared to be no trail down into the depths of that mighty chasm. and it would have been thought that the one whom they trailed had retraeed ,_ ‘ his steps from there. But the scout was not one to be thrown off the trail by any obstacle that perseverance, y- :1." pluck and hard work could overcome. and so ' , he set about finding a way down into the W (anyon, though there was no trace‘ of a traveled path left on the solid rocks upon which he stood. 3 Doctor Dick’s determined assertion that he did not believe his old enemy, Wallace Wes- ton, to be dead, really impressed the scout in Spite of the fact that he had guided Lieuten- ant Tompkins and his troopers in the pur suit of the fugitive soldier, had found the --=,..~ body torn by wolves, dressed in uniform. if"; and with his own saddle and bridle, taken .: ,, when he had dashed away upon his horse. lyingr by his side. f“ Still, in the face of all these seeming - fl. proofs, the fugitive sergeant might yet be « alive, and he would do all he could to solve the mystery as to whether he was or not. The scout had been anxious to go alone with the gambler doctor, in the search, for he did have the hope that, if really found, Wallace Weston might be reconciled with Doctor Dick, while, if taken by troopers, he would be returned to the fort and executed, as he was under death Sentence. , , Buffalo Bill never forgot a service neuder- I ed him, and he did not wish to see the ser- ' geant put to death, where he was already be- lieved to be dead, and the secret might be ept. _ After a long search Buffalo Bill found the perilous path down which.the one he fol- lowed had gone with his pack-horses. ‘ \ ’ . He revealed the fact to Doctor Dick, and the two, after a long consultation, decided to take the risk and. make the descent into the Grand Valley. For men with less nerve than these two , possessed it would have been impossible; and, as it Was, there were times when the winding trail and dangers put their pluck to... the test. ‘ At last the valley was reached, and great- , 1y relieved, the two went into camp before prosecuting their search further. , I“ The Hermit had admitted to Bufialo Bill, whom they had lately met 11 n the trail, that he had a comrade dwe ing with him in his retreat, wherever that retreat was. , '1 Would it be that they held a secret there ‘- they did not wish known. and so would reg ' sist the intrusion of others? v It might be, an that a death-struggl would follow the d' covery of their retreat. Still, Buffalo Bill was not one to dread whatever might turn up, and he had ,, Doctor Dick tried and proven true tastes}: and braveasalion. V 1,. And so the search continued, tfi- scout unerringly clinging to the trail until,‘jus't as ‘. the two felt that the retreat of those mysy. terious dwellers in the Grand Canyon was " almost before them, they came upon a sight! that caused them to draw rein and sit opens: , their horses appalled at the scenapresented » ‘r‘ «C What they saw was the fallen cliff, and; there, just peering out from among the piles ofgiocks, was the shattered end of a stout - 08; n. ‘ ‘, ’ ' .. ey had found the secret retreat, but theymood there feeling that those who he dwelt luthat mined cabin were beyond a; human eye, buried beneath a monumentr rocks tin-army could not remove in , " And we a the end i” said analogs the first to: speak, breaking a, silenceiz, at was appalling. ~ ._ “ es. his end, for he undoubtedlyfitfi buried there beneath that mass of . _ “If it is my toe, Wallace W ha'ti'hmct snip: fate, so is: is , etwo i notta. -c n .033 0n. A come over them both. of rock and enmining'lt ’clnoély'.‘While he: ml?“ a ' the ", when 0 e no _ . m 41.1.: missing hidden eserted can) . ver, a hundred mile; 3,. ,. ,Tfifimflnfl. to meets new , ,,> . ‘ W L 10311! mum search swam 71:9 comment. i at once send a courier to rope "Wikthat‘ led to their 108m? 0 ' _. W63...;rwe w,‘ ,. w. , v . l Bugaio Bars ’Spy—Shadower. , » .. dwellers in the canyon had not both perished in their cabin, and lay buried beneath the. hills of rock that had fallen fromthe heights 1 i above the valley. But, as the two men rode away up the dangerous mountain-trail. there were (-ycs ‘- “peering upon them they little dreamed, and Wallace Weston nmitered: ‘ “ They believe me dead now; so let it be. ” CHAPTER VI. A vow or VENGEANCE. THE night afterleaving the Grand Canyon, . € Buffalo liiil and Doctor Dick camped again at the rendezvous of the deserted camp, which was marked by the grave of Black Heart Bill. The two friends talked until a late hour into the night, though they intended making an early start in the morning for their re- 8 active homes, the scout going to the fort, t c doctor to Last Chance. “Well, Cody, you were satisfied before that Sergeant Wallace Weston was dead, that he died in the desert, but dyou yielded to my belief that he lived an was none other than the Hermit of the Grand Can on who came to your rescue some time ago; ut now you are assured. thitt the Hermit Miner, being buried beneath the walls of his cabin, there is no doubt left that, if he really was Wallace Weston, now he' is surely not among ! the living?” “ Yes, doctor, I can hardl bring myself to believe that Weston’s y was not the one we buried in the desert, yet, I grant that it was just possible that it might not have been his.” ' “ So you givefip the search wholl ‘2" “Yes, I return to my duties at ort Far- away." “ And I to my doctorlng and gambling at Last Chance; but I thank you for coming with me on this trip, as my mind is made up.’ The doctor said no more then, but wrap- ped his blankets about him and lay down to rest. The next morning when the two were about to part Buffalo Bill said: “I wish you would keep your eye upon the sus icious characters in the mines, for I fear, . th the temptations in their way to st hold of treasure in the coaches, there may more mischief done." ~ “ I will keep a bright lookout, Cody, and rt at the fort, any lawless deeds that mil be done, for I know that your support wil be prompt.” Then the two parted, Buffalo Bill takin the trail for Fort Faraway and Doctor Dick going on to Last Chance mining-camp, But, hardly‘ had the scout disappeared from sight. when the doctor halted, ooked back and then slowly returned to the camp, Dismountiug by the grave, he stood gazing at the inscription cut into the tree for some minutes, and then turned his eyes upou the mound at his feet.” ” Wicked, yes. hated and feared, yet my brother, and I loved him and my other brother Manton, with a love that was greater , than woman’s love, and I revere their mam- ' my now. ' “ Whatever they were, whatever the crimes their lives, I must avenge them, and I will, r Wallace Weston’s hand it was that did the deed. “Yes. he killed Mouton, and I am just as sure that he killed Hugh, who lies here at my feet. ‘ “ Buffalo Bill believes Wallace Weston dead; but Ida not! “ No. I can never believe that he could die except by my hand, and some day we. two will meet face to face, and then he will die, and I will be avenged for Manton’s‘ and Hugh’s deaths; so here I vow to take the life of Wallace Weston, and thus avenge my brothers.” ‘ : V, fiHe raised his right hand as he spoke, ressed his left over his heart and so registered is vow of revenge. Then, mounting his horse he rode awiiy ,upfln the trail he had before followed. He seemed in no hurry, rode slowly, made but: noonday camps and camped earlyst ni‘fht. so that it Was the afternoon cf the '1 day before he came in tiered settlement of La name 0 ‘ found any or not, to indicate that the lone ? Situated in a mountain canyon, which widened into a large valley after some miles, with towering cliffs, rugged passes and wild, picturesque scenery upon all sides, Last 2 (‘hance Claim, or miningcamp, was scatter— ed along for miles, the village portion, where the hotel, stores and gambling saloons were, beng at the upper end. As he came out of a mountain pass into the valley proper, Doctor Dick beheld crowds of miners hastening toward the hotel, and all were carrying their riiles and had an excited air. “Well, pards, what has happened?” he asked as he put spurs to his horse and over- took a party of miners on the, way to the ' hotel. 1 The response he received caused him to spur forward and dash rapidly on to the head of the valley. CHAPTER VII. MASKED AND MERCILEss. DAVE Docssnv had taken the place of driver on the Last Chapee trail, after Bud Benton had been killed on the box by un- known parties. Dave Dockery was as shrewd as he was brave, and bore many scars of wounds re- ceived in the discharge of his duty, his nerve and endurance, it was said, savin his life where other men would surely have cen killed. The coach out from Last Chance had gone on its dangerous run with a very large sum in gold dust, but Dave had gotten safely through with it, and was mummst by all who knew the chances be taken of losing booty and life. He had heard with regret, after reaching his eastern destination, that he was to be put to an equal strain going back, for a large sum of money in bank b 118 was to be sent back to Last Chance in payment for several mines purchased there by outsiders. Dave was told that the box contained at least thirty thousand dollars, and so he hid it away as best he could in the coach. He also was carrying out as freight a dozen rifles 0f the last and most improved re- lx'ating Pattern, and double as many re- volvers. inten d for the Vigilantes of Lost Chance, and w 0 were personally unknown to any of the miners, thou h it was suspect- ed that either Landlord any, the hotel- =keepcr, “ fudge," store-keeper, and_ pro- ctor of i re largest gamblin saloon in the ace, or Doctor Dick the inblerv Gold Rig; was the secret leader. " hoover the Vigilante captain and his men mi ht be. it was certain that they had a good in uence over the most lawless spirits in the mines, the faCt of their being unknown greatly aiding their good effect, Dave Dockery had hoped that he would have a stage load of passer] ers upon the run to Last Chance, for he like. to have a crowd along, and then he felt that they were a safe- guard ask well, as in numbers there was strength. « But. when starting time come, only two passengers a poured, one of them a miner going out to st Chance to hunt for a for- tune, and the others, young man Who told Dave Dockery that he was only traveling from 3 love of adventure. and efiioyed the wild life he thus far had metvith- He ave Davea bunch lof 800d Cigars, shows him a silver flask of fine brandy, and was promptly invited toddc upon the box With im, an invitation that was as prompt- ly accepted. Out of the little settlement rolled the couch, followed by a cheer from the crowd gathered to see it depart, for the ing and coming of the coaches in border p 8008 are events of great moment to the dWellcrs there. ‘The young man in search of adventure was upon the box with Dave. and the miner assenger was i side, where it Was safer for im to ride, as h was in a hopeless state of intoxication. , -. The horses dashed away in fine style. en- thused by the cheer of the crowd, and Dave looked happy and proud. While his compan- ion on the box appeared to enjoy the scene immensely. view of the - or was well dressed, for was suitable for f ronticr v The young stmn he. had w belt-a a i'v {I l single to stcr volver, as a means of defense rather than for show or bravado. ~ He had a fine face, fearless and frank. and looked like a man of refinement and educa- tion. Dave Dockery was a good reader of human nature and took to his passenger at once, beierr really greatly pleased with his com< panionship. ’l‘hree fourths of the trail had been gone over without mlventurc, the three steps at the relay stations for changes of horses and 1 meals for passengers, having been made on time, and Last Chance was but a doten miles away, when, as they neared a dreaq' looking spot in a gorge, Dave said: “ There is where poor Bud Benton passed in his chips, pard, and I tell you I don't like. the spot a bit.” Hardly had he uttered the words when a sharp report rung: outand Dave Dockery fell back upon the coach and lay motionless, while out of the shadows spurred a horse- man dressed in black and wqarin g a red mask. With his revolver leveled at the stranger he said sharply: “ Your turn next, sir, for I am out for blood and g‘old." . CHAPTER VIII. AT 1118 MERCY. RIDING on the box with Dave Dockery, the oung stranger had heard much of the wile? ways of the border, and had been told that it would be madness to resist a “ hold— up" of a coach, unless the chances were well on the side of those attacked. When therefore the sharp report of a revolver had been followed by the toppling over of poor Dave, and a masked horseman rode out of the shadows of the cliff, his re- volver covering him, the young man did not just know what‘to do. He had with him a few hundred in money, his watch. chain and a few articles of value, with some papers of importance. . That the- mask'ed horseman was alone he could not believe, and yet he had, against all traditions of the border, begun by firing upon Dave Dockery, and not ordering him to halt first. a That he had fired to kill, the bullet wound in the breast, and the motionless form of the driver as he lay back upon the top of the coach, were in evidence. Now he stood the chance himself of life and death. and he awaited the ordeal with whiteyhut calm face. The horses had stopped in their tracks, and though no other persons were visible ‘the stranger looked for others to appear. The thought flashed across him that he must lose all he had with him, but his life he could not believe was in dan er, 'et, why the masked road-agent ha ki led Dockery without mercy he could not under- stand. “ Do you mean to take my life, man i” “That depends whether it is worth more to kill you than to let you llve,”wns the business-like reply. But hardly had be spoken when from out. of the coach window came a flash and re. port. The miner within,. awakenin 7 lo .-: sense of his danger, had taken a ban in “A? affair. \. i The bullet barely missed the head of tie masked horseman. who at once returned the fire, aiming first, however, at the young ‘ man on the box. With a groan the latter fell heavily to the round, his revolver half-drawn from its ulster, and the murderer, Yeaping from his saddle took refuge among the horses while he called out: “I have killed your two comrades, and you’sharc the same fate unless ,you surrcn- t, er. “I cry quits, pard," came in frightened tones from the coach, and the man was evi. dcntl now soberod and greatly alarmed. “ on come out!” The miner uickly threw open the stage door, at his(i‘oot upon the step and theni Deere cautiously toward lnsf . \ Instantly there came a shot. and, without . a moan, he pitched forward head~forcmos€ and fell in 31103;) between the Wheels. ' ‘ ‘ “ Any more?" Called out the road-agent, nly. ‘ ' - ‘ .a' i, \ l l S: ? ? t i wovauw ~ . . by, M ,M‘ ,.. ., “,7- «mm. L, m“ “at , No answer came, and, revolvers in hand, he stepped to one side and opened fire at the coach. He fired with both hands, and- did not cease until he had emptied his weapons and riddled the coach - Then he unsluni.r his rifle from his saddle- - horn and cautiously approached, ready to fire at the first sign of danger to himself. But he had done his work but too well, and he had nothing to fear, so advancing to the coach, found that it was empty. Quickly he set about Searching the vehi- 010 for all of value that it might carry. He found a roll of bills belonging to the Iniuei, and a few things of value in his valise. The young man panned out for him nearly a thousand in money, and some jewelr ,and Dave Doekery was pretty well suppli with funds But the Masked Marauder searched rapidly on, and evidently looked for a richer haul' yet. The box was found with the money in it, and a bullet fired from his revolver shattered the lock. “ Ah! here is a haul. worth all risks to get,” he muttered, and the contents of the chest were put in a sack and tied upon his saddle. His work thus far had taken butafew minutes, and, apparently satisfied with what booty he had secured, he shot one of the wheel horses, to prevent the team going on with the coach, and, mounting the splen- did animal he rode. and which was covered, head and all, with a black calico covering, he dashed away down the pass at a gallop. CHAPTER IX. THE DUMB MESSENGER. HARDLY had the masked road-agent rid- den away, when a deep groan came from the lips of Dave Dockery, , His eyes opened, and after a supreme effort, which cost him the greatestagony, as moans would force themselves through his shut teeth. he was able to slip down from the box to the round. He knelt by the side of the man who had been his ecuipanion a few minutes before, full of life and vigor, and found him mo- tionless. Then he crept on hands and knees to the ‘ side of the miner. “Bead!” came from between his clinched beet . After several eiforts he arose by aid of a wheel to his feet, and taking a piece of pa- per and pencil from his pocket, wrote a few ines upon it with the greatest of dlfiiculiy. Making his way, “spared by the coach, step by step to tho-w l-horse that stood chaine toh 3 dead comrade, he unhitched him from the pole, fastened theslip of paper to the bridle, and gum him a blo . » “ Go! old horse, for I cannot ride you; 1 am too weak to hold myself on your buck, “ Go for help to Last Chance, and mybe if vou hurry you may save my life." _ The horse seemed to understand what was said to him and started off at a swift trot down the trail. _ O _ ’ H was just disappearing from Sight when Doc , unable to longer stand “Pi. toilet?“ and fel by the side of the trail, writhing "1 this agon . , An while he lay thus, the faithful horse increased his speed to a gallop and went along thus for miles, his trace-chains rattling an accompaniment to his hoof-falls as he fol- lowed the trail to Last Chance. fishing at a stream hero and there for a drink of cool water, and at a grassy bank for a few mouthfuls of food, the horse held on his way, and a couple of hoursfafter his do. parture from the coach, gallope-j into the miningcamp. , Those ,who saw him with the harness on felt sure that some harm had befallcn the Coach, andtthey hastened after the animal, Who, avoidin ca tu‘re, dashed up to the hotel door an bulged. Lawrence Larrhnore. nicknamed landlord Larry, had, seen him coming, and ngped gm; bridle-reigns he halted. Hebad caught I lit. of the white 8]; of ' , ,, 1945011419, and quietly“. curing it, read what was written thereon in the weak and wavering hand of the wounded driver, but which was recognized as the writing of Dave Dockery It was as follows, for Landlord Larry read it aloud, as the miners quickly gathered' about him: “Coach held up at Bud Benton’s grave, and I fatally wounded. “One passenger on box killed; miner in coach also. “Coach robbed of large sum. “ Road-agent was alone, were black domi- no aud red mask, horse also masked, but feel sure I know him. “ I have just strength to write this and beg quick aid, sending it by one of my wheelers. “ Come quickly if you hope to find me alive. “ DAVE." A roar went up from the crowd of miners at the reading of this note from Dave I.)ockery, who even then might be dying, and Landlord Larry cried: “ Spread the alarm, and let us go quickly to ther spot, and try and save poor Dave, yes, and capture that masked road-agent, for he has got money in plenty. . “ ()h! .if Doctor Dick was only here to look after poor Dave, he might save him. “Let me see! the coach was due at Bud Benton’s grave about two o’clock and it is now after three. “ Come, men, mount and follow me!" Dave Dockery Was liked by all. and Land- lord Larry was a. very popular man; so; quickly, the miners obeyed the call to follow the one to the rescue of the other. Just as the party of mounted men were about to ride away from the hotel, under the leadership of Landlord Larry, a shout was heard down the valley, and then came the cry from a score of men. ” There comes Doctor Dick 1” With an exclamation of pleasure Landlord Lar put spurs to his horse and dashed for- war to meet the doctor, who warmly grasp- ed his hand as the two met and called out: " What is it, Landlord Larry :2" “Read this paper from Dave Dockery, who even now may be dead. We are going to his aid now." “ And I will go with you." “But your horse is Worn out, Doe, and you look tired after your Ion mm." “ Don’t mind me. for wi mount a fresh horse and follow." and Doctor Dick rode rapidly toward his own cabin, CHARTER X. " BETWEEN LIFE AND DEATH. THE eyes of the miners followed the doc- tor, on his rapid ride 00 hi quarters, with a look as though all depend upon him. They had come to almost reVere this hand- some, stern, mysterious man who had come to dwell among them, yet Seemed so well- fitted to adorn a. far different life. h His life we: as a sealSd bookto them, y? is skil as sicisn an surgeon was roe , his cnemdit)? unbounded, and his 3nerve and aring far above $11088 With whom he had been forced to meet in deadly encounter. He had made hls home inn snuglyr built cabin under the shelter Of a cliff within easy walk of the hotel, Where 11,0 i001: his meals. He had fitted his frontier home with an extrava nee and comfort that was surpris. "‘8‘: am had in a Cabin 1108! severe] as fine “Or-“95.38 could be fOUDd among the mining- camps, with a Chinese servant to look after them and his wants. . I The doctor hastily dismounted, called to the Chinaman to throw his saddle upon another horse and look aftc'h the packhni‘ nliil. entered the cabin for a few monients and before Landlord Larry and his party were a couple of miles mm .was in rapid pursuit. He did not spare lé horse, and overtaking the crowd of half a hundred miner horse- man, he Was greeted With a cheer, which he acknowledged by gracefully raising his sombrero. I ‘N . . Riding to the front of the column he took his place by the side of Landlord ,_ , and set a faster pace gthan-that- ,at‘ Which, hiidbeen going. , " w Iv ,_ , .“ r they. «a was “ You say that Dave Dockery was able to I write a note. landlord?” “ Yes, I handed it to you io-day.” “l thrust it into my pocket unread." and Doctor Dick now glanced over the note as he rode along. “I fear he is too far gone, Larry, for if he had been able he would have come into the camp. “ I will ride still faster, for every moment counts with a badly wounded man, and you see I am mounted on my racer.” “Push on, do, Doe, and I’ll follow with the men as fast as I can,” cried the landlord. With a word to Racer the horse was off like an arrow and fairly flew up and down hill along the rugged trail to reach the some of the tragedy and lend aid to the wounde driver. At last the coach came in sight, and the ('onzling miners were yet all of two miles be— hin . pole, stood where they had been left by their driver, while the wheel-horse shot by the r0ad~a gent lay where he had fallen. ‘ Near the coach, to one side, and not twenty paces from where Bud Benton had been killed, lay the form of Dave Dockery. Throwing himself from his saddle Doctor Dick bent over him and said quickly: “He still lives! . “Dave! Dave! speak to me!” The eyes slowly opened, and there was a convulsive movement of the form, a struggle which becoming violent caused the doctor to grasp him firmly, and thus hold him. The dying man seemed in an agony of de— spair at being unable to speak, and after'a s ight resistance ceased his efforts and sunk back exhausted. . “Here, Dave, take this, for it will revive _ you,” and Doctor Dick poured some mfiit cine between the white lips. ‘ As he did so a groan from another quarter ._ startled him, and glancing in the direction from whence it came he saw the form of the young passenger, who had been riding on the box, quiver slightly. In an instant he sprung to the side of the other sufferer, and bent over him, placing his hand upon his pulse. . “The bullet struck him in the forehead, glancing along the skull and coming out, .I see, at the back of the head. , . f.‘ It remains to see whether the bone is fractured—ah! here they come,” and u dashed Landlord Larry and those who has kept up with him. “ How cos it, doctor?" “ Dave is beyond hope, I fear, while this gentleman is alive, though I do'not know . yet-how seriously wounded. “ That man in rou h clothes there is dead, as you can see at ag nee; but come, ye will; , get the wounded men into the stage at one» » and I will drive on to the camps." . " ” And the road-agents f” _ “ By all means send apart to hunt them down." was the stern rejoin er. ' I CPAPTER XI. , 1 Dam! AND MADNESS. v . > ALL knew that Doctor Dick was a skillful driver, and that he would take the coach in-4 . to Last Chance sooner than any one she I mid. so they hastened to get the team ,. r y. , \. ' The harness on the horse, which had been I the dumb messenger to make known t1: tragedy. had been brought back, and two the mmers’ horses were quickly put int-1‘5 wheelers. while the wounded driver The four coach -horses, still attached to the I m':“' 3 passenger Were tenderly lifted i\nto., ' . coach. \ ‘ In got a couple or miners to sup . rt them in their arms, while the body 0 the man f; killed by the road-agents was put upon the i; to of the coach. 'r , ndlord Larry had himself led the play; f" in search of the trail of the road-agent. . while, mounting the box, and lesying his horse to foilowon‘hehind, Doctor Dick sent the team along sta slapping pace for Last “.15 Chance Claim. As they went mag they met other miners " comm out to scene, but thesewere turnedZ back, as there was no need of timing: ink, and hailed Larry had with hinrail -' e "3 -‘ N“ »/ .‘{k “If I; -"i‘. ~‘_ new,” .. -' 4‘ AV. Buffalova M” “mm-rm“ m.- ill’s I *WWv---W‘_ ,. . .I... ., . It was just nightfall when the coach rolled there. came to a halt, while he said to the miners who accompanied him: "If the lives of these two men are to be saved, it will only he by skill and devoted nursing, and I want them near me. “ Bring over two cots from the hotel, and we will soon make them as comfortable as possible.” i The two cuts were soon brought, the wounded men tenderly lifted out, and the coach driven to the stables by a miner, while Doctor Dick set to work to see just what he could do for his tients. All knew that 'ver Dave Dockery was a great favorite of the gambler doctor and the remark was made: “He’ll save Dave if it can be done, and he’s the man to do it.” Left alone with his atients, save his Chinese assistant, Doctor ick threw of! his coat and set to work in earnest to see what he could do for them. and how seriously they were wounded. He first went to Dave Dockery. The driver lay as quiet as thongif asleep. Placin ' his hand upon his heart. and then his ear cl e to his breast, Doctor Dick said calmly: , ” It is the sleep of death.” With only a moment of thought, he straightened out the limbs, closed the eyes,’ folded the once stipng, bronzed hands OVer the broad breast, an throwing a blanket over the form, said to his Chinese servant, ‘ 'n the Chinese tongue, and speak- it we I: f, -‘ Loo Foo, my friend is dead." " {The Chinaman replied in his idea of ‘En- gllsh, not in his own tongue: ' , “ Alice lightee. dockee, him wellee happy ' now aliee samee ’Melican man angel." , _, Loo Foo had been converted. it was said, when he carried on the business of washes- i,‘ washes in a mining—camp, for, as he had ex- ‘ pressed it: , “ More levee 'Melican man Joss, gettee more washes.” r r 9 Going from the body of Dave Dockery, _Doetor Dick bent over the form of the Wounded stranger. . 1 ,. pile found him lying in a state of coma, breathing heavily and apparently very badly w unded. ,5 Eitaminin the wound Doctor Dick saw , ' "t the bu let had glanced on'the fore- 11963;,” has been said, run along under the ~ » canal}; to the back of the skull and there cut ' its ‘way out. ’ ~ ' . ‘ ' MDressing the wound carefully. and using ' restoraives, the doctor soon had the satis- faction of discovering that his patient was .rajllying; andwithiu an hour’s time his eyes 2‘, ,gpened, and he looked about him in a bewil- ered way. _ “ Passing his hand slowly over his face, he trying to get his scattered thou hrs, r’he muttered something to himself and then suddenly burst into a Violent fit 'of {oughten . , ' Great God! he will live but as a mad. _. no" cried Doctor Dick, moved by the sight art/the, strong man's bmin having been crazed . he wound- he had received. 5 win made him as comfortable as possi. ‘ 1 it Loo Foo on watch and,went over ’» , 1 ‘ n to report the result. 1 ; charms xnx ‘ AN sanctuaries nnnaxnnn. 'WnEN Doctor. Dick reached the saloon, ere one—hm the miners of Last Chane _, , ,ero wont to en ‘ gate at n ght, he foun fit-Smurfs Crowded t usual. _ ‘ «mm had assembled. there who did not errerally frequent the place; preferring the uiet of their own cabins in t, sevening after gkhmdeday's work. a '1 “ I sc' were brought there now elay the ', peniugs of the day, and the trag y Was ' his discussed in all its details. with the ribilitios of the recovery of the driver and the; mi; bol (hit ants. . r {The faotwthat Dave Doekcry had hinted in ';‘ mute headland Parry that he could by the door of the hotel, while. to the sur- i prise of all, Doctor Dick did not draw rein I Instead he went on to his own cabin and passenger, and the capture of the; , .,-r ; sibly tell who the masked road-agent was. was a cause of considerable excitement to all, for it would doubtless fall on one in Last Chance to be the accused. A hush fell upon the crowd as Doctor Dick entered, and the few who were gam- bling, for there were but a few that night, left their cards on the table to hear what would be said. “Farris,” said the doctor, in his courtly way, “I am just from my cabin, where I have left one of the wounded men dead, the other a madman.” A breathless silence followed these words, and then a voice broke it with: “ Doc, who is the dead man?" “ Dave Dockery." A low murmur of regret and sorrow passed over the crowd, and the doctor added: “ He died soon after reaching the cabin.” “ And t’other, doc?” , ” The bullet struck him in the head, slightly fracturing the bone, I fear, yet in- denting,r it and causing a loss of reason, which I fear may never return to him.” “Poor fellow! better be dead, like poor Dave," said one, and this view was the thou ht of all. - “ rds, prepare for Dave’s funeral to mor- row, and out of respect for him, let us close the saloon to-ni ht, for I know Landlord Larry would wis it so.” A general murmur of assent followed, and the doctor continued: “ I wish two men as couriers at once, one to carry a note to Landlord Larry, for he can go to the scene of the hold-up, and start on the trail from there as soon as it is light enough to see." “I’ll go, Doc.” said a cheery voice and a youn man came forward. “ bank on, Wall, go with me to my cabin and I’ 1 give you the note. “Now, I Wish a man to go as courier to Fort Faraway. and remember it is a danger. ous and long ride. " “ I hsin’t afeered of the danger, or the ride, Doc. 80 I’m yer man." said a burly fellow coming forWard, and his words were greeted with a cheer. Doctor Dick glanced at him and then said very calmly: ‘ “ Thank you. Brassy, but I do not care to acce your services." “ nd just wh r" w “ In the first p we I desire to send a letter to Bufla‘lo Bill, and you have exp openly your hatred for him, and to some day even up on him for not allowing you to have our we in certain matters”, “ I oesn't a low my hates to interfere with duty." ' “Ido not cam to accept your services, B “it” ~ ‘ “ ow, I asks a reason why?" “ I have given you one.” "I wants another." " Is this a demand?" “ It be.” “ You shall have it." , “.Then don‘t beat round the bush but have the unfit: to come out With it likes. man.” , -. All looked lit/Brass with amusement. He had been drink ng and evidgntly was just full enough to be reckless nd want trouble. ' The doctor smiled but answered com- placentl ' “1 “TRIS answer a'demsnd. BmSSY. SO will tell you frankly, that i would not trust you With any message whatevéf- . . “Ihad to kill Brassy to-night, but Ball will explain the circumstances. “Get back to poor Dave’s funeral at sun-- set to-morrow, if possible. "I closed saloon tonight out of respect to Dave. “'Ijhc young passenger will be a mad. man if he recovers. ‘ “Yours, " Docroa DICK”, The note to BuffalooBill told cf the hold» up on the stage‘trsfl. the death of (:ne- passenger, wounding of another and killing of DavevDOerfl", and closed With: “Inndlor‘d Lorry is On the trail of the outlaws, and all Will be done to hunt them. down that it is possible to do. “I will drive the coach back on the run, “If you cannot come now, state what you think best to be done and it will be attended. w. “ Yours, “ DOCTOR DICK.” The couriers left, as soon as the letters Were received. and having seen them depart, Doctor Dick went over to the hotel to a, his supper, which Loo Foo had ordered got“ him, after which he returned, lookedat his throwing himself upon his bed was soon. fast asleep, wholly oblivious it seem the dead man and“ the More: withing a. feet of hing: 1 . , ” Dockery and revealed to the two couriers. patient, gave him a‘dose of medicine, and ‘ ,.,_.~.‘ 4.. e , w «an. (. r ‘ .:.-« - 3mm...y...w “an shut. N . ,_ ; Ni... . . W ‘ W ‘ , a- at, «awry. 3 A, g 4 5... tfiw’; .r . ,c .p 3.. m» a,“ . "‘W“ "9th s... W‘é‘fivw-{wufl .. was i J" 1" * 3.11:." gossamer: " M CHAPTER XIV. A STRANGE BURIAL. THE couricron the trail of Landlord Larry, ginto the grave, hundreds of bold, brawny my own wayabout runningr down these But when the coffin, with the weapons, l hat and whip of Dave Doekery was lowered found him and his half-hundred miners, trail- j men stepped forward and threw in upon it ing the mountains and valleys over in search ; bunches of wild flowers they had gathcrtd, of some trace of the coming of the road- gand when filled up, the little mound was agents to the scene of the tragedy, and their going therefrom. But the search of the evening before, and , covered from view by these sweet OllL‘l'ln"S ! of manly regard for the dead driver, while in strange contrast was the barren grave of up to the arrival of Wall at noon, when trey Brassy, for his immediate friends had not had vain. Not a hoof-track could be found of the road-agents’ horses, nor a place where they had lain in wait until the stage came along. gone into camp, had been wholly in Y thought of gathering flowers, there being no ! sentiment in his death. I Doctor Dick looked calmly on, and per- haps it was his stern, fearless mien that astayed the trOuble that several of Brassy‘s Landlord Larry was not one to waste en~ I pards seemed to have decided upon there in ergy upon impossibilities, and after reading f the sacred resting-place of the dead, perhaps Doc/tor Dick's letter he decided to return with the belief that the would be quickly sent to his men to Last Chance. join their comra e, for they created no dis- They set out soon after the midday rest, I turbance, only with a significant glance at and arrived in Last Chance just as all was in readiness fOr the burial of Dave Dockc and Brassy, for a double funeral was to be ad. The landlord dismissed his men and Went at once to the quarters of Doctor Dick, who greeted him warmly and asked: “ Any success 7" “Not a bit.” “ Too bad. " I the Gold-King Gambler turned and walked . l’ away with the bearing of men who would bide their time to avenge. 'CHAPTER XV. THE COURIER. Tun man who had volunteered to take the “We could not find the photograph of a . long and dangerous ride to Fort Faraway, trail, and to search longer was a waste of : to carry a letter to Buffalo Bill, had rid- tlme, so as the men wished to go to Dave's l den along steadily after leavin Last Chance, funeral, I-just came in." “ It was about all you could do under the 3 circumstances, Larry.” “I see that they ave got the corpse you furnished rigged out for burial too.” “Brassy?n l I.Yes.” ‘ “Why not, for he has a number of friends?’ “ Don‘t fear no trouble, do yer?" l until a couple of hours before ay. Then he halted, staked his horse out, and wrapping himself in his blanket, went to sleep. I For several hours he slept serenely, then awaking be cooked his breakfast and was soon again in the saddle. He seemed to understand frontier craft lperfectly, and to appreciate just what his horse could stand, so did not press him too “No, 1 think not, for Brassy prescribed ' hard. g); himself and I administered the medi- no.” “ Served him right for playing with edged tools. ” ‘ " I will not say that, poor fellow, for life was dear to him; but he should have been more careful.” “ We will go together to the burial.” _ “ By all means, and I’ll give my friends a hint to be ready if Britney's panda go toshow- ing an ugly mood, whie you Will go pre- pared, Doe?" “I alwa s arn,” was the laconic response. “Now, ow's yer sick man ‘3” “ He will recover bodily, but cher men- tally I fear. " “I’m sorry," and Landlord Larry went to prepare for the burial. ‘ In half an hour all was ready to start, and Doctor Dick and Landlord Larry were given the places of honor at the procession, or ra- f therdjust following what was called “The Ban ," and whichlconsisted of a dozen men ' who may the music, the loader alone playing on a comet. At‘the command of the doctor, who was the master of ceremonies, 'the procession moved OH to the music of ~ K 1 “'Ollld “V6 Ellwvay’” really beaiitifully rendered, for there ware . some splendid voices in the band, and the i so I cornet leader was a master of the instru- ment. Following the doctor and Landlord Larry, came the eight men bearing the body of Dick ' Doc‘kery,'bornc on a litter on their shoul- ers; , - The body was incased in a board coflin. and behind followed eight men likewrse carrying the body of Brassy. Following were the miners, marching eight abreast and in solid, column, nearly a thousand men being in line, and among them were led the horses Which Dick Dockerv was wont to drum, his belt of arms, hat and whips being carried on top of his cum“, Up the canyon to the cemetery beneath the cliffs, filed the column atfuneral pace, keepin time to the splendid voices, that chang from air to air as they marched along, and which echoed and rc~echoed among the hills. The ies placed by the side of the. graves dug consigned or ‘ them, , ‘ and Landlord ' 141137 the burial, servier over them, when I . , new?“ ~ - A, . l l i Camping at nightfall, he was again on the trail at daybreak, and held steadily on dur- ing the day. Another night camp and he rode into Fort Faraway the next morning before the hour of noon. He was directed at once to the quarters of Buffalo Bill, and though, 11min been a soldier there, he recognized many 0 d friends. he saw that, dressed as he then was, and with his beard grown out, the reccg lition was not mutual. But the moment he entered the presence of Buffalo Bill be was recognized and warmly greeted, for the Scout had always liked the young soldier, who had been given his dis- charge on account of a severe wound received in an Indian fight, which it was thought would render him lame for life. “Well, Harding. I_am glad to see you: and '01: deserve credit for the plucky ride you are made. “How is the old wound getting on now ?” “ All right, Bill. for I am not at all lame. I am glad to say.” “ And you are gettin" rich, I suppose?"' “ Well, no, but I ave him up some money in mining. only I cannot stand upon my wounded leg long at a time, and 50 I am going to ask you to take me on as a scout under your command, if you can do “Harding, you ard just the man I want. and you are in that Very place where I need you, so you can return toyour mine. and pretend to work 85 bEfOX‘e, far there 19 ,Where I wish you to serve me, since I re- celved this letter from Doctor Dick.” “"ihank vou, I’ard Cody. for your kind- “€8§, and will be glad to do as you wish; but may ,1 as}; a favor?" ‘ - . “ Certainly.” l " “Itls that no one knows-thatlam in mm service, not even Landlord Lam or Doctor Dick, for I can work better I am f sure. " l q l ‘-'-tliem ‘0. “treating-place by .nepeating Versation with/the commandant ~ It might a; a good idea to have a so. and it shall be as you Wish, for you can do better work as a spv, and I have full «3011- ’ fidenee in «F011. Harding, “ int we. will talk “over just whatiit is best, to do, whcn'l have reported to Major Randall the holding up of the coach, and burying-ground was reached. the i killing of Dave Ithliery and the. others,” Buffalo Bill then left the courier, and went to headquarters, where he held a long eon- R‘t r'i" was right? 31m " nun -' 0 ~' .M' lag, l ’93- l “Well, pard, the major has heard the l whole story, and he has left it to me to go in roadagents, for, though butone was seen there were evidently more at the hold-up." “ I do not doubt that, for one man would be a bold one to alone make an open attempt to hold-up a coach with Dave Dockery on the box, and knowing that he had passengers with him.” / “ Well, Harding, you are to return to Last Chance, and give letters I will write to Landlord Larry, and I wish you to go to work in my service, and secret service it must be, for what you do must be under- hand, as you said, no one knowing that you are doing else than carrying on your min. ing as be ore. " I will ive on a paper which will pro- tect you, or ii ajor Randall will indorse it officially, and you can use it in case of trouble, or necessity, not otherwise. ” “ I thank you, friend Bill, and I’ll be dis-« erect, I promise you; but now there is an- other thing.r I wish to tell you, and to ask what on think of it.” “ ell, what is it, Harding?" “Do you believe that-Sergeant “’allace Weston is dead?” was the query, in a low, earnest tone. CHAPTER XVI. nannrxo’s sncanr. Brrrno BILL fairly started at the unex- pected secret asked him by Hal Harding, the miner, and gazing intently at him, asked: d “ Why do you ask such a question, Har- ing?” . “I will tell you when you answer. my question, Mr. Cody.” “ Whether I believe Sergeant Wallace Weston dead ?" r . " Yes, sir.” I: I do.” "You have good reason for believing it, then?” " I have.” “ Please tell me what it is." t h “ As you have some motive above curios~ ity in asking, I will do so, Harding," and Buffalo Bill told the whole story of Scr cant Weston’s escape from execution, on the finding of a body in his uniform uponthc- desert, and burying it. But he added: f “I confess, Harding, after a talk with if ,_ Doctor Dick upon the subject, I was led to ' J doubt to a certain de ree the death of the , sergeant, and even fol owed a trail which I , i supposed was his.” ‘ “ With what result, sir?" ' ’-., . “ That we found the trail led to a mine which had (raved in and crushed the 01an fl home of those who-dwelt there!’ _ v ’- ” When »’was this, sir?" l. ‘, “ “But a short While ago." “ ' . “Do on mind giving me the date?" -_ Bu 0 Bill took a note-book from hi! pocket and ave the exact date. ' , “Now, arding, you have some know! ‘ edge upon this subject, a secret to tell", A “Yes, sir." . . - , “Out with it." r ‘ V, " You will keep it in confldenoabetweea r us two?" ' “Certainly.” I » ‘ “You know that the sergeant was to friend, that he had saved in “I remember." i . “ No man knew him better than I did“ the fort, for We were boon comrades for V a year. and lknew his features ' and more, other marks of identificatgog' “ Yes. '.’ ' him." ” The sergeant had one mark thinks sensitive about, and kept hidden from still though I saw it several times." ' a, u was it?” ‘ V ‘ .V . ; , “He had a peculiar way of hair. with a curl hanging over “silo, '- “Irememberit.” ij . ,_ "Beneath that curl,,~ sir, was a nun-k." V . ‘ X. . ' - “w, (1 0‘1}?! I . '- “lt'was' a Peculiar one, that wasa n “mm. an inch fl i h“length upon his fetched“; ‘ v get. u s pe. r . - and r! g i, ‘ ... ‘1 WA‘M.W' Emma-2“ w answer-nu It, x't .OI“--If.h. «In; normal ' . r ‘h I if 'Billls ‘WI.‘W~ o W ~uw~¢u¢mwmnwmu—mrmu.fifm.’ .. g iv s. -, -_'1 usvv'ixale.3‘,.:; Vim-r. . 0. IV, A; 3,», “Yes, andl saw that same mark on a man's forehead a few days before the date you say that Sergeant Weston, if it was he, was buried in the caved-in mine.” , “ Ah! and where did you see it?” “I had gone to Wingnte by coach, sir, to collect some money due me from several soldiers there, and in the sutler's store I saw a man whose face I was sure I had seen be- fore. “ He wore his hair and beard long, and seemed to stoop badly, or was round shoul- dered; but the form otherwise was the same, so were the eyes and shape of the head, with a round gold setting the size of a piu‘s head, in one of the front teeth. ' “ Reading a letter that seemed to impress him hevtook off his hat and pushed his hair back. and I saw the red cross mark on his forehead. " 1 went up to see him as though to attract his attention, but he looked at me as though he had never seen m‘e before, yet his face flushed and aled as he looked. “ Now, i r. (,‘ody, that man was none other than Sergeant Weston, and I‘ll swear to it, but I would not tell other man than you, for if he escaped death no one is more glad of it than I, unless-r”, “ Unless what, Harding?” ” Unless, a or man, and a hunted one, he turned r0 agent and was the man who / held up the coach, killing Dave Dockery." 7 “No, Harding, Icau hardly believe that of him, and then too thepoach was just held up, and this man, with his pard, perished in the cave-in of their mine." “ You are sure?” “ I cannot See reason to doubt it: but now that you tell me what you do, the man who saved me from the gang of Headlight. Joe, and then went on his way, recalled a face I ' - could not place, and now I am sure that it was Sergeant Weston; but he too had round shoulders, while the sergeant did not have, and yet he was then on his way to Win- ' “ ate, and it was upon his return that I fol- : owed his trail. " V 3 , ;“ Well, sir, if it was in my power to cap- ture Sergeant Weston, never would I lay hand upon him, and I belieVe you feel the same way, unless it. was your orders to do 80. “Still, somehow the thought came to me that, a fu itive, and friendless, he might ,have turnc outlaw.” .“ I do not think so, and I am sure now that. - if it was Weston who came to my aid, and - whom you saw, that he perished in the mine: ‘but'now let us go over but I wish you to do, and my lan to run down these road- va cats, who am sure are from Last Chance ' .aim and nowhere else.” said Buffalo Bill. 5 ‘I——_ CHAPTER xvn. APALE seemed to have fallen over Last . Chance, :1 the death of Dave Dockery, and “its life be 11 to flag in loom. Seeing his} and fearing that the holdup of the coach might injure the mines, Lan - lard Larry decided to get up a scheme to at- outsiders to the mines, and so the - so: went out of a large find of gold in one ’ the canyons near‘the town. couple of miners only were put there to Worfi it, and the claim was known as the . "Doctor Dick Mine,” as the Gold King at puff bought from the landlord a half interest 11 t. 2 , ' > This newts stirred the minors to increased arcxertions in their own mines, and also caused prospectors. to go outson’the search for new ,' ” i l Kathe wounded passenger continued to ‘fio’teadily improVe bodil , under the skill and " kind, care of Doctor )ick. but mentally his 7mind was a wreck. and no one believed that he would ever regain his reason. ’ " Doctor Dick- hinted at an operation some .. y that 'might relieve the pressure upon the " n, 'yet spoke of it also as an experiment ‘ L . a dangerous one, only to be trle as n T lustresort; ~ , ' , The passenger was as docile as a child, gave no trouble, and simply sat about whit- tling sticksé into the shape of a revolver. his it ‘ stage was to start again upon its run cast- ward. A number of miners had volunte red as an escort, but Doctor Dick said he would drive on the run out and come back as a passen- ger, and he did not expect trouble so would not. accept an armed escort. The night before the stage Was to start, Harding, the courier to Fort Faraway, re- turned. lle brought with him a letter from lluil'alo iill to Doctor Dick, and another for Land- lord Larry, stating that the troops at the fort Were pressed just then with extra duty, as the Indians were in an angry mood, and for them to do what they could for the pro- tection of the coaches until Major Randall could investigate and patrol the trail. llarding had little to say of his visit to the fort, more than to hint that the soldiers were too much occupied just then with their own aifairs to care much for the killing of a stage-driver and couple of passengers. V As no Government funds had been taken by the outlaws, the miners would have to look to their own protection, for awhile at least. The courier also stated that there were stories at the fort of secret finds of gold in and about Lax-d. Chance, and he Would give up his intention, expressed some time before, of selling out his mining interests, and in- stead, stick to hard work, in the hope of striking it rich in the end. The next morning the coach was to start, and as it was to go out at an early.hour many of the miners decided to remain up all night gambling to see it leave, for it would be the Sabbath Day when they could rest. Doctor Dick had been too busy of late with his patient and other matters, to devote much time to gambling, and so he alsode- aided to make a night of it at the gambling- tables. Where the dawn came many regretted that he had done so, for neverhad he played more reckless] , and never beforexhad he been such a Verge Winner, for luck seemed to go his way from the start. I Play what game he might be was a Winner, and gain from table to table hc " broke the combinat on ” as one of the miners expressed it. The dawn was at hand when he went to his cabin for a bath, and in half an hour 'he came book to the hotel for breakfast, looking little like a. man who had passed the ni ht over 8 gambling table. -Ie was dressed in his best, was well am- 8d, and coming out from a hearty breakfast lighted a cigar and mounted to the stage-box at a single bogpd, an act that gained for him a cheer upon 8 agilit . “ All ready, Landlgrd Larry." he called out as he gathered up the reins. and the 811' rim an'runs or ran connntn. . occupation. . ,last the week passed by, when the H "3 '- h» T”: . swor was: " No passengers, mails aboard, Sol" CHAPTER XVIII. DOCTOR men’s DRIVE. Doc'ron Drcx athcred up the mine in a way that Showedfilim a plaster Of the art of drivin . He {ticked very dashing and handsome, as he sat on the box. his long lmlr falling open his shoulders and his face devoid of all dread of what he might have to encounter upon his run. , . _ He puffed the blue smoke of 1118 Cigar in rings above his head, and with a wave of the hand at the word, “ Go,” gave his whip- lash 8