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Detectives.
A STORY 01“ RAIDING
'fnn RAINBOW MINE ROGUES.

BY JOHN \V', OSBON,
AUTHOR OF “ smm'r I-‘mm s'r. ml‘ls," ETC.

 

 

CHAPTER I.

 

 

 

MI'uA'I‘, Tm: MAI) MINER. ,  , _ 'J ~ V I! W _ 7 _ '  ' ’ ‘
THE night was clou ly, the hnur into. “THREE cummm FUR THE mxnv smmT!" (mm) JL‘BAL S'l‘mnw, WILDLY
Flying scud obscured the face of the full :5.mein 1115 “AT.

 

 

2 Gilbert Goldspur, the» Dandy Sport.

 

 

moon, and the wind howled dismally
through the foothills.

The streets of Red Gulch, a lively min-
‘lng settlement on the banks of Black
Bear Creek, seemed almost deserted. But
an occasional belated pedestrian was to
be seen; and, with the exception of two
lights, the camp was shrouded in gloom.

Of these two beacons, one shone from
the open doorway of the Gold—liar Pal-
aCe, a hotel and all-night resort. The
second came from the front window of
Sailor Jake's Haven, a rival establish-
ment, on the opposite bank of the wind-
ing stream.

The beclouded moon had passed the
zenith, when from the northward, down
the rough stage trail, there came a
stylishly—dressed horseman, leading a
pack animal.

Abruptly drawing rein in front of the
Gold—Bar Palace, the rider uttered the
hail:

“Hallo! hallo! the house!”

The response was immediate, for from
the hotel office and saloon stepped a tall,
black-bearded man of. middle age. well
dressed, and of prosperous appearance.

This was the mayor of Red Gulch.

“Hallo! hallo” he responded, looking
askance at the horseman. “What’s the
trouble, stranger? ”

“ I want to find the mayor or the mar-
shal, and a doctor," the horseman replied.

“ \Val, you’re quickly suited, stranger,
for I‘m the may’r—I’m Jubal Strong.”

The horseman started.

“That is fortunate!”
“It will save time.

“My name, Mr. Strong, is Gilbert Gold-
'spur, and I am from Paradise Bar.

“ At dusk I was attacked by a madman,
but overpowered him, and he is here upon
my pack. I fear that he is badly hurt,
so want a doctor.”

This terse announcement created no
little surprise and incredulity among the
rapidly-assembling habitues of the hotel.

Gilbert Goldspur, as he called himself,
sprang from his saddle and led the pack
animal to the lighted space, where a
single glance was sufficient to verify, in
part, his statement.

Bound upon\ the horse was, a man of
stalwart proportions. His hair and beard
were gray, long and unkempt. A knife
and revolvers were in his belt, and a
rifle hung at his back. His clothing was
of buckskin, with rawhide boots, and
bearskin cap.

A rude gag was between his powerful
jaws, and the head had fallen forward
until the chin rested upon his breast.

he exclaimed.

“ By the great horned toad! Sport,
you’ve got the critter foul, shore
enough!” the mayor cried. “ We’ll git

him down and carry him inside.

" His eyes are shut, and he looks more
dead than alive.”

“ And the doctbr? ” Goldspur asked.

" Doc Early is inside, playin’ bank.
Here, Bill, you go fetch him.”

At this command, a burly, black-whis-

‘kered member of the group hurried to

the hotel.

“Now, sir,” the mayor continued, ad-
dressing Goldspur, “if you’ll have the
kindness—” ‘ ,

“ Lead the way, sir; I am ready,” the
sport interrupted, lifting the captive
from the horse and holding him in his
arms as one would a child. “We’ll act
now, and pow-wow later."

Thus enjoined, Jubal Strong turned
and entered the hotel, passing through
the office and into the barroom. Gold-
spur followed with his burden, and the
crowd brought up the rear.

The apparently senseless man was
placed upon a table. His weapons were
removed, and he was relieved of bonds
and gag.

A long sigh of relief at once came from

—

his lips, and he worked his cramped.

flaws slowly and painfully. Then his
eyes—large, deep-set, black and piercing
-—suddenly opened; and he closely

scanned the surrounding faces.
N sign of recognitions—no glance of
_ mteaigenco—crossed {the grim old visage.

 

His gaze faltered, then sought the floor,
and he. struggled to a sitting posture.

“ Are you wounded? " asked the mayor.

“ Yes,” stoiidly.

“ Where? ”

“ My head.”

“ To-day? ”

“No; years ago. Redskins did it. My
pards escaped. There were three of us—
miners."

“ Who are you? What is your name? ”

“Men call me Murat, the Mad Miner.”

Jubal Strong started, glanced at his
companions, and nodded'his head sig-
nificantly. I

“ lie’s ther Mad Miner, shore as fate! ”
one exclaimed, with an apprehensive
glance at the powerful frame of the un-
fortunate;

“And your pards—do you recall their
names?” the mayor continued.

Murat slowly shook his head. Then,
in a. sudden access of passion, he cried:

“ Not mom—not now! They were
false! They were treacherous! They be-
trayed me, to rob me of my gold!”

With that he lapsed into sullen si—
lence, which the mayor’s most adroit
questioning failed to break.

Doctor Early's appearance was not long
delayed. A careful examination of the
Mad Miner failed to discover any injury
more serious than a few simple scratches
and bruises, and the physician so an-
nounced.

” The man has been wounded on the
head—Scalped, in fact,” he observed.
“But, the hurt is an old one and com-
pletely healed. His present condition,
aside from the aberration, is due to ex-
haustion, induced no doubt by a violent
struggle.

“ I wish, Mayor Strong, that you would
secure a room for the man and keep him
under guard a. few days, for I am con-
vinced that his reason may be fully re-
stored.”

“ I’ll see to it at once, doctor;” the offi-
cial, agreed. “There has long been a
mystery about Mad Murat I’d like to see
cleared up.”

“ You may count upon my co-operation,

gentlemen,” Goldspur asserted. “ There
is indeed a mystery in the life of the
man, and he is one who I feel has been
bitterly wronged.

“ Spare no pains to restore his rea-
son, and I will cheerfully bear all ex-
penses.”

Then the landlord was called, and a.
room secured. Jubal Strong selected the
guards, Trumps and Gold Dick, two mi-
ners out of employment, and Murat was
carried away and locked up.

“ Now, Mr. Goldspur, I’d like a word
with you in private,” the mayor de-
clared, when quiet had been restored.
“There are some features about this
case which I‘do not understand and do
not like. Will you oblige me? ”

“With pleasure.”

“ Very good; we’ll go to my office."

Turning, Jubal Strong passed out of
the saloon and through the hotel office,
closely followed by the sport. Just as
they reached the outer door, a rifle
cracked outside, and Gilbert Goldspur
staggered and fell.

CHAPTER II.
THE spoa'r AND THE MAYOR.

Although startled by that dastardly
shot, Jubal Strong promptly drew his
revolver and sent bullet after bullet in
the direction of the lurking assassin,
driving him from cover and forcing him
into open flight.

“ Never teched him! ” the official
growled, hastily recharging his smoking
weapon.

“ Call it an even deal then, pardner,”
Goldspur exclaimed, springing to hi feet.
“He’s spoiled a mighty good hat, but
there’s never a break in my hide! "

A hurried explanation was then made
to the excited throng, which had quickly
gathered, and the mayor and the sport
at once proceeded in the direction cube
former’s ofllco.

Julbai Strong, it may be remarked, was
the

V " “W7 4. .. "1.;

 

 

ing merchant of Red Gulch. His

store was centrally located, and cecu-
pied the lower floor of a roughly-built
but substantial frame structure fronting
on the main street of the camp.

The second floor was reached by a
wooden stairway running up on the out-
side of the building, and it was here
that the mayor had his office and sleep-
ing apartment.

On gaining the top of this stairway,
Strong promptly unlocked the door and
ushered the sport into the office ere strik-
ing a light.

“We won’t rzive ’em a second chance
to practice sharpshooting thisnight,” he
remarked, as he closed and locked the
doon

“ DO you know, Goldspur, that I sus-
pect the trick you‘ve turned to-night is
going to raise the very old deuce in Red
Gulch? ”

A peculiar expression crossed Gilbert
Goldspur’s faCe.

“To what trick do you refer, Mayor
Strong?" he asked, as the rays of a
lamp suddenly dispelled the darkness.

“Bringing Murat. the Mad Miner, into
camp.”

“Excuse me!
you.”

Pushing his guest into a chair, Mayor
Strong sat-down, with hands on knees,
facing him. His honest gray eyes gazed
searchingly into the face of the sport.

Truly, it was not an ill-favored visage
he looked upon. It was strong and clear
cut— resolute rather than handsome,
though by no means devoid of manly
beauty.

The eyes were of deepest blue, bright
and fearless, and a curling brown mus-
tache shaded the firm upper lip. In
height the sport was nearly or quite six
feet. His form was erect and graceful,
with broad, powerful shoulders, deep
chest, and trim waist. An adept in ath-
letics would have pronounced him at
once supple and powerful.

As previously noted, he was stylishly

ressed. From silk hat to patent-leather
shoes, his garb was fully in keeping
with fashion's latest decree.

A grim smile curled Jubal Strong's
bearded lips, and after a moment’s scru-
tiny he nodded shortly.

“You’ll do, Gilbert Goldspur! ” he ab-
ruptly exclaimed. “At first I feared—”

“ Well? "

The mayor flushed.

“ No matter what—just now! ” he re-
turned, a trace of that grim smilia1 return-
ing. “ Let me ask you a questio .

“Are .you not called . the v-Dandy
Sport? ” l

“ I have been so called—yes."

“ Good! That simplifies matters, and
I can forge ahead. Will you please go a
trifle more into detail concerning your
encounter with Murat?” '

The sport inclined his head.

“ If you really desire it, certainly,” he
replied. “There is but little to add t0:
that which I have already told you, and
that little I have reserved foryour ears
alone.

“If you have ever been over the trail
to Paradise Bar, you will doubtless recall
a point some miles out where the road
runs through a narrow, rock-walled
pass.”

“ Yes—Purgatory Pass, we call it.”

“ Well, just as I entered the pass, my
horse caught a stone in his hoof, and I
was compelled to dismount to remove it.
At that very moment Murat made the at-
tack upon me. \ ‘-

“ He had evidently been lying in‘Wait
behind the rocks forming the upper D01“
tion of the wall, and as I stooped he
shouted a name and leaped down to at'
tack me.

“ But the peculiar actions of my horses
had put me on my guard, so that I easily
eluded his rush, then grappled and over-
powered him." . ‘

Jubal Strong smiled and nodded.

“ You were alone? ” he inquired.

“ Oh, yes! Why ask? "

The mayor reflected a monfint.

“ Not to bring your truth lnefill‘into
question,” he explained, at lenfih; ‘ but

_" , r ' \ V \.

I do not understand
!

It

  

Gilbert Goldspur, the Dandy

Sport.

 

 

this affair is a puzzle to me. Maniacs are
reputed to possess superhuman strength.
Yet, while virtually taken by surprise,
you succeeded in overpowering the Mad
Miner without serious injury to him or
to yourself. Frankly, it is a strange
case."

“ Yes, it is,” the sport admitted. “ But
I assure you I have narrated the circum-
stance just as it occurred. When I had
bound the fellow, he set up such a
clamor I was compelled to gag him.
Then I cached my pack—saddle, bound
him upon the horse, and came on to Red
Gulch.” ,

“ You had concluded, then, that he was
crazy?”

“Oh, yes! There could be no other
explanation of his conduct. Then, too,
his appearance was sufficient to betray
‘ the mind diseased.’ ”

“ Yes, that cannot be denied,”
mayor assented.

“What, may I ask, was the name he
shouted when he attacked you? ”

“ Alexander Stamm. ”

“ Alexander Stamm! ”

“ So I said, Mayor Strong.” -

“Man, do you know that Alex. Stamm
is the richest man in Red Gulch? ”

“ I did not know it; no.”

“Well, he is. He is the.manager of
the Rainbow mine. But, there is a cloud
upon the mine. It involves Stamm. To
my mind, it also involves Murat. If I
am right, the attack upon you was in-
spired by a thirst for revenge.”

Jubal Strong spoke in a low voice, but
with intense earnestness.

“ The Mad Miner, then, took me to be
Stamm? ”

“ Exactly. Stamm rode out on that
trail this morning, but came back by
way of the road from the east, about
dark. Murat had undoubtedly seen him
going out, and was lying behind the
rocks to ambush him on his return.”

The sport listened patiently to the
mayor’s explanation, then shook his
head in perplexity.

“I confess, mayor, that I am com-
pletely puzzled,” he observed. “From
all I can learn of the matter, this is the
first ime Murat has ever ventured near
Red Gulch. I have often heard of him
in the camps, but report always placed
his stamping ground at least two hun-
dred miles to the northward. It seems

the

probable to me that he has simply wan-

dered down this way—”

A quick uplifting of Jubal Strong’s
po derous right hand checked that flow
of IRwords. Then his long forefinger
tapped the breast of the sport, and his
eyes flashed with resentment as he ex—
claimed:

“ Enough oft that story, Goldspur!
Play honest and open if you’d have me
for friend and ally.”

“ Meaning—”

“ Just this: I know your game! Yes,
even your enemies have read your hand
aright, as that shot just now should have
told you. '

“ You (ll'c a detective! You are here to
clear up the Rainbow mine mystery, and
I warn/you here and now that you are
fighting against desperate odds—literally
bucking against a real tiger! ”

 

CHAPTER III. '
mm DEPUTY MARSHAL.

Routed from ambush by that storm of
bullets from Jubal Strong’s revolver, the
thug lying in wait for Gilbert Goldspur
‘had bounded nimbly down the shelving
bank of Black Bear Creek, to run along
the firm sands to the nearest ripple,
where he crossed the stream and plunged
into the shadows of a thicket.

" Struck a snag, dead shore!‘ " he mut-
tered, pausing to listen for sounds of
pursuit. “I’m late, too, an’ now thet I
missed ther sharp I’d better report at
once, or ther judge may perforate my
kite."

Cautioust beating his way through
the thicket, the would-be assassin gained
the upper portion of the slope, and at
once bent his steps toward a large cabin

 

On his near approach, a door was
opened, and a voice exclaimed:

“ Is it you, Weeping Mose?”

“You bet! n’ clean ragged out at
thet," was the sniveled response.

“Come inside. I‘ve been waiting for
you. VVe’ll do business at once, and have
done. for the night, for I, too, am very
tired.”

“Thet suits me, Alex, man! An’ 1
hopes it’s true; but I’ve a big passel 0’
news.” .

“That may or may not be agreeable
intelligence. But come; let us get into
my private retreat, where we can de-
termine these matters in greater safety.”

Hastin fastening the door, Alexander
Stamm crossed the cabin floor and led
the way into a small, brilliantly lighted
under-ground apartment, which con-
tained a comfortable couch, a table, and
three or four chairs.

“Be seated, Mose,” he requested, indi-
cating a seat at the table with a wave
of his hand. “ Just drop your repeater
on the couch, there.

“I suppose you have dined and sup-
ped?”

“Nary a bite nor a drop in twelve
hours, boss!” grimly declared the ruf-
flan, discarding his rifle and helping
himself to the chair. “But, hang the
grub!

“ Did you know the old man had turned
up in Red Gulch? ”

At that abrupt query, a demijohn in the
hands of Alexander Stamm fell crashing
upon the floor, and his dark, sensuous
face turned livid. .

“ The old man? " be repeated, his tones
shaking with mingled consternation and
incredullty.

“ Yas, sir-ree!—ther old man hisself!

“ But, stiddy yerself, Alex! Don't lose
yer grip now, man, when ye most need
it!”

" But I am ruined! ”

“Not yet! We still hold ther aidge!
He is crazy es a loon! "
“Crazy?” With that ejaculation

Stamm drew a long breath of relief.
“That is well. It gives us a. chance to
play our hand.

“But tell me all, Mose, at once.
must lose no time.”

Moses Lumper needed no' urging.
Briefly he told of the arrival of Gilbert
Goldspur with Murat, the Mad Miner.
He detailed each circumstance faithfully,
and described the location of the room
to which the unfortunate miner had been
taken.

“I hates ter hev it ter say, boss, but
thet Goldspur is a detective, an' bears a.
charmed life ter boot,” headded, his
watery eyes glowing wickedly. “Seein’
thet he’d flushed our game an’ War hyar
ter make us trouble, I tried ter drop
him, an’ failed.”

“A detective? You are sure, Mose?”

“ Shore es fate, Alex! ”

“ But our—our work was covered deep!
There can be no suspicion of—of—
Pshaw! man, you make me nervous! ”

“ Can't help it!
son’s lawyer hed written he war comin’,
an' that he bed-arranged ter meet a
friend hyar who would undertake ter
look inter sartin matters. This Goldspur
is ther friend—ther detective.”

Alexander Stamm seemed badly
shaken. He strode moodin to and fro
for several minutes ere speaking.

“We’ve got to fight,” he declared at
length, pausing directly in front of his
ally. “Luckily, the cage is ready for
the girl. You 'must lure her away to-
morrow, and see that she doesn't come
back."

“ Thet part is all fixed, boss.”

“ But ther detective? What about
him!" ,

“ Leave him to me. I can arrange to
dispose of him, and also of Murat," as-
serted Stamm, briefly. " I have a plan—
tho only one possible under the circum-
stances.

“Go, now, and. hunt up Dick Dodds.
Find him without fail, and tell him I

We

I told ye Agatha Gray--

“Dick Dodds, ther United States dep-
uty marshal?"

“Exactly.”

“ Lordy, boss! Et’s risky—J

" Obey me, Lumper! No question—no
comment, or your neck shall feel the
halter!” cried Stamm, angrily.

“ K‘rect! I’m off! ”

So saying, Weeping Mose sprang up,
grasped his rifle and meek'ly followed
Stamm to the cabin door.

Left alone, the Rainbow manager
paced sulkily to and fro, communing
with himself.

Ordinarily, he was a man of dignified
presence, and bore an approach to cor-
pulency with easy grace. He was well
dressed, and not unhandsome, with short,
black hair and heard and keen, slightly—
protuberant black eyes. His face be-
trayed resolution, Selfishness and cun-
ning.

He had practiced law at one time, and
had earned the title of judge.

Scarcely fifteen minutes had passed
after the departure of Moses Lumper,
when there came a sharp rap at the
cabin entrance.

Stamm opened the door, and a short,
stockily-built man entered the room.

“ Good evening, judge! ” he curtly
greeted. “I believe you sent for me?”

“ Yes, Dick Dodds, and I have work for
you,” Stamm responded, in firm tones.

“ Come—don’t look displeased, but
nerve yourself for a task which will bring
you gold and a new lease on life.”

The deputy marshal changed color and
nodded shortly, saying:

“ Explain what is wanted, Alex. Stamm.
If the task suits me, well and good; if
not—” 

“ If not, you’ll do it just the same.
Dick Dodds, for I shall certainly cause
you to be hanged if you refuse,” inter-
rupted Stamm, sternly.

The officer flinched.

“ That is true,” he admitted.
the deed.”

“There are two men I want arrested
and smuggled away from Red Gulch-
perhaps three.”

“ You do not want them killed? ”

“Oh, no! Dodds; I will not ask you to
stain your hands with blood, but simply
to arrest these men upon some trumped-
up charge, to get them away from Red
Gulchl
. " One is the sport who has just a4—-
rived, Gilbert Goldspur, and the other is
Murat, the Mad Miner.

“ Can you arrange it? ”

“I shall have to, judge, for you are
a merciless scoundrel,” was the bitter
reply.

“I’ll furnish whatever witnesses you
may need,” pursued Stamm, nodding.
complacently. “ The only stipulations are
that I am not to appear in the matter,
and that you shall hold the men not less
than thirty days—longer if possible.

“ The third man I cannot speak of yet,
but I shall notify you in due time if.it
becomes necessary tolremove him.

“As pay for this service, I agree to
keep quiet a. while longer, and will give
youd 8100 for each man so arrested and
he] .”

The deputy marshal flushed angrily.

“ I do not want your money! " he pro-
tested, savagely. .

“Oh, my dear fellow! You will be
compelled to accept it,” Stamm retorted.
“ You shall accept it in the presence of
witnesses, too, for if trouble ever comes
out of the deal it will help to show that
you were an accessory.

‘“ Now, Dick, do this at once. for! time
is pressing. Name the offenses you Will
charge, and I’ll prepare the witnesses."

Scowling darkly, the entrapped oflicer
pondered a moment, then said:

“ Goldspur P shall charge with be.
ing member of Cherokee Charlie's
Hill ruisera while Murat can be taken:
in as a spy for the same outflalfeigning
insanity."

“ That will do," Stamm responded. up. I
provingly.

“ 00 at once, Dodds, and perform the

“ Name

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4 a Gilbert Goldspur, the Dandy Sport.

CHAPTER IV.

CHEROKEE CHARLIE APPEARS.

Despite Jubal Strong’s intense earnest-
ness, Goldspur laughed lightly, then nod-
ded, saying:

“ So there is a mystery connected with
the Rainbow Mine, eh? I had heard as
much, and am glad you confirm the re-
port, for I delight in mysteries.

“ There are ghosts, spooks, shades and
what-note, I reckon? ”

Jubal Strong leaped to his feet and
glared angrily at the coolly smiling sport.

“ Confound you! " he gritted, his right
hand moving unconsciously toward the
pistol butt protruding from his belt. “If
you’re here to make war upon—. Say
it, pardner! Are you for or against the
Graysons? ”

“ How can I say, hothead? Just set it
down I’m for Murat, first, last and all
the time—poor fellow!”

“ Then you are a detective—”

“ No; but I‘m mighty apt to make
work for a man in that line if you don’t
come to your senses and keep hands off
that gun, Jubal Strong! .

“Now, I’ve said it, and I’m standing
pat! ”

The mayor recoiled sharply, and his
brawny hand fell away from the weapon
in his belt. Goldspur’s blue eyes were
gleaming darkly back of his leveled pis-
tol, and his face showed that he was at
last thoroughly aroused

“ Don't! I never—” Strong broke off in
sheer shame and sank meekly into his
chair.

“ There! That is a great deal better,”
the Dandy Sport observed, putting up
his weapon. “Let’s both be amenable

to reason. There’s no excuse for quar-
reling just yet.” 
“Not even the shadow of one,”

the mayor confessed in a tone betraying
both annoyance and contrition. “ Gold-
spur, I reckon I am a hothead, and I
want to apologize for my hasty words.”

The sport nodded encouragingly.

“ You see, I'm married—I‘m in a peck
of trouble," Strong continued. “As I
see things,_Red Gulch is on the brink of
a big fight—a queer kind of a fight, too,
and about the Rainbow Mine. It will be
the Graysons against Alexander Stamm,
the present manager of the mine—about
as big a rascal as ever went unhanged.

“ The Graysons own the Rainbow.
There’s two of them—a boy and a young
woman—Con Grayson and his sister, Miss
Agatha. The girl is one of the level-
headed sort, but the boy’s a soft mark
'for the Gulch sharps, and is rapidly runv-
ning through his share of the property.
He’s in the clutches of Elephant Eph
and John June, a brace of gamblers, who
are secretly in cahoots with Stamm, who
is Con’s guardian. Among the three,
the boy is faring badly. The sharps ac-
cept his notes for gambling debts, and
Stamm discounts them at a heavy per
cent.”

"So-ho: That is their little game!”
Goldspur exclaimed. ‘

“Yes; and then, Stamm is an avowed
suitor for the hand/of Agatha Grayson.
If he succ ds in marrying her, it will
put him in virtual possessién of the en-
tire mine," and Jubal Strong’s face again

’ grew dark.

The Dandy Sport reflected a moment.
There was a peculiar gleam in his eyes,
and his right. hand idly drummed the
table.

“ It certainly seems that this Stamm

. has a deep and skillful game afoot to se-

cure the mine,” he remarked, presently.
“ He is evidently a first-class scoundrel.

“ But you have failed, Mr. Mayor, to
throw light upon the point which inter-
ests me most—the mystery you alluded

“ That story is a long- one. Briefly put,
the mystery concerns the fate of Gabriel
Grayson, discoverer of the mine and
father of the present owners. Stamm de-
clares that he was killed by Indians, a
few years ago; but I have it from repu-

‘ table witnesses that Grayson has been
3 56911., alive, within ‘th‘erpast two year‘s,

[

 

wandering through the mountains," de-
clared the mayor.

“ But if alive, he would certainly re-
turn and claim his property, would he
not? ”

“It puzzles me that he has not done
so. My idea is that he is demented. In
a word, Goldspur, I have reached the con-
clusion that Murat, the Mad Miner, is
none other than Gabriel Grayson! ”

The sport nodded and smiled.

“ It may be that your conclusion is cor-
rect,” he admitted. “At any rate, it will
do no harm to hope that you have hit
upon the truth.”

“ You do not know, then? "

“How could I know? Am I not a
stranger here? Let it answer that I was
on my way here to try my luck when
assailed by Murat; that, when I had
overpowered him, something in his face
appealed to me so strongly that I deter-
mined to see what could be done for
him.”

Jubal Strong’s hopeful expression
changed, and be shifted uneasily on his
chair.

“Of course, this is all in confidence,
Goldspur,” he blurted at length.

“ Oh, yes; I understand that.”

“ You see, when I saw the drift of
Stamm‘s game, I determined to thwart
him if possible, and persuaded Miss Gray-
son to write to her lawyer, explaining
matters so far as she knew them, and
requesting him to come here. He agreed,
not only to come, but to send a competent
man in advance to investigate Stamm's
conduct of the Rainbow. At first, Gold-
spur, I believed you to be that man."

The sport laughed.

“ You acknowledge you were mis-
taken? ” he asked.

“ Yes. However, if you are foot-loose
and free—simply a sport seeking fort—
une—I am in a position to make you an
offer worth consideration.”

Hiding a yawn behind his hand, Gold-
spur rose to his feet and stretched him-
self lazily.

“I’d like to oblige you, mayor; but I
shall have to decline in advance,” he re-

turned, calmly, “ However, you may re-

ly upon me as being friendly to the
cause of the Graysons.

“ Nd‘w, if you will excuse me, I will re-
turn to the hotel and see'if fortune is in
a smiling mood.” ‘

“Certainly,” the official responded, a
trifle stifliy, and rising, he opened the
door and saw the sport out with a curt
“ Good-night." ‘

On gaining the street, Goldspur paused
and glanced back at Jubal Strong’s win-
dows. .

“ Ah! if he only knew,” he muttered,
smiling grimly.

 

The gambling-hall at the Gold-Bar
Palace presented an animated appear-
ance. The hour was long past midnight,
but many of the tables were surrounded
by players, and in some cases the stakes
were unusually large.

In a corner of the room, seated around
a poker table, were three men in whom
we have an interest. They were Conrad

Grayson, Elephant Eph, and Johnny
June.
Behind Grayson’s chair, leaning

against the wall and watching the game
in a listless manner, stood' Gilbert Gold—
spur. His brows wore a slight frown,
and his thoughts seemed far away.

Suddenly the sport started, and an an-
gry gleam shot from his blue eyes. Step-
ping forward, he tapped Grayson upon
the shoulder.

“ Young man, that scoundrel is rob-
bing you! ” he curtly exclaimed, point-
ing to the gambler, Elephant Eph. “ He
has just stolen an ace mm the discard,
and now holds .six cards.’

Quickly tossing his hand into the dis-
card, Elephant Eph, livid with rage,
leaped to his feet.

“ I brand that statement as false! " he
gritted, his black eyes gleaming wick-
edly as he glanced from the startled
youth to the accusing sport, his hand
closing upon a weapon. ‘ . l

/tionless, and for fully a minute not so

 

“ .WM- .  .’ 4:4,‘.v!‘?*.;:«,‘éi 34“. It: 7'5; ’1 .1 , L. - 5‘" ‘ a". ' 'V.

“ I take it, sir, that you are a meddle-
some scoundrel looking for trouble! ”

“Hardly that, Elephant Eph, though
a bit of gun-play with you as a target
would suit me first-rate! " was the cool
retort. “A fine specimen of sport you
are, stealing cards to rob a mere boy!
Draw—~” '

“ Peace, gentlemen! ” sternly inter-
posed Johnny June, over leveled weap-
ons. “ There shall be no trouble in my
house!”

“Stranger, you have my thanks for
exposing the crookedness of Elephant
Eph—a thing I have long suspected, but
never detected.

“ And you, Elephant Eph!—you infer-
nal scoundrel!—get you hence! Never
enter these doors again unless you court.
death! ”

That the little gambler was in deadly
earnest no man could doubt. Utterly
cowed by his determined stand, Elephant
Eph, with a muttered oath and a single
threatening glance at Goldspur, turned
and walked slowly out of the house.

“Come,” exclaimed the Dandy Sport,
again touching Conrad Grayson upon the
shoulder. “Don't you think it about
time to quit for the night? ”

Like one electrified, the youth sprang
to his feet and confronted Goldspur——
only to shrink back in shame and con-
fusion.

Then a spasm of rage shook his slen«
der form, and he stamped the floor an-
grily.

“You here! ” he snarled. “ You, too,
playing the spy upon me!

" Curse you! Take that! ”

His open hand fell savagely upon ‘

Goldspur’s face, leaving a dull, red mark.
The sport recoiled; a tigerish glow
leaped into his blue eyes, and his face
grew ghastly white.

In alarm, Johnny June sprang between
the man and the stripling. The action
was needless, however. Goldspur, by a,
powerful effort, repressed that threat- i.
ened outburst of just but deadly anger. ;

" You shall yet have cause. to repent
that blow, Conrad Grayson! " he coldly
declared, turning toward the door.

But, at that juncture, Dick Dodds, the
deputy marshal, deftly pushed his way
through the crowd to the side of the
sport, and seized him by the arm.

“ You are under arrest, Gilbert Gold—
spur! ” he exclaimed. ,3

“ On what charge, sir? " "

“Outlawry—with being a member of
Cherokee Charlie’s band! "

A thunderbolt from a. cloudless sk)’
could scarcely have been more 'startli‘ng
than that arrest. The crowd stood mo—

 

much as a whisper was heard.

Then, a wild, derisive laugh echoed
through the room, and a muscular-look—
ing man near the door leaped upon a
chair, with a. cocked revolver oin each
hand.

“ That tenderfoot a member of my out-

 

fit! ” he cried, in grim sarcasm. “ My
word for it, he never saw an outlaw
camp!

“ And I, gentlemen, have the honor to
be Cherokee Charlie!

“ If you want a. real, live outlaw, Mr.
Dodds, come take me! "

That reckless challenge stung the dep-
uty to madness. Releasing Goldspur’s
arm, he leaped forward and fairly beat
his way through the crowd, until tripped
up by an outstretched foot.

Intense confusion followed. Then
came a wild yell from the street. and a . 
noisy clatter of hoofs announced the es- 1.
cape of the bold outlaw. .

When order was at last restored, Gil-'-
bert Goldspur was missing.

CHAPTER V.
THE JUDGE’S ERRAND. I i

The Graysons lived in a neat cOttage "I
on a small terrace overlooking the south-
ern extremity of Red Gulch.

Agatha was the elder of the heirs—a
splendid-looking young woman of per'-‘
haps flve-and~twenty years. Her term
Was a trifle above the height common to , r
her sex, exquisitely. developed, and of use j i

 

 

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._,,.

 

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i
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. v»:

 

~  Gilbert Geldspur, the Dandy Sport.

.. A..._-._....._..._-....-_- r vrv r - -‘ r

 

some grace. She _‘was a brunette, with
black hair and large, lustrous black eyes,
and a face of almost faultless mold. Her
complexion, was extremely fair; her lips,
full, yet delicately curved, Were ‘red as
the ripened cherry, and, parted slightly,
disclosed small, even teeth of- milky
whiteness.

Then, too, she was a girl of more than

average intelligence, accomplished, and‘

possessed of a really good business edu-
cation.

Judge Alexander Stamm, as manager of
the Rainbow Mine and guardian of Con-
rad Grayson, had certainly learned to re-
spect this latter qualification, for the girl
not only looked closely after her own
interest in the mine, but also managed
to keep fairly well informed as to her
brother's affairs.

Conrad Grayson was very unlike his
sister. He was a tall, handsome, well-
built youth, fair—haired and blue-eyed,
but weak, irresolute and easily influ-
enced. He was in his nineteenth year,
and for several months had been a res-
ident of Red Gulch, under orders from
his guardian.

“The boy is a trifle too wild," the
judge had explained to Agatha, in his
Sbecious way. “He has been twice ex-
pelled from college, and there is little
likelihood that he can be induced to
complete his education. As he will be of
age in a couple of years, and come into
his share of the Rainbow, I have thought
it better to have him come here, where
he will be under your influence and mine,
while gaining practical knowledge of
mining affairs."

Unfortunately, this view of the case
had met with the approval of Agatha,
and shortly thereafter Conrad arrived,
and assumed a position in the Rainbow
office. .

The position was a sinecure, the sal-
ary most liberal, and the youth went rap-
idly from bad to worse, despite the pro-
tests of his guardian and the entreaties
of his sister.

“He is wild and headstrong, and can-
not be controlled,” Judge Stamm fre-
quently declared. -

“ No, only weak and irresoiute,”
Agatha would insist. “ He is being led
astray, Judge Stamm! ” ,

And Agatha Grayson was right. Un-
known to her, Alexander Stamm was
playing a desperate, a merciless, game.
In collusion with Elephant Eph, he was
deliberately luring Conrad Grayson to
ruin.

0n the morning following the appear-
ance of Gilbert Goldspur in Red Gulch,
Agatha, in her kindly but incisive way,
took her brother to task. They had fin-
ished breakfast, but were lingering at
the table, when the girl abruptly ex-
claimed:

“ Con, I want you to make me'a prom-
ise! ”

The youth looked furtively at his sis-
ter. His eyes were bloodshot, his face
was iiUShed, and his hands shook nerv-
ously.

“ A promise, sis? ” he returned, in
some surprise.

“So I said, Con.

“I want you to break with your evil
associates. They are wrecking you, soul
and body!

“You drink and you gamble, and so
unfit yourself for business that you neg-
]ect your duties at the mine.”

Con laughed uneasily.

“Well, hang it all, Sisl, What else is
a fellow to do in this dry old camp?” he
retorted.

“ Do? Employ your time usefully. Ap-
ply yourself to your businses. The man-
agement of the Rainbow will soon de-
volve upon you, and you should fit your-
self for the position.”

“And Judge Stamm, sis?”

“ He does not enter into the question.”

“Why, sis! I have understood other-
Wise!” _ ,

Agatha Grayson’s face flushed, then
turned very pale. But her black eyes
flashed? angrily.

.,A..

.Ag‘atha.
‘m‘an'. is secretly urging you on in your

 

 ‘   "4’".;"1'\‘ VHS-“.5 :5: V l -' ‘llw »' v! ,‘    ~ "7 'L'

“ Brother! " she exclaimed. “ Never re-
peat such an insinuation, within my
hearing or elsewhere.”

Con Grayson frowned.

“ Well, the judge is all right,” he pro-
tested, sullenly. “ He’s a good fellow—
my best friend, and I’d like to see him
your husband.”

" He is your worst enemy!” flashed
“I firmly believe, Con, that

dissipation.” .

Again the youth started and laughed
uneasily.

“Oh, no; that is nonsense!” he re-
turned, impatiently. “Alex. Stamm is
the soul of honor—that I know! And
you must remember, sis, that he Was
our father's friend, and stood by him
through thick and thin in the develop-
ment of the Rainbow.

“ lt was father’s wish, too, that you
might—”

A warning gesture from the girl caused
Con Grayson to break off in confusion,
and his bloodshot eyes turned to the
floor.

Silence came between the two. But it
was of only a moment's duration, for
Agatha quickly renewed the attack.

“How about the promise, Con?
I to have it? ” she asked.

The youth’s downcast face betrayed
a sharp mental struggle. He seemed to
waver, to hesitate. Then his expression
changed, and he looked up with an air
at once pleading and defiant.

“ Don’t mention this matter to Aunt
Parker, Agatha,” he returned, curtly, as
he rose from the table. “ Give me till
this time to-morrow, and I’ll tell you."

With a. sadly troubled face, Agatha
also rose.

“ Think well, Con," she requested, in
a voice of quiet earnestness. “Some~
thing tells me you are upon the brink
of ruin.”

“ Oh, nonsense! ”

Am

“No, not nonsense, Con, but bitterf

black truth, I fear!" was the sad re-
joinder.

“And, now, brother, I want to tell you
a bit of news. 0rrville,Dubois will be
here to-morrow. He comes on the Top-
Notch stage, and I Wish you to meet him
and bring him here."

Con Grayson shrank back. Disgust and
alarm flashed over his face.

“Not that—” ‘

A swift look of warning from Agatha
checked the words upon his fevered lips.
The door had been opened silently, and
Moses Lumper stood within the room.

“ Mornin’, Miss Agatha an' Master
Con!” the fellow sniveled, with a nod
to each, while briskly rubbing his
strangely-knotted hands. “Am I airly,
or be I late? "

“Just on time, Mr. Lumper," Agatha
returned, with a glance at the clock,
while Con strode out of the room. “ Sit
down; it will require but a few minutes
for us to come to an understanding.”

“ ’Twill take mighty leetle time, I
reckon," responded Wedping Mose, seat-
ing himself and leaning toward the girl
in a confidential manner. “ Pervided
I’ve onderstood ye right."

Agatha smiled.

“The errand is a. very simple one,"
she explained, pleasantly. “It is really
easier than the one of yesterday.

"I want you to come here, mounted
and armed, at ten o’clock this morning,
to guide me to the claim of the Hermit-
Miners. Is that quite plain? ”

“ Yas; I onderstand," Mese replied,
with a nod. “ Et’s jest What ye said be‘
fore.

“But I allers likes ter be sure, fer
ever since ther day Gabe Grayson, yer
daddy, war killed, when I got so bad
hurted, I finds I cain’t be too keerful, fer
my head gits weak sometimes, an’ I fer-
gits a part.

“Lor’! Miss Agatha, that war a wild
day—a red day! Jes’ think; of ther hull
twelve of us, on'y me an’* the jedge es~
caped, an" we so bad hurted ’twar weeks
afore we cfu’d travel! ‘
‘ g ~‘ ‘ i a

i'.:-- ‘ a .r'."' '4‘
_’ “I   ,5?! 5‘.?‘i,:‘ 33.. pa 

i

 

 

.- {i."i:'-:‘.:r.é‘,+':.i:  _ *
A» N ,. v 

“ But my old head must be wrong fer
shore, fer I‘m gittin' clean off ther trail
an’ over in the valley 0' ther past!

“ I’ll go now an’ git ready, an' you fix
ter start at ten sharp, fer ther ride is
long an’ ther trail rough, an’ we must
start airly ter dodge night comin' back."

Then the cunning scoundrel, feeling
that he had played his part most skill-
fully, carefully wiped his chronically red
and dripping eyes, rose and departed.

Scarcely had he disappeared, when a

sharp knocking resounded through the.

house, and a moment later Margaret, the
colored maid-of—all—work, announced a.
caller. '

And this early—morning visitor was
none other than Judge Alexander Stamm!

CHAPTER VI.
THE JUDGE manurrno.

“ Good-morning, Miss Grayson,” the
Rainbow manager exclaimed, rising and
inclining himself profoundly, when his
beautiful hostess appeared.

“Good-morning, Judge Stamm,” Aga-
tha responded, courteously, but in a cold
and formal tone.

“ May I ask, sir, the occasion for this
early call? ’

“Certainly, Miss Grayson—certainly,"
the judge replied, his easy assurance un-
shaken by that ,abrupt question. “ I
came upon a matter of great importance.

“ As you are aware, I am making prep-
arations to be absent from Red Gulch
for several weeks, and will leave some-
time to-morrow.

“Before starting, however, there is a.
matter——a matter, I may say, that lies
very near to my heart—which I wish to
discuss with you.”

Agatha nodded crisply.

" Spare yourself further words, Judge
Stamm," she requested, kindly, yet firm-
ly. ” You may consider my former an-
swer as final.

“Moreover, I must request you never
to reopen this subject, for it is extremely
distasteful to me."

A dark look .came upon Alexander
Stamm's handsome visage, and his hands
clenched involuntarily.

" Are you quite sure, Miss Grayson,
that you fully understand this case? ” he
asked, in suppressed tones, his black
eyes fixed keenly upon her face. “Do

you know all that is involved in your .

decision? ”

“Oh, yes; I believe so, Judge Stamm.”

“You are fully determined, then, to
disregard the last-expressed desire of
your dead father?”

“ If such was his wish or desire, I de-
cline to be bound by it. But I very much
doubt if any such idea ever occurred to
my father!

“In fact, I sometimes feel that my
father yet lives! ”

Judge Stamm started, and the color
left his fac’;

“ Meaning—”

“Just this, Alexander Stamm: That to
further your personal ends, I believe you
have brought vour imagination into
play!” out in Agatha, coldly.

The judge leaped to his feet.

“ Great heavens! Girl, are you charg-
ing me with deliberate falsehood?” he
demanded, hoarsely.

“Not in so many words; no! But, can-
didly, I have learned to regard you and
your statements with a great deal of sus-
picion, to say the least, Judge Stamm!”

“There was a witness to every word
your father uttered, Agatha Grayson! ”

“ Moses Lumper? ”

“ Yes, Moaes Lumper! I am sure that
I haVe adhered so closely to the exact
truth that he will hear me out in every
statement I have made as coming from
Gabriel Grayson."

Agatha sm_led coldly.

“ You must remember that Moses Lumg
per is not a competent witness, Judge
Stamm." she returned, quietly. “ His
brain has gone wrong. Indeed, it is not
half an hour since I was compelled to re-

peat to him instructions for a simple er-

rand!"
. . , k

' - .. ‘u . " 4., .s.'

w»,

  
  
  
  
 
 
  
    
 
   
   
    
     
     
      
   
    
      
   
    
     
      
      
    
    
     
     
     
    
      
    
     
    
   
    
     
     
     

 

 

 

‘v “ T t ‘ .
“But it is only of late that he has be- silk hat. his attire was faultless, and his prise and sorrow, and, finally, joyous
come mentally unbalanced, and this 0388 age' might easily have been any year relief. ‘ ‘

a:
. ,5
. ,, C
:3 . 1'
v 1
a.
. '1
.
.

was passed upon long before any disor- between thirty and fifty, so far as ip- “I believe I understand it all,;now, Mr,
tier of the brain was apparenthor even‘ pearances went. . June,“ she asserted, with a slight‘nod,
suspected.” He rose gracefully as the ~girl entered when the gambler had ended. “ You may
‘ “ Indeed!" ‘ the room, and bowed, gravely saying: say that 1 shall comply with the instruc—

‘_‘ Oh,.yesi ” the judge assured, with tri- “This is Miss Grayson, sister of Con- tions as nearly as possible." 3
umphant mien. “\And [ may say, too, rad Grayson, I believe?” ’ ‘ The Gold-Bar Sport bowed ceremoni» “' :.
Agatha Grayson, that I hold, as executor “Yes. Mr. June; I am Conrad Gray- 0115132 and at Once departed. 
of the estate and guardian of Conrad, a son’s sister," Agatha replied. Scarcer a half-hour later, Moses
copy of your father's last will and testa- “Will you be seated? " Lumber appeared, splendidly mounted

. I mentnwritten by myself, it is true, but “Thank you, no, Miss Grayson,” was, and thoroughly ul‘mt‘d, and Agatha. at
at his dictation and bearing his slgna- the reply with that same gravity of face once Prepared to accornapny him.
.‘tn‘re, which is witnessed by myself and and voice ‘which had characterized his AS a precaution, the girl slipped 
 Moses Lumper! ‘ initial utterance. “ And I trust that you brace 0f fI‘eshly-‘charged revolVers into
“ This request—nay, comxnandkcon- will accept as a poor apology for this in- the llOlSters attached to her saddle, and
:3, Corning yourself was added as a codicil. trusion the excuse that I came seeking as she sent her spirited Indian pony
: ' over my protest. andrthe will entire has to serve the interests of your brother.” Clulwrillg SWiftl)’ Out 01' Red Gulch she

 
 

 

’r  been accepted by the courts as valid. The girl bowed and smiled. had no dread of danger.

 ' , “ I am explaining fully, for I want you “The apology is certainly ample, Mr. bumper; astride of a clean-limbed clay--
to understand this matter before rashly June." she aver-red, simply. ‘ back, set the pacei’ ' The armu scounm-el
committing yourself." ‘ - “ You came to tell me, I suppose, that was confident of success, and his face was

“‘ Spare us both the infliction, Judge Conrad has been gambling again? ” wreathed in smiles.

'- iStamm.” Agatha. retorted, with just a u Manny, Miss Graysom yes! 'no has Hardly more than a, passing word was
“ 'tinge of sarcasm in her tones. “ It is been not only galnmmg'x but losing he“- spoken during the first five miles of the
. only a useless waste of time.” “Y. He is in Mm clutches of an organ- trip: Agatha was .busy reviewing the
_ “ Perhaps!” gfile- “ And yet Aga' ized cohort, headed by 0 less a person- e‘ent?‘ 0f the “maingi While the guide
‘ ,arGI‘aYSOIl. I am (WW-bound ‘0 Speak age than Judge Alexant er Stamm, and I was “my PFWCWNW With his 9101; to
, 113' and freely! state only the truth when I say his pres— "(Gimme me glrl- " v
., IE" This codiail which I have mentioned em plight is most desperatefl “ How long have the Hermit Miners
I expressly provides that in the event of “ Ihati‘leared as much—may, have al- been Working “1011” Claim?” Agatha sud-
"your reinsing to become my wife, your most known it to be true! denly asked, as they slackened speed on
'5. .~one-halt interest in the Rainbow Mine “And my informant, Mr. June, em- a Steep ascent '
2-.‘31'311 revert ‘10 me! » . - " phatically asserted that you were one of bumper Started gummy 3.115 changed
" 2" ‘Understand' I do not‘ covet\the prop-l that s‘alue cohort! H COIOI', then stammered: , » ,3
arty; for I am pretty well; fixed so far as The gambler'svsteely blue eyes emitted “Eh? Oh!‘ ’Bou‘t a year, I sh‘u'd..say,
this. world's goods. are‘vconcm-ned; but a peculiar gum, , . ,, "-Leastway3.»1’ve heer’d 0' themlheti
yourtather’s last wishes BhOtlld--” “Yes? [L wasia, natural conclusion, Klong, all, they d0 5215’ Ullll‘ hes bin 5..
V VuStopgnl , _ Ivsuppomyn hé returned, calmly. u Never- powerful lot 0‘ rich quartz sacked out
iWith that sternly enunciated command t'heless Miss Grayson, your informant 0' nights durin’ thet time” "'
Ké‘étha Grayson rose to her feet. on was mistaken. A black sheep I may be, You have never seen the vein, Mr.
ehehfair cheek was an ‘indignant flush, but it has never been my purl‘mse to rob Lumper? ” ' , 2
and her big black eyes, blazed with 391- eithe woman'or child. - “On'y J'estther weenty-peep I’ve, done
gen, Almost savagely, 'her slender hand - u ut that is'smmmvs game. He is told ye ’bout,’mom! No man darst yen-
 bell upon the table, ’, . after the Rainbow Mine. ,He has Convg ture enter their Claim ’thout a special’ ,
moment the old negress appeared. shape fairly within hisgmspy and his invite, for hein’ dead shots both is rank' « ‘
»&rsaree 13’911' will show Judge: next move will be-to oust you. 918ch W meddlers.” ‘ ' A , .. '
4 m the (00" ’ I ‘  ~ “ . ' ' ' “ nd you,~Lumpen?f’ » _ --  .  .i  
. :If he calls again, he is not to be'lad- I cgfmvgigg nggnmgflfilfigsemcbgégfi “Jest es I told ya, “They hafigd _ :
Jame-‘13, . t ‘ ' ‘ with me notflsreprésemingla consideraw mer‘m’ “mkefiéd “firms-terminates" “.15 V
“Yas, missy,” the servant responded. me amoun; which. Gan-ad 5w“ mi 9' fisdz’egépr 1.70%?- mm’ 9‘, WWW“ 7' . ~  ’
’ '  ' depeck 1131’ Was .wantin’ t'er move .,

 

  

  
   
    
    
 
 
     
     
       
  
   
     
        
       
 
    
       
     

  

  
  
  
 

  
  

 

. I, indxAgatha turned and swept out of the These notes 1 MW transfertoyou' m- :1]; 3‘8 
V'  / \I‘  ‘ f - ‘ V . I .91 r
,Taki'ng up his hat, Judge Stamm strode 33319333133313; zguéfif‘ihégtfigf “'But if the vein is not exhausted and
out into the had, and departed, half— It will Mock his game I beneve_n , is so rich, why should they want to sell? “
.cm H ed with rageanwchagrm. . .As the gambler finished he handed pursued Agatha, her dark eyes keenly
at? Q11,“ the gmvs- obstinacy! II ,he mut-. over a thin/packet qt paper’s. noting eacn change in her guide's expres~ .
'~  38 he strode down the'broad- dri‘vk- "Agatha. finned pale, and shrank back sion. ~,

ayf'leadifig mm” "the terrace‘pfio Real “ Mr. June. I camfbt accept thenotes." “Hain’t I never hinted ther Wh‘y m" v’ 

   

  

  

  
 

  

  

 

 

‘ttlch’s Winding street. " But break she protested firmly. I ‘ ther‘wharmre?  Lumpelsnewrwi’wtefi‘lg 

, “figmrftyet—vznd win the mineih"d Y - “M,” Gray’s”, you must take than, uy. " piduzt t 'sinewate  
g _ eanwmle, . gatha. Graywlgnéta we and Wu must notify smmm that you tives tm jestxce, an the 6y 9?», 

timed to the dining-room. e ace as bold memo, v .. , ‘ my... ,

" Z ., .  I war time ter movepni’g .: .1 1", 
  pale;   eyesfsparkleq  81" «I cannotn’ I J r I , Agatha. noddedrwfuzj .‘ ,l' _ - l

     
   
  
      
     
  
    
 

, ' ‘8‘ t}: dandig'natfo‘ ; butane was “Val. we". m, ; V 'w “ The v'emigqujr ‘ ht—F‘pendi on thet.’:'
a otherwgsew‘ gongposeg, an i at once lost‘ I can cinvey’theggefigé? saga?” {‘33 Lumper ' continued. v “Er ye hedn t a
.  or her cares amid her household'du- dump muted, '10,. I [felt a'ssumd that um um my 019 Rand’s darter, or even of I d

I ,  x ' . ' ‘ - on’y, 'a,’~,,h,ed,,t'h8 I)I‘1('58*--‘n , ‘ l . ‘
f, we mo“ than “hum. had elapsed der t e circumstances yeti would receive r Thawnmfig‘mbflcation remainedm? 

 
 
 

 

i

  

imam was another vigorous knoqk~ “ii-$0,, r’efeféto dour-11,193..“ ‘, ‘ finished: A Enarling cry, betraying both)
«st-dye door. and a‘mOment later Mar-m " .. No; to Driving Duboip_» V “ I,“ W  and anger; burst from the guide’s

    

 

\

retappearedybearlhz '8 bit of. white Lit-Impossib‘é! n V i I grimly compressed lips, andhepulledhfs

'i’iQIbO‘m-f - »’ - ' '. r Afdlnt smile curled the gamblers" it, Mm “War?” are!“   a, ,, I  .
,. .  1 an Graywnrsnmceslfiengl‘a59:.  I "',No,i~£not‘ impossible,x'"',he“' return‘gd. 4' d At that 90"“  g , ,
‘  ‘91-‘33“? 3“ “he ’39,“ . “Pf; ' “r. gravely”. “‘Dixbeistand thyself  ered With mm?” 'r “Mb  . '
Metamucil:  '. ' i I ’u ‘ we as the“ {any $31.3.”   - '_ _ r dwarfed timber, forming-a- I: am, dine. w
  fyw;,a°hn"mnf’§n.. " 'f“ out I ain'slmply'actfng‘ig {my ural doverta ‘tofirmah‘or beast, bwhilie

‘z' -‘  Cwmopou  J- ;- _, ‘agenun th matter, asp, glance atvthis‘ ahead thenng madway “’39 an"

,    the  1 ‘.  ‘ 15‘ a   the caded!’ . . V}, ,1 ~_ | I, ,- V
'4' ‘ dtrnl ’me'etmw “pm/m °'  "ali'Cutl‘ m ' a
  girl. ejaculate .' .11 115 I d gm a'closcly-wrtttenletter. Back. 3 I h," ioose w D an spun, . ,
. We?“ 0‘ mm“: 1’05?“ °" 4"},  i “It .isj «indeed. tram .Duhols.” Agatha. fer Bed,“ 0 A 8? tied Lujnpes. sari . 
 .Ntlmx‘gvhstv can 319‘ want: ms: t‘ admittéd¢aur 23‘ mqmut’land thamkr Imagigraspilng ' gathasrein. hits:-  
. . “(390°91‘Wfiyt .. . - v  artisan-eduiityxtadedtram her face. “1 wnW‘gorfi“; - , ,1 l  
,,_,~thh.-.A§at a. Grgyngn, to, thin W35  zmhanotestpendmgmg m1“; h   too late, for a halt-dozens;  g v  
- n/another minute show» on her but an ~,v ,  . ,. armed and masked, quickly 199994,}er .  

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’ _ _  m __ i .- i .2, I. 'v "._:‘._",§., . F .. . "
new» More 1-  .2 use.an m .1) «ed.    “ti;  woven and m another minute the-km“ ‘
 i  . .1    ' "  ' .. -' 3'51: Kidd'éésgtemré to’flfllthém)’ mus guide and his tau-93W"? W"
 CHAPTER Vn‘. '   harem a. " -    ‘ tairlv within the toils. ' : - “

 
  

 Dow;  L'AINS'  .. ' “110W, Miss   me $81! ,r , ‘\ 4 ‘i 
-v j ' :J’ghfi lune; {no Gong-3&1“, mm“ a, you. to bo'est-rémely .caifetu during the , CHARTER. VIII. 1
‘ it gym), 319mg;-  ,‘tgn 335119331“; no few days; gunfirisgbeing slowly ran FACE IN ran‘CM'ERN. I , _
ed five feet ‘but. 211 inch or. tWO.' D film “1&0 ,3: domain-WWW" hesitate "Steady, there. all W0 01? YOU!” 0,1?" 
«(bright and"sté‘ery .hiué’.,;iat1_wml 4 at'no‘ act; neweverxboldgahfi, desperate, dared the leader of the masked menrrap- ‘-
gimd'er shaggy. overh. usingsrowm. to. save himselhft " v ' r ‘ . I . idly adVaacing. {:rrffJuat' rest easy, and '
"utilities: large. and t {q timothy...  ‘ ‘ “voice 9 33h€flpldsBar Sport udon‘trtret. . You cannot, escape!__’ y- ,
face: r0318. r'e’soi ‘ -‘" "A '  '  """FOI? SW9}: l‘min- ;; No without was-that. as Anthea, w
'99" ' ‘  " '  I ‘  .in exp strep. ~at-.,a glance“ «she 'd'rew; rein :sh'uj

   

  
    
 

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 93¢.ewsflet “H” paramimioybutq as

 

   

 

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. 1 . . ‘ -, 1'-
Weep’ing Mose was greatly" perturbed
He changed color, and muttered an oath.
His yellow teeth gritteil in silent rage,
but he wisely refrained from drawing a
weapon, and held up his hands in token
of meek submission.

“That is "sensible!" the outlaw de-
clared. “You are gaining in wisdom as
Well as in years, Moses Lumper! "

“Yas, I l‘(‘(‘l{OIl. But of 'twa'n't for
ther zal—” _ V,

f‘ You'd show fight? Nonsense! My
word for it, we'd see only a swift pair of
heels! \ ‘

“ But, come, Moses, old boy! Light out
of your saddle until one of my lads can
pay his respects to your pockets, for I‘m
thinking you carry a fat purse this morn-
in  v .
lgnwardly cursing and fuming, the en-

trapped rascal ‘swung his feet clear or

the stn‘rups and dropped to the grou d.

where he was quickly searched by two
' of‘th'e bandits. ' I

Curiously, the outlaw chief watched
"that lawless process, his eyes gleaming
darkly through the holes in his mask.
No pocket was :overlooked, no bit of pa-
per allowed to escape!

“ Make a note of the exact amount‘ of
111011633 Red Buck," he ordered, in metal-
lic tones. “And the papers—you know
your business, man? "

A curt nod waythe answer, and then
the chief turned to Agatha.

 

 

 

cumstances compelled t-hir\step," he as-

sured, with a bow. “And it is with yet

‘ deeper regret I now announce that you
are to accompany us”, ‘

- , shgdtha's eyes flashed angrily. ,

Ill 5'7“~You;mehn‘that I am a captive? " she

filmed-gated; . .

“Precisely, Miss Grayson! "

“ Then, sir—“ V

“Do not let indignation get the better

of judgment! " interrupted the outlaw,

coldly. " Your captivity will be brief,

 

l

1

me to explain:

“I am (‘hcrokee Charlie. These gal—
lant gentlemen are members of my band,
The trick we are tuning, right now, is

 

  

 so, eypny-day buslne.s. ,
 fit-gikhat, we had,the good fortune
it ‘ Lent is Wealthy ilgrim

 , , from the
., East, one Orrviille Dubpl 9'er , .4  f"
I ‘“  V  "i  1‘1,» - 2’

. XaExactly! Helsa law’y
ho ding him for rant-30mg.~ ._ , l ‘ i
wtf But I am pleased, lss/ G‘ayson, to,
note that your interest is awa ened. and
venture the prediction that you will
' t, , gladly agree to pay us a handsome bonus
  begsthe adventure eludes  I '
 tha- shook her ea in a.
more   l ,
” ‘,I,‘.x¢8fi';,n0ti,,8-8ree with you on that
point, ' herokee'ch he," she declared.
“ Say. rather-.1 " ,1" all add myrmite to
the rewards o cred tor y'pu, dead or
alive for you '08 n1! deserve to hangi“
T e outlaw chuCkledf.wthen,_ ignoring
the. pointed quipr'con‘tlnued. . _, v
f‘ From Dubois’s papers andvle’tte'rsrwe
disCovered that he had been you his way
.-to Rod Gulch to consult you ;on,busin‘ess
"'niatteré'ott'great importance. and we at
"finale-"decidedto bring about a. meeting

 

er‘, and Wé "are

c

\

decided.

 
 

  

   

  

  roilinislwefihad no» desire to seof
1 dourihter, . gander. " ‘ ‘
' w '"aAomrdinglnyhwent down to Red

Gulch later fn'tlre evening to arrange the
matter;'.blit. lea fled that you 'Were to
visit-the Hlerml Miner's to~day, under
escortof thbvnliant flittnpmper, and so
changed my Illa-nan ~ 5.  3;; , »
' .“ Now, Miss Guyana" we  in duty
  to escort you d tract  rJ gnu-
' '  ,You-mayfbe’assured that n harm.

r  ; t-qbfim t' you while‘ in; our'a'hhnds,‘
 y‘ajj‘llfi‘yOu w?“ pledge us your-word not
 to attempt. to escape you» my ride 
‘* ' " " “tree, and fully armed}; 'j. 
an ed as Was Cherokee Chap
 one, Agatha GtWBOn be-‘-
ten. jnat than, to telgnligno—
.Iml‘ ,an _ld: \  '-
nly,,£_'galll‘promlse, for it is in-
” 'nttfietél’rm Om. .9 1111-".
,. 9 litre. l

      
     

    
    
      
   
    

   
 
 
 
 
  

   

i i a

"I am sorry, Miss Grayson, that. cir- '

and we intend you no harm. Just permit .

' r the den."

 
 

once, so that I may
before night."  I _

Smiling grimly, ' the Outlaw chief
turned aside, and in low but hurried
tones issued orders to his men.

Weeping Mose, deSpite; his protests.
was quickly bound upon his horse. Then
a gag was forced between his jaws and a
bandage tied tightly over his eyes.

That done, the barricade across the

return to Red Gulch

 

trail was h::<"il_\' removed, and Cherokee
(‘harlie led the way back into the scrub-
lly' timber, whcrclhe horses, in charge of
anvoutlaw, were in ,waiting. ‘

Then came, the. order to mount, and in
another minute the band was moving
slowly through the timber, in single. file.
a veteran grown gray in outlawry in the
lead, while Cherokee Charlie brought up
the rear.

Straight into the mountains ran the
course, and for upward of two hours the
cavalrade moved onward at varying pace.
Then the sound of ‘ a rushing torrent
came faintly to the ears of all, and Cher—
okee Charlie ordered a halt.

“ I shall have to bandage your eyes for
the remainder of the trip,'Miss Grayson,"
he announced, spurring forward and
drawing rein beside the captive.

Agatiha's face flushed, and her heart
rose in hot rebellion. llut she knew the
utter. futility of resistance, and quietly
yielded“ ' ,

“ Very well," she returned. coldly. ,

Then the bandage was applied, the line
formed 'anew with two abreast, and the
outlaws again moved forward at a slow
tl‘hl. ' ' '

The cavalcade entered a shallow
stream, but whether the 'coiirSe was with
or agains‘tlthe“ current neither captive
could tell. For“ hearly an hour a monot-
x'onous plasliing of the water continued,
to change suddenlyl into the dull clapgor
of iron-sl od'hoofs beating jsteadily upon,
solid rocll. ' I \ _‘ ‘

That there had been an abrupt tran-‘
sitien from the heat. and the glare of the
Sun to deep and sombre shade, both
captives :ltnew, and (’ilt‘ll hailed the
change with a breath of relief.

“ The course has changed again]?
Agatha thought. “ Wearecertainly in a
dry canyon, and probably not far_‘trom'

 ~th goers ‘aaxigiéewas correct: ’l ,r
"VA‘ {milrllnufbd'lete’r the. order to‘halt
was givené’eand‘ then Agatha ‘was litted
from the saddle, placed upon her feet and
’led. int-open adjoinlhg‘ cavern, where the
bandage‘wn's stripped._ from her'eyes. I A
“ You will remain here for the pres:
ent,“. Cherokee Charlie ordered... “My
wife will join you in a. moment, to at-
tend to' your wants.” ' U ‘ f ,'
The ou‘tlaw’s tones were not'unkindly,
Nodding acquiescence, Agathalsank into‘
a rustic chair and onlme waited, '
Meanwhile, Moses Lumper had, been.
roughly pulled frdm his homeland halts
carried, half-dragged into another branch
rot the caverm where he Was secured to,

lock. r, - q
t Then, the go , was taken from his
mouth, and tho' ,andage frdm hisueyesg
and. he «was left in olitude to accus-
tom! himself t'o'his u pleasant surround:
13‘,” I "  ‘ . V,

" E: I haln’t gone aln 'got myself in an.
ex. Stammll” he, snarled, lickingrhis
cracked‘lips wold ly,‘ . while'peering
tumvely‘_,flrough t ‘e gloom at his. sur-
roundings. 5“ I on'y honesthe's ‘next on
ther list! 'a i  ’1‘."   
'j --“ An’ I reckon,,thls Eunice ail‘a job
putt uphy ‘ther Dandy p l_' Cues him.
E! I ever—1’ ' .  , " H .»

Tha’t,splenetic threat, whatever it 
have been. Was neVer finished~ "A. ‘ t"

Mennonite/pied the amigo: :11: 1359?:
a " ' mite

«sling wretch‘, and he to
peer over hissh’oulder.  .   ._
f Ayah" 0,1 terror burstlrom his eraVen,
lips, .. » ~. v ~

 

-’ Gold Dick and Trumps at once exerts

the wall with a. stout chain, and" pad-

flee pickle, a-bendin’ therg'knee to: .‘

"Mme 5‘9 10W ' in 34 mefiiber in -‘~

 

 
        
     
   
   
   
   
  
   
 
   
 
     
   
   
  
   
   
    
   
   
   
    
   
  
   
   
  
   
    
 
   
    
    
     
   
   

CHAPTER «IX.
luck nouns l‘N TROUBLE.
‘Scarcely had the' excitement following
the escape of the bold outlaw, Cherokee
Charlie, from the Gold—Bar Palace, be-
gun to abate, when Dick Dodds, the dep-
uty marshal, retraced his steps to secure .-

iiis prisoner.

But Gilbert Goldspur was 'missing.
Evidently, he had taken advantage of
the existing confusion to steal quietly-
away and escape from camp. '

Such, at least, was the freely-voiced
opinion of many oi the miners and‘
sports; but Dick Dodds felt that they
wrrc mistaken.

Intuition told him that the Dandy Sport.
“amateur, and he resolved to make a,
thorough search, first of the hotel, then"
of the entire camp, if it became neces-
sary. '

Calling a number of men to his assist-.
ance, the deputy placed one at each en?!  "
trance, then accompanied by the landlord
started to icrrct out his man... ,

“ lt's ten to one you're making a big V _
mistake, Dick .l.)odds,’ the landlord as:  '
(-larcd. “ To begin with, the. charge. you”:  .
make against this Gdldspur is simply pre-
posterous, for I've an idea the man lay"
not only honest, but a, thorough anLli‘ 
man. . v

“ In fact, I fully expect to see h~in1,1i.,.;r
come back and compel you to eat your”
lvmds. " . » H 

A sinister look crossed, the ofliceits.
face. lie made no audible response, but
silently started up the narrow stairway, -
revolver in hand. . I

ran three steps had he climbed when”
there was a. sound of hasty waikitg‘ '
abovcx and Gold in a, closely followed by," 4'
Trumps, appeared at the head of area.“
stairs. ’ " ‘ “ 
' “Ho; landlordl Our man'is 80118377?"
called the foremost. miner, excitedly,"-
hc beheld the bonitace‘and the 0111i:
below. , . ,,.

“ Yes, he’s clean skipped, we'p'on‘s an‘ ,
all," added Trumps, over his comrades -
shoulder.’ _‘ ' 'I ' v. ‘

“ Not Murat, boys? " '
. “Yas, Murat, pard landlord)?  .

To Dick Dedds this. news was, most not
pleaSant, and-tho bounded quickly up the  ‘
Stairway. ' . -  6’ ' .E, '

4‘,‘ Lead me to the room," ,he commagh‘d~ 
ed, Sternly. “ There has been neg'lec" a?!
duty here~neglect mostiserious in 
consequences, I fear! " . '  1" '

'lli': deputy was not popular with”
Camp’s denizens, but was feared?

mud
walk ..
t

 

    
         
  

  

 
 
 
 
  
 

 
  
 
    
 

      
      
      
  

.themselve ' to clear their-"skirtg’oz' Si;
.plcion or lame. " _i‘ .  t  
" Murat Was i this room, rightghy it} .-
Pard Dick,” Trumps hastily‘volunte‘m ‘
and he pointed toia door'openingui
tug‘han, . r  ,. 
Yas, 3131’ his belt an" we'pons 
this hyar trackfi’ Gold Dick exzfla 
“Trumpsgan’ me bed theso‘ twocha a.“ .

  
 
     
   
       
        
  

m’ sat right, by ther door." ‘v my, 4,”;
“But you left the door?” 5 3 ‘"" “‘3 ‘

  

.“ On‘y fer a minute’, 'Pard Diqk',

" We heer’d titer racket 
Cherokee Charlie, an’ ran ter the:
hopin' target a. wing shot“ hint"
we prancedright, ” a  {_’ 3;,
g “,An’we 'ptian  runway  '
an' a-co ln',' , Gold Dickva
The. epnty :trowned. ' r "’l

""ngyou were‘corel'ess enough 
hing , ' perils growled,.- ’3 “ 

“.Wle’ll‘st‘ other critteriq trail I
him”de as'infié Triumph '. 
 B}! we’ gohfyknowyed M

 
 
      
     
   

 
 
 

 
    
     
    

       
  
    
      
     
  

 
   

 

  

  

.. ‘wgrmfi

‘f. n he real Murals not'wmi‘
Dad 3‘ e lained, in a. more

  

  

“caisson - .~ » . .
i‘.“Go,,\Gold Dickyand   f:
quietly look am dt-the'eam  ,g

Tell no one  singfitablfi 
in {Lyon and-unha ‘ ed}?! 
, -,“-Ir~ypu ran to and
can strlkojhla t5!

1

,gharlie's layout,.‘lt= am told,"an 8
~ ‘ x r .' 1: .

(

  

 

 
  

 

 

, . Ac“ face had «not baggage-«a? ace? wild
and hogan: ’ 't"instahtly eco nimbleq

   
 
  

bangle term you:
i  1m

 
  
 

 

 

  
 
  

i

door attracted his attention.

8 Gilbert Goldspur, the Dandy Sport.

 

learn the truth, so I will pay each of
you fifty dollars if you succeed in bring-
ing him in.”

“Hooray! Pard Dick, thet’s ther
talk!” cried Trumps. tossing up his bat-
tered hat. “Fifty dollars! Heigho! I'd
eat my ’ole boots, hob-nails an’ all, jest
now, fer ther hate 0‘ thet! ”

Then the “two miners hurried away,
while the deputy and the landlord made
a hasty examination of the room occu-
pied by the Mad Miner.

The search was fruitless, however, for
Murat had left nothing to indicate the
manner of his escape. The window was
down and fastened on the inside, while
the bed had not been occupied.

“He was on the alert, waiting just
such a chance as that offered by the
momentary absence of Trumps and Gold
Dick," the deputy observed.

“ indeed, it is more than probable that
Cherokee Charlie's demonstration down
stairs was intended to draw away the
guards and give the spy a chance to es-
cape.” _

The landlord shook his head. .

“Somehow, I don’t see the thing as
you do, Dick," he returned, coolly. " To
my mind, it was the genuine Murat who
occupied the room, and you are on the

_ Wrong trail so far as both he and the

Sport are concerned.”

Dick Dodds glanced at the landlord in
a peculiar way, but uttered no response,
and the search for Gilbert Goldspur was
begun anew.

Every nook and corner of the hotel was
thoroughly examined, but no trace of the
Dandy Sport was to be found.

“ He, too, made his escape during the
confusion,” averred the deputy, in dis-
gust. “A bit of pretty plain evidence
of guilt, I should say!” ,

Then both men returned to the gam-
bling hall, the sentries at the doors were

' relieved, and quiet again came over the

place-

A number of the players had taken
their departure, and Con Grayson was
among them. 'The youth had lost heav-
ily, and report said that he had departed

in an ugly mood, breathing vengeance

against Elephant Eph. _

Worried at his ill-success, the deputy
sat down and lighted a cigar. He felt
that he was upon dangerous ground, for

. Alexander Stamm would be in a rage

when he heard of the escape of the sport
and the Mad Miner.

There seemed to be no way to mend
the situation, however, and for some min-
utes Dick Dodds contemplated flight. A
darker project finally crept into his brain,
and he sat with knitted brow, idly drum-
ming the table.

Then a. sudden commotion near the
A single
glance in that direction, and he leaped to

‘ his feet, revolver in hand.

Gilbert Goldspur had reappeared!

The Dandy Sport moved forward with
smiling assurance. There was abSolutely
nothing in his appearance indicative of
uneasiness or fear.

" It is really kind in you to come back,
Mr. Goldspur! ” the deputy exclaimed,
sarcastically, as he suddenly stepped in
front of the sport, reVOIVer in hand. “I
had given you up as missing!

“ Now, you will oblige me by quietly
yielding! ” ‘

“ You have :1 Warrant, Mr. Dodds? ”

‘9‘ No; I have no warrant.”

“ You must get one.”

" The warrant will be forthcoming to»
marrow.”

“ That will not do. I have committed
no crime, and I shall not yield to you un-
til you produce a legally issued warrant
{or my arrest! ” rejoined Goldspur, stern—
Y.
The deputy grew pale.

“ You compel me to take you? ” he
asked. ~‘

“The gentleman does nothing of the
kind; but you, Dick Dodds, compel me to
take you!” interpolated a commanding
voice, and a powerfully built stranger

stepped forward, manacles in hand.

. I, I, (y l l _
.h, r . .l v. rf

 

u v r .q i,
' o Hui 
'3 U!“

The deputy shrank back in sudden ter-
ror, and would have fallen but for the
supporting arm of the Dandy Sport.

“ The new marshal!” he gasped,
hoarsely.

“Yes, I am the United States marshal
for this district, Dick Dodds,” was the
stern response.

“Now, hand me your commission as
deputy.” .

Dodds obeyed. The marshal glanced at
the document, then thrust it into his
pocket.

“You are relieved from duty,” he'an—
nounced. “There are serious charges
pending against you, and you are now un-
der arrest.

“ Hold out your hands! "

Again Dick Dodds obeyed, then sank
limply into a chair as the manacles closed
around his wrists.

“Come, my man, this will not do,” the
marshal exclaimed, not unkindly. “ You
must brace tip—there‘s a walk ahead.

“ Goldspur, will you accompany us? ”

“ Willingly, Mr. Raymond,” and the
sport seized one of Dick Dodds’s arms.

Then, under guidance of a miner, the
two men hastened toward the calaboose
with the prisoner.

“ We’ll get at the bottom of this matter
presently, Goldspur,” the marshal re-
marked, as they strode along.

 

CHAPTER X.
CHEROKEE CHARLIE'S MESSAGE.

The calaboose at Red Gulch was a stout
log structure, and was divided into two
apartments—one for the keeper, the oth-
er for the prisoners. It was located near
the building occupied by Jubal Strong,
the mayor, and was in charge of a tall
and loose—jointed but extremely muscular
fellow, known throughout the camps as
Shocky Pete. .

A resounding rap brought the jailor to
the door, and he opened a small slide and
cautiously peeped out.

“Who’s thar?" he demanded, grufliy.

“ Marshal Raymond, with a prisoner,"
was the reply.

Then a stout oaken bar rattled in its
sockets, a chain clanked dismally, and
the door swung open. The keeper turned
up his light, and the party entered.

“ Mush an’ mack’rel! Ef ’tain’t Dick
Dodds! " Shocky Pete exclaimed, running
his hand through his bushy yellow hair
in amazement. “What fer-—”

“ Never mind, now, Pete!” cut in the
marshal, tersely. “Get a lamp and put
the coop in order. It\is almost morning,
and we are in a hurry.”

“ All right, boss—I’m off! ” and be dis-
appeared into the rear room, lamp in
hand.

The miner acting as guide had turned
back at the door, and the United States
marshal was alone with his prisoner and
Goldspur.

“Now, Dodds,” the officer exclaimed,
seating the culprit on a stool and sitting
down opposite to him, “I want you to
make a clean breast of this matter. ‘

“What induced you to charge Goldspur
with outlawer ”

“I was told that he was a member of
Cherokee Charlie’s band,”.was the sullen
reply. .

“Who told you so? ”

“I can’t say.”

“ Can’t, or won’t? ”

The prisoner’s pallor deepened, and he
shook his head doggedly.

“ I did, or attempted to do, what i
thought was my duty in the case,” he re—
turned, evasively.

“ Was the man Elephant Eph?” the
marshal persisted.

(l  9’

“ Nor young Grayson? ”

“ No, it wasn’t Grayson.”

Marshal Raymond reflected a moment,
then turned to the Dandy Sport.

“Is there any question you would like

to ask? "- he inquired.

“I believe so—yes,” and GoldSpur's
earnest voice sank almost to a whis-
per. '

I “What, . Dick Dodds, was Judge
Stamm’s business with you to-night? ”

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This question was electrical in its ef-
fects. The prisoner started to his feet,
then sank back, weak and trembling.
But he quickly conquered his agitation.

“Who says I saw Judge Stamm to-
night? ” he retorted, defiantly.

“ No matter, as to that. You did see
him?”

“Oh, yes!”

“ You went to his house in,response to
a summons delivered by one known as
Weeping Mose? ”

“Yes, sir,” and Dick Dodds’s defiant
gaze wavered. “Yes, sir; I Went to
Stamm’s house.”

“Now, tell me for what purpose? ”

The entrapped deputy pondered a mo-
ment. He was in a desperate predica-
ment. If he betrayed Stamm, Stamm in
turn would betray him. The cold sweat
stood in beads upon his forehead. .

“You are prying into my private af—
fairs,” he protested, bitterly. “My visit
to Stamm did not and does not concern
you in the least.”

“Then he did not suggest or demand
my arrest?”

“ No, sir.”

The Dandy Sport nodded crisply.

“ That will do for the night, Dodds! ”
he exclaimed. “In a day or so, I may
0211 again with our friend here, the mar—
s a1.

“When I come, I want you to explain
just what hold Alex. Stamm has upon
you.”

“He—he has no such hold,” the pris-
oner protested, uneasily.

“We shall see.”

At that moment Shocky Pete appeared
and announced that the prison was in
readiness, and Dick Dodds was at once
searched and locked up.

“Guard him closely, and let no one
see him, save myself or Mr. Goldspur,"
ordered Marshal Raymond, impressively.

“ If others call here for him note who
they are and notify me of the facts.”

The jailor nodded assent, and the mar-
shal and the sport at once started back
to the hotel.

“ This Stamm is evidently a first-class
scoundrel,” Raymond remarked, as they
strode along through the gloom. “I feel
that my arrival in Red Gulch was very
timely.” _

“It was indeed!” Goldspur heartily
assented. “But for your presence, I
Would very likely now occupy Dodds’s
place. My only course was to yield. Re-
sistance would have been worse than
useless, for the rascals back of the depu-
ty would have jumped at the chance to
subject me to rough usage." I

“Yes, that is true. Indeed, I suspect
there was a design againSt Your life.
Goldspur.” ,

“ Possibly. I can hardly believe it,
though. My'chance encounter with Mu-
rat, and bringing him to camp, has made
them suspicious and aroused their an—
tagonism,” the sport explained.

“ They jumped to the conclusion that
the mad man was the missing Gabriel
Grayson, and that .I was a detective, em-
ployed on the very case that brings you
here, so they put their wits to work to get
me out of Red Gulch.”

Raymond seemed to accept this view of
the matter. A moment later they en-
tcred the hotel, and at once learned of
Miri‘rat’s escape. ,

he landlord, when called ..
ly stated the particulars. upon, terse

“I reckon he took advantage of the
guard s absence, and quietly slipped

away,” Goldspur remarked, in a matter-
of—fact tone. -'

"1.

“Yes, that is the correct explanation,” .1

declared the landlbrd. “At first I was
inclined to connect Cherokee Charlie’s
v1s1t With his disappearance: bull second
thought convinced me that Murat de-
parted of his own volition.

“Gold Dick and Trumps, the guards,
were not absent from the hallway, and
it would have been impossible, I judge,
for any one even to have attempted the
abduction of the old miner without de-
tection.“

Raymond smiled grimly.

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“The guards may have sold out,” he
suggested.

“I can hardly believe that," averred
the landlord. “ Beth are poor and pret-
ty hard up, but bear excellent rcputa~
lions.

“ No, no! There is no cunning so deep,
so subtle, as that of ‘the mind diseased,’
and I am willing to bet that Murat sim-
ply took advantage of the guard's negli-
gence and stole away.”

The Dandy Sport nodded assent to this
view, and then the trio dismissed the
subject.

A moment later the little gambler,
Johnny June, appeared. lie greeted the
marshal and the sport pleasantly, and
asked for a. few words in private with
Raymond. .

The marshal readily assented, adding:

“We‘ll include our friend Mr. Gold-
spur, Mr. June. The fates seem bent on
involving him in the Grayson case; and
he’ll do to tie to, I know.”

“ Just as you please, Mr. Raymond,”
nodded June, leading the way to a table
in the corner. “We can sit down here,
and a moment will do the business.

“ I suppose you are here to meet Orr-
ville Dubois? ”

“That is my errand, in part.
due here to-merrow.”

“He will not arrive!”

“You surprise me, June!" exclaimed
Raymond, visibly startled.

“I was surprised myself," the gambler
returned.

“ But here—read this note. It was
handed one of my dealers a while ago,
and explains all.” .

The mashal eagerly seized and opened
the message, then in a low voice read:

“ JOHN JUNE2—This is written at the
urgent request of Orrville Dubois. I
have just captured ‘him while on his
,way "to Red Gulch, and shall hold him
for ransom. Will name the amount in
a few days, and notify you where and
how it is to be paid. If you love your
friend, you will keep this thing very
quiet. Dubois says that in the matter
which called him to Red Gulch you
[may proceedas you think best, pending

«' his release.
CHEROKEE CHARLIE."

“ The infamous scoundrel! " ejaculated
Raymond. “ He is growing bold. I must
select a number of deputies and see if I
can di'scov‘ér his lair.

“Goldspur, I am going to press you
into service! '

“ And you, June, please act as Du-
bois requests. You are thoroughly fa—
m‘iliar with the present status of the
Gral'son affair, and will know exactly
what measures to take.

“ Let Dubois’s ’ captivity remain a
sealed secret for the present, and I think
we shall unravel the tangle."

The Dandy Sport and ,the gambler as-
sented to this latter proposition, and an-
er afew minutes' talk the trio sepa-
rated, each bent on securing muchmeed-
ed sleep.

He is

 

CHAPTER XI.
, ELEPHANT am SEEKS TROUBLE.

It; was, almost noon when Goldspur
awoke, sprang out of bed, and began
leisurely to dress himself.

"By George!” he exclaimed, with a
rueful look at his damaged hat. " That
was a close calli, An inch or two lower,
and the bullet would have done the busi-
ness! .

“ The desperatiOn show by this secret
cohort certainly goes to prove the mad-
msn’s story true. and I firmly believe'l
1m ethbarked on the mosttortunate spec-
' ulation I have ever struck! ' :‘

“A‘third-interest in a mine like the
Rainbow is certainly better than living
' by one's wits, and I am going to do my
level but to win it!

2' “A hot hustle it will be, too, for the
‘old man’s foes are unscrupulous rogues,
- and have-the advantage of virtual pos-
- se‘sslon... It oks like rather big odds to

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show these fellows a trick or two" they

haven’t had time to learn.”

Thus communing with himself, until he
had finished dressing, the Dandy Sport
descended to .the dining-room, where he
was joined at table by Daniel Raymond,
the United States marshal.

“I suppose you are ready to accept a
commission as deputy, this morning?"
the officer asked, after an exchange of
greetings.

Goldspur shook his head,

“I am afraid I shall have to decline.
Raymond," he replied. “ I have an affair
on hand which will compel my presence
in or near Red Gulch for some little
time.” ‘

“ You refer to Murat? ”

“Yes; he must be found.”

The marshal smiled grimly. Then a
peculiar expression came over his face,
and he abruptly asked:

“What is Murat to you?”

“ He is my pard.”

" Your pard? ” ,

“I have adopted him as such, so to
speak.”

“ There is a mystery here, Goldspur! ”

“ No mystery at all. marshal.

“ You have heard, I suppose, of my en—
counter with Murat last evening in Pur-
gatory Pass? " ‘

“Yes, and that is ,what puzzles me,”
Raymond declared. “He attempted to
ambuslrvand kill you. Now, ’why your ex-
traordinary interest in him?”

Goldspur glanced about to assure him-
self they were alone, then in a low voice
replied: .

“There are two reasons, Marshal’ Ray-
mond, and in strict'confidence I shall tell
you what they are.

“ One is, that I rmly believe Murat is
the long-missing G briel Grayson.”

“ The other is, 1 am'in Murat's em-
ploy! ” ’

Laying down knife and fork, Daniel
Raymond looked sharply at the Dandy
Sport.

“ Goldspur! ” he ejaculated; " if this is
true, I begin to see the end of a romance
—a romance begun years ago! ”

The sport 5 face grew white and stem,
and his blue eyes flashed brightly:

“ Raymond, you are wrong,” he coldly
avowed. " You refer, I believe, to my re-
Ject-ion by Miss Grayson‘, and I say now
'that it Was flna .".

“ Pardon me! I meant not to wound,"
the marshal exclaimed, earnestly. “The
circumstances are peculiar, and I jumped

to a conclusxon i should never have ut-,

tered.” . . 5

“ We’ll let it pass at that. But under-
stand, I am not seeking to win favor in
the eyes of Miss Grayson. She is a grand
girl-a splendid girl, but the gulf between
us is too wide ever to be bridged. And
it is better so, for I am a roving blade,
ill-content to assume the cares of home

, or family. /

“ To put the matter plainly and, in its
proper light, my interest in the matter is
purely mercenary.

“ Murat's madness is of a peculiar type.
He has lucid intervals—brief and fleeting.
it is true, yet intervals when he is as'sane
Directly after 1 over-
powered him, one of \those spells mani~
tested itself, and we talked for upward
Just what was said need not
be repeated; it will answer that his story
impressed me strongly, and that we there
and then entered into a compact.”

Raymond , had listened attentively.
When Goldspur finished, he shook this
head vigorously. - 

“ I fear you are following a will-o'-the-
wisp," he asesrted, candidly. “ Gabriel

Grayson has certainly been dead several

years. You can do much better service
by lending your energies to Dubois’s
campaign against the unscrupulous .gang
now. seeking to rob the old man's heirs."

“ on may be correct, marshal; but i
am onor-bound to Murat; and I shall
stick to him, winor lose. .

“ I trust, too,’ Raymond, that
not breathe a wordof-that'
‘ I wish! 

   
   

  
   

you will
it to '

   

think. too, that a

  
  
   

 

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“ No hint of it shall pass my lips,” the
marshal assured.

“ And, now, Goldspur, there is another
point I want to touch upon—this quarrel
of yours with young Grayson. ‘

“ It is causing no end of talk in the
camp, and I would earnestly advise you
to accept an apology from him.

“It is said you made an ugly threat—~" ‘

“I did so, sir! In fact, my words were
those of a thoroughly angry man!” the
Dandy Sport interrupted. “But that
threat had a meaning vastly different
from the one so generally accepted, and
which time alone can make clear.

“ Mere words cannot cfface the sting of
a blow, yet when Conrad Graysomcomes
to me with an apology, i shall accept it."

“I am glad to hear you say that," the
marshal luartily declared. rising from the
table. " And I certainly wish you luck in
your chimerical venture.

“ We‘re on, now, on our hunt for Cher-
okee Charlie. When I return, I’ll look
you up.”

Then the officer nodded and strode
quickly out of the place, and Goldspur ;
was alone.

There was a‘peculiar look upon the face --
of the sport. The words of the marshal -- 
had revided old memories and brought to '
mind scenes long forgotten. ’ f

“I am a fool!” he muttered, angrily r
rising from the table. “ The past is
buried, and shall remain so. ’

“ Now, for that new hat, and then I'll 
try to strike Murat‘s trail.” "

Passing quickly out of the hotel, Gold-
spur looked up and down the street, then '
singled out the establishment of Jubal
Strong. ‘ » .

“ That’s the leading place,” he decided. I t
“ I'll try the mayor first." ' . ' 5

But at that moment a wild yell of ter— 1
rcr rang Out hard by, and a decrepit old i-_
man hobbled quickly around the co’rner
of an adjacent building.

“ Help! help! ” he cried, his cracked old r ,..
voioe quavering with fear. “ He will kill,_—
me.” _  "
Then the huge form of Elephant Eph.  "
came into view, in swift pursuit « i _'

“ Stop, you miserable old fraud! Stop,
or I’ll )ound your head off! " shouted the"
gambl r, savagely. . :

And with a sperate lunge be grasped
the fugitive b, the collar, shook him. vi-'
ciously, and hurled him to the ground; x ’,

The Dandy Sport leaped forward. ., , i.

“ Hold on, here! ” he ordered, in an all--
thoritative voice, as he sprang directly
between the two men. -

“ Keep hand and hd’of off that old mam.
you cowardly bully! " ‘

Elephant Eph recoiied before this uh;
looked-for interference, and his face grew
red with rage. - _ . ‘ '

“And what’ll you do about it, ybuimxs'
pudent puppy?" he snarled. “This it
the second time you've butted into my.
game, and it won’t happ 11 again!" A

“ I‘m cock of the wail: in this her
camp, and I don't allow any shoestring
sport to monkey with my business!"

“ on! you don’t? " retorted Goldspur a‘
scornfui smile disclosing his gleam
teeth. “ You're a mighty chief—~a kin
of human cyclone, with buzzsa'watta'clfi
ment, and all that sort of thing—tot
you tell it! ,

 But I don't agree with you. [ ToJ 
not! 11, you’re simply a vicious ' om»
gro n brute! And your actions. islet
as ’I have seen them, show. that you are
not only a miserable thief, butan 
coward!" , 4"

A buzz of astonishment 'went up welt»
the crowd which had quickly gather .
and all stared at, the audacious 
open-mouthed wonder, while  “
man, the victim of Elephant Eph's 1 __
crept away, whining and whimperins.

“Now, I mean just what raw-d1“
pliant Eph! ” Goldspur continued»:
sandy man Just i ..
my size could lick you within 8h':ޢ
of your life! ” , ' 

This last fling was more than, the

   
  
  
  
  
   
  
 
 
 
   
  
 
    
   
    
   
  
     
   
   
  
   
   
   
    

 
    
    
  
 
  
   
    
   
  
  
     
 
   
   
    

   
   
 
  
    
  
   
  
  
 
  
 
   
  
  
 
 
  
   
 
   
  
   
   
  
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
  
  
 
  
   
  
  
 
  
  
  
 

    

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Gilbert Goldspur, the Dandy Spert.

 

 

 

 

CHAPTER XII.
DADDY PARKER.

Although thoroughly angered by Ele-
phant Eph’s cruel abuse of the old man,
Goldspur was not to be caught off his
guard. Deftly throwing aside his coat,
he eluded that vicious rush, then dealt
the bully a stinging blow on the ear.

A fresh gasp of astonishment came
from the crowd—a grunt of pain from the
gambler.

“Hurrah!” yelled Jubal Strong, for—
getting his official dignity and dancing

gleefully. “ Give the big scamp a drub-
bing! "
“Yes, yes! Hooray! hooray!” echoed

the crowd, pleased beyond measure at the
bully’s evident discomflture.

Now wild with rage, Elephant Eph
whirled quickly and again dashed sav-
agely at the sport, confident that, could
the grapple Goldspur, his superior weight
and strength would give him the victory.

But the Dandy Sport, quick to divine
his purpose, sprang forward, met his
huge antagonist halfway, and with a sin-
uous, serpentine play of his arms, rained
a series of blows on face, neck and chest,
driving the gambler bully backward, step
by step. Then a bewildering feint, fol-
lowed by a terrific drive straight from
the shoulder, and the brief battle was
ended. _

The bully of Red Gulch was a whipped
man. His reign of terror was ended, and
nearly every man in the crowd yelled
with delight as he realized the fact.

In a moment, the Dandy Sport was
caught up and whirled to a position upon
the broad shoulders of Trumps and. Gold
Dick, and an impromptu procession start-
ed up the Winding street of the camp!

“Three cheers for the Dandy Sport!”
yelled Mayor Jubal Strong, wildly swing-
ing his hat, and as three cheers and a
tiger rent the air he sprang forward to
lead the enthusiastic crowd.

Goldspur’s triumph was a notable one.
Elephant Eph, backed by powerful and
unscrupulous pards, had long been a
terror to the denizens of Red Gulch,
many of whom had suffered at his hands.
0verbearing,’ coarse, brutal, he had been
«at once detested and feared, and this un-
expected release from his despotic sway,
so long hoped for and so long delayed,
was hailed with. extravagant manifesta—
tions of delight. ‘

No one was more surprised than Gold-
Spur himself at this turn of affairs; but,
finding vigorous protests useless, he ac-
cepted the situation in a good-natured
way, and was borne laughing to the up-
per end of the camp, and thence to the
starting point,.where he was permitted
to descend, though not to escape.

“You’re a chief, and no mistake,” the
delighted Strong declared, pushing
through the crowd and grasping Gold-
spur’s hand. “ As mayor of Red Gulch, i
want to tender you congratulations and
the camp’s thanks for the licking given
Elephant Eph.

“For months past, he’s been a terror,
and has killed or whipped every man in
camp possessed of the temerity to resent
his insolence and brutality.”

“ You surprise me! ” exclaimed the
sport. “ I had taken him to be a different
sort of chap—merely a cowardly bully.”

“Oh, no! He's really a bad man—~a
:regular desperado,” the mayor assured.
"‘ His record is a bloody one, and as he
has a large following and is backed by
such men as Judge Stamm, it has been
found impossible thus far to bring him
to justice.”

‘fYas, yas! thet's ther gospel truth,
May’r Strong! ”

“ An’ he'll kill you, too, sport! ”

“ Oh, he oughter hang! ”

These cries and many others of similar
import came from the men gathered
around, and Goldspur was forced to the
conclusion that he hadmade an extreme-
ly dangerous enemy. .

But the Dandy Sport Was an utter
stranger to fear, and the men of Red
Gulch marveled at the cool indifference
with which he seemed to? accept the sit.-
nation.

\ ‘1 av.” .,.J.'. .,. 3-... ,_,. V 

 

Then they crowded forward, one by
one, to grasp his hand and assure him of
their friendship, and in a few minutes he
found himself alone with the mayor,
Gold Dick and Trumps.

From the two miners Goldspur at once
received an account of Murat’s escape, to-
gether with a report of non—success in
their effort to find the Mad Miner’s trail
for Dick Dodds, and while he listened it
occurred to the sport that the two men
might be useful to him, and he deter-
mined secretly to employ them.

So he bargained with them to go out
and bring in his traps, which, owing to
his capture of Murat, he had been com-
pelled to leave behind in a small ledge
cavern, the preceding night.

“I will meet you at the Gold-Bar Pal-
ace at nine to—night, and there settle
with you for the trip,” he said, in con—
clusion, and Trumps and Gold Dick at
once hurried away, while Goldspur and
the mayor entered the latter‘s store.

It required but a few minutes to re—
place the damaged hat with a new one,
and the sport had turned to leave when
Jubal Strong touched him upon the arm.

“ I want to give you a word of warning,
here in private," the mayor explained.
“ It’s about Elephant Eph, too!

“ The scoundrel is Stamm’s right-hand
man, and if I am not greatly mistaken
they will attempt to give you trouble be-
fore you are many hours older.

“ Of course, as an officer of the law, 1
cannot openly advise the shedding of
blood; but if a hint’s enough, you’ll
buckle on a brace of good revolvers and
proceed to give Eph his everlasting qui-
etus as soon as you meet him.

“ You need have no fear of any tangle
with the law; on the contrary, I assure
you that you’ll come clear, and earn a
neat sum to boot.”

The Dandy Sport was surprisedp Not
only surprised, but disgusted. He could
not help feeling that the mayor was at-
tempting to use him as a cat’s-paw.

“ I do not think there will be any occa-
sion to follow the course you suggest,”
he returned. “To be frank with you, I
abhor the shedding of blood, and in no
case would I take life, except to save my
own.

“Elephant Eph has not so much as
breathed a threat against my life, so far
as I know, and assuredly I do not pro-
pose to go out and hunt him down as i
would a wild beast.”

Jubal Strong turned red.

“You mistake my meaning," he as-
sured. “There is no particular reason
why I should desire the life of that scoun-
drel, much as I detest him.

“I was simply giving you a bit of
friendly caution, for I am morally sure
that Eph will attack you.

“ Now I wash my hands of the whole
affair, and you may do as you please.”

“ Certainly, certainly! ” the sport light-
ly responded, and he walked out of the
store.

Not ten steps had he gone, however,
when he came face to face with the old
man, the defenseless victim ofthe bully’s
wrath.

“ Ah, sir! it is you, sir? ” the old fellow
exclaimed, stretching out a palsied hand.
“ I’m Daddy Parker, the chap you saved
from a drubbing a bit ago—a mighty
good drubbing, too, sir!”

The sport shook hands, and asked:

“Were you hurt? What was the trou-
ble? ”

“ Hurt some. sir—yes, sir. 'Years knock
out nimbleness, sir, and old bones are
stiff. I’ve sixty-nine years to my credit,
sir, and my bones are old; yes, sir—very
old; and when one’s old a fall counts.

“ And then the trouble, sir. That's a
family matter—a family matter, sir.”

“ Excuse me! 1—”

“Not necessary, sir—not necessary at
all. There are no secrets in the family,
sir, and only one skeleton in the closet.
And that one got in, sir, when Gabe went
off a-larkin’ and never came back. He
did that, sir, sure as my name’s Daddy
Parker!” '

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“ No hurry, six-«no hurry at all!” rat-
tled the old man. “ It’s a peculiar thing,
sir. There was Gabe—he was (Jon’s dad—
dy, sir, just as sure’s I’m Con’s uncle.
And then there's Con, sir; he’s gambling.
Yes, sir, gambling—end there’s the trou-
ble, sir.”

Goldspur started.

“ Meaning Con Grayson, I presume? ”
he queried. .

“Exactly, sir—Con Grayson. And
they’re robbing him—robbing him night
after night, sir. Wife and I talked it
over, and I decided to act. To that end,
s1r, I approached Elephant Eph, and vent—
ured to expostulate. That was it, sir; i
expostulated.”

“Yes?”

“ He grew angry, sir,” the old man con-
tinued, his tones quickening. “ He at-
tempted chastisement. He put me to
flight. And you, sir—you know what fol—
lowed. You have my heartiest and best
thanks for interfering, sir, for I should
have fared badly.

“ But the end is not yet, sir—not yet! ”
and Daddy Parker, looking around cau-
tiously, sank his voice almost to a. whis-
per and continued:

“ Elephant Eph went direct to Stamm’s
office. Stamm, sir, is a villain. Knowing
this, I followed the gambler. I overheard
a. great deal of the talk that passed be-
tween them, sir—yes, sir, a great deal!

“ You are to be made to suffer.

“They swore, sir, to put your life in
Jeopardy before the night is done! ”

 

CHAPTER XIII.
THE MINER-DETECTIVES.

Promptly at nine o’clock that night,
Gold Dick and Trumps appeared at the
Gold-Bar Palace, where they found the
Dandy Sport seated behind a table in, a.
deserted corner of the room.

“Come, pards, sit down!” Goldspur
requested, in his pleasant, off-hand way.
“ The traps, I know, are all right, for 1
have examined them, and here is your
pay. l

“ You are both looking for work, I be-
lieve?" ,

“Oh, yes, an’ hungry fer it, too,"
Gold Dick replied, as he and his pard sat
down at the table.

“That we is,” chimed in Trumps.
“We've hardly ’arned our grub money
in ther last two months."

“That is singular, men, for they tell
me the camp is prosperous and labor
scarce.”

The miners exchanged glances and
seemed ill at ease.

“ You’ve hit ther truth plumb center,
pard sport!” Gold-Dick blurted, dog-
gedly. “Times aire good in Red Gulch,
but not fer men on ther Rainbow’s black-
list.”

“ The Rainbow’s blacklist? ”

“ So I said, pard sport.”

“ That is something I had not heard
of, Gold Dick, so please explain your
meaning," Goldspur requested, with in-
terest visibly deepened.

“It’s a hard thing to explain.” was
the serious response. “All we know is
thet when a man displeases Stamm, he
is discharged; thet ends his work at ther
Rainbow, an' so we says he’s on ther
blacklist.”

“ But there are other mines in camp? ”

“Oh, yes; but they aire small, an'
employ but few men, an’ Stamm’s influ-
ence goes ag’inst us."

“Thet’s a fact,” Trumps supplement-
ed. “We’ve tried all ther mines in
camp. an’ they all asks fer a. recom-
mendation f’m Stamm.”

“ That is certainly a striking example
of one-man power,” was the sport's 1‘9-
mark.

“But why were you discharged, Gold
Dick?”

“I know too much," was the signifi-
cant reply. “ Ther output was bein’ cut
ter shrink ther mine’s value."

“ You are sure of that? ”

“ It’s as sartin as death an’, taxes._

pard sport!"
“ Can you prove it? ”

 

 

   

Gilbert spur, ' dy port.

 

 

. Both miners shook their heads, but
‘ there was a hopeful gleam in Gold Dick’s
black eyes.

“Not jest yet,” he replied.
+ hopes to, soon, Mr. Goldspur.”
E  You hope to, eh?”

l “ Yas, sir."
“Men, I do not understand you! ” and
Goldspur assumed a mystified look.
“How can you find such proof when
you are debarred from the Rainbow? ”
'Gold Dick looked at Trumps, and
asked:
1 “Shall I say it all, right out, pard?"
1‘ “ You bet!” Trumps decided.
l

“ But we

“ Wal, then, Mr. Goldspur,” Gold Dick
went on, “we have a pard in ther mine.”

i “A pard in the Rainbow?”

; “ Yas, sir; a darky pard, an’ he’s cun-

[ ning es a fox.”

‘ “He should be of great assistance to

you, Gold Dick, but will not be able to

furnish you complete proof.”

“ We knew that, pard sport, an' 1t
: bothered us a heap, so we put our heads
 together an’ decided to play detective.”
‘; “Ha! Man, you interest me! " Gold-

spur admitted. “You have discovered

ii: something, I suppose? ”

“So far, on’y thet Stamm is keepin’
mighty bad company."

“ That is a point scored. It may lead
to something. Now, let us see if I un-
derstand you,” and the sport’s tone grew
confldentia..

“You were discharged and blacklisted,
you say, because you knew too much? ”

“Yas, sir; that’s the lay-out.”

“How did Stamm learn of this dan-
gerous knowledge? ” .

“ He heer'd us talkin’ one night, an'
we were bounced next day."

“ What interest had you in the mat-
ter?”

“ Pard, we hated ter see ther Graysons
robbed—thet was all.”

Goldspur smiled grimly.

“That is singular! They are rich, you
poor! Why should you risk discharge
by prying into the affair?”

An angry, suspicious gleam came into
Gold Dick’s eyes, and he curtly said:

“Not fer any reward, ef thet’s what
you hint, pard sport! " , '

“I am not hinting,” the Dandy Sport
retorted. “ I asked a question for you to
 answer. Will you oblige me? "

“Sart’n! We did it fer Miss Gray-
son.” r
3 “ At her request? ”

1 “No! You see, sport, thet gal is jest
an angel—lackin' wings, 0’ course! Last
winter, Trumps an’ me hed ther“ fevers,
an’ she nussed us same as a sister or a
mammy, an’ we hain’t fergot. Thet’s
all.”

Goldspur nodded. His eyelids twitched,
and Trumps fancied he detected a slight
change of color.

But whatever the sport’s emotions may
have been, he sternly repressed them
and held to the subject, asking:

“ You acted out of gratitude, then? ”

“Could we see ther gal robbed an’ not
try ter ketch ther thief? ” the miner de-
manded, indignantly.

“ No; you would have deserved to hang
had you done so!” was the stern re-
joinder.

“ You informed Miss Grayson of
Stamm’s crookedness, I suppose?”

“No; we on’y went to May’r Strong."

“Why to Strong?”

“Thar war two reasons, Pard Gold-

, ‘ spur. First, he is mayor o’ ther camp;
an’ then it is said he is to! marry Miss
Grayson. Sech bein’ ther case, he’d not
see her interests suffer.”

‘ “I should think not: the sport re-
rmarked in a peculiar. tone.

I, ‘ “Do you think other miners in the
Rainbow have knowledge of this crook-
,edness? ”

“ No,” and Gold Dick explained an ac-

;cident by which he.and Trumps had

come into possession of the facts.

‘ The Dandy Sport listened closely.

lThat he was deeply interested in the mi-

‘ner’s revelations he did not try to con-

, ceal.

 

 

4:93: W A#—4~—‘—‘r *\ M.-._._-_...._._- - ‘ .._.__. .. I...

‘ . I.

“fig—v

 

 

H

“ Now, men, he urged, when the re-
cital was ended, “tell me why you have
come to me with this story of Stamm’s
crookedness? ” '

The miners looked at each other, and
both shook their heads.

“I don’t know,” Gold Dick confessed,
in confusion. “But I reckon it war be-
kase you licked Elephant Eph to-day.”

“ Thet war jest it,” acquiesced Trumps,
emphatically. “We figgered of ye
w’u’dn’t see an old man hurted by ther
bully, ye w’u‘dn’t see a woman robbed
by thet rascal Stamm.” V

“ You are right there, Trumps; I don’t
intend to see Miss Grayson robbed,”
Goldspur averred, in a decided way.
“ Stamm must be balked. You and Gold
Dick and your darkey pard must help me
do the trick.”

“ Count on ther three of us, Pard Gold-
spur!” the miners volunteered, eagerly.

“Keep up your detective work, then,”
urged the sport. “Draw on me for fifty
dollars a month and expenses, for each
of you. Let me know all that you learn,
but keep still tongues and be very cau-
tious. No one must know that I have any
connection whatever with the matter.”

“We'll do Jest what you say,” Gold
Dick assured.

“Then you can begin work at once,
and must obey orders to the letter. Let
your darky pard remain in the mine,
but have him keep eyes and ears open.

“ You, Trumps, must shadow Con
Grayson. Hunt him up and begin at
once, but use great care.

“ And you, Dick—suppose you keep an
eye on Stamm, to-night?”

“ Lordy, boss! I’m clean stumped right
now! ” the miner .:informed him. “ Stamm
left late in ther afternoon, on ther buss.
An’ they say he’ll be gone mebbe two
or three weeks! ”

“ So-ho! That is unfortunate. But, the
matter cannot be remedied now. While
he is absent, you may give your atten~
tion to Elephant Eph.”

Then the Dandy Sport arranged a brief
code of signals for use in an emergency.

That done, Gold Dick and Trumps rose
and departed.

“ So Stamm has gone,” the Sport
mused, as his miner-detectives disap-
peared. “ It is a singular move to make,
just at this time. It looks bad!

“ By George! I’ll investigate!”

Goldspur was not given to waiting.
With him, an action decided upon was an

action begun. Rising, he hastened to his
room.

 

CHAPTER XIV.
HERCULES REDROCK.

Something like two hours before the
appearance of Trumps and Gold Dick to
keep their appointment with Goldspur,
a tall, heavily-muscled man, roughly
dressed and wearing a full red beard
and long, curling red hair, rode into camp
on the Paradise Bar trail, dismounted,
and hitched his clean-limbed roan to the
rack in front of the Gold-Bar Palace.

It was not quite dark, and the loung-
ers about the place gazed curiously at
the stranger.

“ Har-har! ” he laughed, as he noticed
their sharp glances, the white teeth fill-
ing his wide mouth gleaming brightly
through his drooping red mustaches.
“ Har-har! Git a good squint, pards! Et
don’t cost nothin’, an’ yer lookin’ at
su’thin’ wu’th seein’!

“I’m ther on’y an' ’riginal Hercules
Redrock!—you bet! I’m ther prize beauty
f’m Brimstone Butte, an’ no man dust
say ’tain’t so!

“ Har-har—har! Har-ar-ar! ”

There was something peculiarly infec-
tious in that cachination, and the crowd
joined heartily in the laugh, then good-

naturedly parted, right and left, to per:

mit the stranger to enter the hotel.
Hercules Redrock strode up the steps
and straight into the barroom, the huge
spurs upon the heels of his rawhide boots
jingling noisily with each step.
Just inside the swinging doors shut-
ting off the hotel office, he paused, and,

 

with hands upon ,hips, looked around
expectantly. A moment thus, then he ele-
vated his nose in a manner expressive of
supreme disgust.

“Wal, I berdern!”
loudly. ,

“ What is it, my friend? What is the
trouble? ” the landlord asked, his atten-
tion instantly attracted by the red-beard~
ed stranger’s expressive action.

“Be you ther boss 0’ this hyar cor-
ral? ”

“I have that honor, my friend—yes,
sir.” ,

“ An’ this hyar hangout is ther Gold-
Bar Palace, I takes et? ”

“Yes, sir; you are correct.” ‘

“Wal, I’m blamed ef ’tain’t ther big-
gest swindle I’ve struck in a multitude o’
y’ars! ”

The landlord’s face grew red, and in
tones of suppressed fury he exclaimed:

“What do you mean, sir? You are
insulting!”

“Thet‘s all right, lan’lord,” was the
cool retort. “Don’t ye go fer to explode,
fer by gum! no bluffs goes with Her-
cules Redrock!

“ Thet’s my handle—har-har! Hercules
Redrock—you bet! An’ I’m all ther way
f’m Brimstone Butte, jest ter be taken
in an’ done fer by ther Gold-Bar Pal-
ace!

" Lan’lord, et’s a gospel fact we sharps
up thar hev always heerd yer bar war
solid gold, an’ thet ther sports 0’ this
hyar camp drunk their leetle forty drops
0’ honey-dew outer gold goblets crusted
with dimints an’ sech-like valuable stuns!

“ An’ now thet sech ain’t ther case, I
da’sn’t go back ter Brimstone an’ ’low
thet I’ve bin took in.”

The landlord listened with visible as-
tonishment.

“ What an idea!” he exclaimed. “I
am sorry you are disappointed, my friend
Redrock, but you see before you the very
best I can afford.

“ This establishment takes its name
from a large gold bar we keep on exhibi-
tion. This bar is twelve inches long, four
wide and four deep, and represents a
large amount of money.

“It is bedded two and one-half inches
deep in solid cement, and it is a- stand-
ing offer of the house to present the bar
to the man who can lift it out of the
cement with his naked hands!”

he ejaculated,

Hercules Redrock’s eyes opened wide '

in amazement.

' “ Oh-ho! oh-ho!
ejaculated. “ Lan’lord, aire ye givin’ me
gospel fact? ”

“Oh, yes, sir,” the landlord assured.
"I am stating the truth. Several hun-
dred men have tried to win the treas-
ure, but so far all have failed.”

“ An’ ets solid gold, ye say? ”

“ It is gold, pure and unalloyed.” ,

“Kin I git my hooks on et? ”

“ If you ante.”

“ How much? "

“Ten dollars.”

“ No bluff goes with Hercules Red-
rock, by gum! You trot out yer bar, an’
hyar’s yer money!” the stranger ex-
claimed, pulling out a big roll of bills
and selecting a note of the right denom-
ination. ‘f Har-har! I’ll jest bet I gobbles
ther trick!”

“ It is extremely doubtful, my friend.
Hundreds have tried and failed. One of
these days, some sport will succeed in
lifting it, but it will likely be a. long time
before that occurs.

“ However, there is always a chance, or
we would not accept your money.”

At that moment two attendants ap-
peared, bearing .the gold bar. As stat-
ed, it was imbedded in cement, and was
surrounded by a heavy oak frame.

“ Mr. Redrock, the chance for fortune

is before you,” the landlord announced,
as the attendants carefully lowered the
frame to the floor. “ Remember, you are
to stand on the platform, and are to use
nothing but your naked hands. The test
is limited to five minutes.”

“Hooray!” yelled Bedrock. Then‘he
carefully removed 'his coat, stepped on.

.._. ..

Ye don’t say!” he

at, aw

an...“

M. 4- .. -

. vpovciwg-‘a.’ .

 

.4 is“

a: bait  Sp r, "c e Dandy‘Sport

 

the platform, stoop‘ed and grasped the

yellow bar.

Forming a ring, 'the spectators anx-
iously watched the play of the stranger's
sinewy fingers.

Suddenly, a faint, crackling sound was
heard. Then a wild yell rang through
the hotel, and Hercules Redrock sprang
back and held the golden treasure high
above his head.

Where hundreds had failed, he had
won!

" “Har—har-har!” he laughed, leaping

madly about. “ Keep back, you kiotesi—

gi’me elbow room,‘ won’t ye? ”

There was a snarl in the last words.
Shifting his hold on the treasure, lied-
rock drew and brandished a long and
dangerous-looking knife.

“Landlord, I wants ther best room in
yer house fer two weeks," he announced,
quietly. “I want it at once, too.”

i The bonilace, dazed by his unexpected
. loss, silently picked up the stranger’s

coat, and led the way up-stairs.

That was the last seen of the red-

' bearded stranger for several hours. A
call to supper was unheeded, and many
‘were the conjectures excited by his ab-
sence.

About ten o’clock, however, he smiling-
ly descended the stairs, entered the, bar-
ignroom, and greeted the crowd in his char-
’ ‘acteristic style.

 A brace of heavy revolvers now bore
», ‘the'long knife company in his cartridge-
~'studded belt, and his appearance was
3 Such as to command the immediate re-
.Pspect of the rough men hronging the
place. i
, Much to the disappointment of many
Of the loungers,,Hercules Redrock con-
”tented himself with purchasing a few
cigars, then passed quietly out into the
street. '
- . A glance up and down the winding,
moonlit thoroughfare seemed to reassure
him. , He singled out a distant light, and
f'strode rapidly toward it. ,
' He walked with a free and swinging
’step that covered the ground rapidly,
and in a few minutes brought up in
'dront of a barn-like structure, from a.
~corner window of which shone a bright
" light; .
.‘ “Hyar’s ther lay-out, fer a mortal
tact," lie muttered, in a tone seemingly
.,expressive of relief, as he slowly read
the rude sign extending across the front
,e‘ ‘0! the building, and he threw open a.
' floor and entered. .
"“,This hyar’s ther stage company’s of-
titake et?" he exclaimed, address-
 ‘e single occupant of the box-like
.oflcs.

_ " Yes; sir-roe,
‘drawling reply. ,
: - '!.But I reckons you're jest [about eight
hours‘too late fer ther buss. She pulled
or Big Nugget Camp at three o'clock.
'ys over to-nigh-t at Devil's Bend, an'
finishes ther run ter-morrer.”

“Hat-hat. That’s a joke on me! " Red-
rcck exclaimed, with his peculiar laugh.
‘When does the next one leave this hyer

   
  
     
  
   
    
  
   
  
    
     
 
 
  
     
   
  

stranger," was the

 

  

  

" "Day arter ter-morrer."
.“Kin‘ Ibook fer ther trip now?"
“.You bet! .Ante, an’ put yer name an’
dump-on place right thar.” and the
' tableman shoved the open register for-
ard, with grimy forefinger laid ,upon a
vacant line. ~ ' - ' .
Hercules Bedrock laid down a bill,
' looked ,asksnce at the book. Then
"seized the pen ahd slowly and is-
.ously scrawled his name and destina-
a.'r"But his eyes were not upon his task:
neither were they idle. Eachhame upon
:th's’t‘hlurred and blotted page came be-
' Wit their keen and searching glance.
* 17"1’1‘hsr!" he exclaimed, his blue eyes
A .; winkllng brightly as he pushed the book!
away. “ Thsri'. I've-worked thor trick
at. last; Hat-bar!”  .
 Then? he received his. chance. Icon-,5.“
 with the submit; an moment.
mus-99w.

   

  

  

 
       
      
             
       
     
     
      
 

  

 

    
    

   
 

 

CHAPTER XV.
THE RAINBOW ROGUES.

Judge Stamm, it will be remembered,
was in a towering rage when he left the
Grayson cottage, immediately after his
abrupt and emphatic dismissal at the
hands of Agatha.

His face was flushed, and his dark
eyes held a wrathful glow as he (le-
scended the winding driveway leading
from the cottage to the road. Inco—
herent mutterings fell from his lips, and
his appearance was little short of ma-
niacal.

But when he neared the street he sup-
pressed his passions, and by sheer force
of will assumed a smiling mien.

“It will never do to lot the gossips
of Red Gulch detect me in such a mood,"
he mused. "Now that the time for de-
cisive action has come, there must be.
nothing in my appearance to excite sus-
pieton.”

Then he emerged from the driveway
and strode rapidly along the road to-
ward thc upper end of the camp.

Not a hundred yards had he gone, how-
ever, whcn ringing hoof-strokes sounded
.chind him, and a moment later a wiry,
well-knit man, evidently a. half-blood,
mounted on a mettlesome mustang,
swept past him.

No word was exchanged, but an ex-
pressive glance passed from one to the
other. Stamm brought his hands sharp-
ly together; the horseman nodded,
wheeled his mustang, and with roweling
spurs dashed swiftly away.

An exultant look, fiendish in its
wicked intensity, crossed the mine-man-
ager’s face. Changing his course, he pro-
ceeded straight to the Rainbow office, a
small frame building standing just in-
side the stockade surrounding the mine
entrance.

This building was divided into two
apartments, the first and larger one be-
ing used for the general business of the
mine, while the other served as a pri-
vate oflice for the managed,

Stamm strode briskly into the outer
office, and glanced around. The book-
keeper, Simeon Paully, was present, but
Con Grayson had not yet arrived.

“Good-morning, Simeon,” the judge
greeted in his unctious way. . “I per-
ceive that our young friend is, as usual,
far from punctual.” .

The bookkeeper, an extremely thin,
pale and youngish-looking/ man, with
watery blueeyes and a pinkish nose, re-
tiarned the greeting, and solemnly add-
e : i -
. ‘Alas, no! I fear, sir, the youth is
goin' to ruin! ,

.“I have certainly exerted my whole
influence, to turnin’ him from his evil
ways, but he willfully persists in roller-
in' the paths of the ungodly." ’

“ You speak truly, Simeon—that 1
shall always insist!” Stamm responded,
with equal gravity. “ I, too, have striven
hard to wean him from his wayward-
ness, but vainly.” , -

Then both scdundrels' grossed and
shook their heads sadly. ,

At that moment a shining black face

appeared in the open ;window. and the.
cause of the lugubrious by-‘play was dis

closed. ‘

“ Mornin’, Marsa Stamm!" the owner
of the face greeted, with a. broad grin,
Mighty fine mornin’, sah.”

“Yes, Darky Dan. the weather is all
that could be desired. I’

“ But you may put away your white-
wash br'ush. and! step in here. I have
several errands for you to do immedi-,
ately.” ~ .

Darky Dan promptly’obeyed. Stamm,
having hastily invented the errands, ex-
plained them, then watched the servitor‘
pass beyond the stockade gates.

“'I am getting more and more suspi-
cious of that fellow}? he finally remarked,
tin-ping to 81!!”th Paully.

'3 v.7! g1

 

just yet. The girl insists that he shall
have employment here."

“Then keep him at work outside the
stockade.“

“Yes, I can do that. I‘ve been sus—
picious of him since I overheard that
conversation between Trumps and Gold
Dick and discharged them. He is their
friend."

“And should have been let off with
them."

” Assuredly! But I wasn't as Wise then
as I am now, Simeon, my boy! You see,
it was several days before I got the idea
into my head that the darky was nosing ‘
around in the mine too much, and
brought him up to Work around the of-
fice.”

Simeon shook his head, stuck his pen
behind his ear, and stepped away from
the desk.

“I don’t' want him hangin’ around
here," he declared, with pronounced
acerbity of tone and manner. “He was
under the window When Eph came in
this mornin‘ with a note to discount. I
am afraid he heard somethin’.”

The manager started guiltily.

“ Eph here? ” he eXclaimed.

“Yes, sir. He saYs the jig is up. There
was trouble last night. He was caught
cheatin’ by a stranger in camp, called
Goldspu .” '

“Curses! " cried Stamm, angrily.
“ Why could not Raymond have re—
mained away a. few days longer? With
Dodds in hoc, I fear I shall have to" re-
sort to desperate measures to get rid of
that spy.

“ You took the note, Simeon, and gave
Eph the money? ”

“No, I told him to call later in the
day, as the amount was unusually large.”

“ That was right. I think I can scale
him down. He has had fat picking. By‘
George! every cent counts!” and the pe—
nurious rascal smiled grimly.

“And now, Simeon, you may get
things in shape for me to leave." , I
' “ You are going on the “agate-day”! '-’

“Yes”; youwill be in charge‘during
my absence. See that the men put in full
time; You ha betterissue an order for
a general cut of ten per cent., too."

“The men will strike," Simeon sug-
gested. .

“Let them. Labor is plentiful, and we
can put the discontented rascals on the
blacklist.”

The book-keeper heartily assented to ,

this proposition. Then helturned to the
safe, drew out a check book, and quickly
filled but a chepk for one hundred (101--
ars. \, . ‘ ‘

“ Here's an m to add to the expense
account," he emarked, handing the
check to stamm for his signature.

“ What's this for? ” the manager asked
in surprise. I ‘

Simeon Paully grinned. He stroked his
thin, straw-colored mustachesi complac-
ently.

" My doctor has ordered me to uses.
bisickle," he replied. “ I want to forward
the check for one to-dsy." , .

“ You don't expect the Rainbow Min-
ing Companyto pay for it? ” “

“Certainly—-thouzh the books would
never show it."

Judge Stamm shook his head sullenly.
and handed the paper back to the book-
keeper. ,

“ You destroy that at once,” he or-
dered. “I’m not going to be bled." 
,Simeon Paully quietly ignored “10
checlf. A peculiar whitish look has! crept
into his face, and his watery, blue eyes
emitted a greenish glint. ‘

“You see, ’ there are a good many
things the books don’t: show.", he contin-
ued. “ They are like the shafts of a. mine
—they can be twisted so they don’t al- »
ways foller the true veins. .

" But all that’s neither here nor there.
I started to tell you about my doctor's
orders. He says I must use a bisickle. He
also recOmmends-that I go South. I know

hear, - th

0 got- eunuch as are. theme

several first-class book-)eepers,there: I. '“

I

 

    
   
   
 
     
    
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
   
   
   
  
  
  
    
  
   
   
  
   
  
   
   
 
  
 
  
   
   
  
   
     
  
   
  
   

 

 

   
    
      
  
       
       
       
        

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Stamm scowle'd darkly.

“Are you a first-class man?” he de-
manded, sneeringly.

“ They say knowledge is power. I pos-
sess knowledge," was the significant re-
ply.

Stepping to the desk, Stamm seized a.
pen and signed the check.

“Let this be the last of it, Simeon
Paully,” he growled, handing over the
"j coveted paper. “ You may find it danger-
' one business.”

“ And the increase in salary?”

“You must get along as you are or
quit. I can find another man for your
place at the pay you get."

 

 

“Very good; get him! I resign at
once! "

Judge Stamm started and changed
color.

“ Hold on, Simeon, my boy! ” he expos-
tulated, his tone changing. “Don’t be
.rash! You must remain with the Rain-
bow Company!”
“And the salary, Judge Stamm?”
“ Well—well, Simeon, you are extreme-
ly harsh in your demands! They are ill-
timed. The company is tottering—fairly
tottering! Can’t you reconsider, for the
time being? ” .
“NO? sir! I must have the increase
110w.” '
Stamm rubbed his hands briskly._ He
smiled blandly, and nodded.
“Very good, Simeon, my boy! ” be ex-
claimed. “Your service has always been
y satisfactory, and you shall have the in-
f ' crease, great as it is! "
 " So saying, the manager strode into his
private office, and closed the door with
;:' a bang. , ‘
gt, Simeon Paully smiled triumphantly.
I fl l _ Then he stepped behind his desk, silently
-‘ it ' unlocked a drawer, and drew out a run-
if, her tube. It was probably thirty inches
l, , .long. One end was fitted with a hollow
ii ‘ nipple, the other with a flaring ear-piece.
_‘I‘-‘ The end of the high desk was some
. g ' four inches from the partition wall.
- ’l‘hrusting his hand into this space, Sim-
teon deftly attached the nippled end of
the tube to a pipe hidden in the wall.
 "'o A hook, in the end or ‘the desk gave
«support tie, the loose end of the tube, and
Simeon Paully turned to. his books with
a great deal of satisfaction. ‘

 

 

 

CHAPTER XVI.
THE BLACK DETECTIVE.

While really a skilled accountant, Sim-

. eon Paully was lamentably ignorant

along many lines. But his cunning was
' line, his egotism great. He was a born
scoundrel.‘

Now that the‘manager had yielded to

' his demands, be determined to be even

more watchful and} prying. Nothing
should loosen! theisfip he had obtained.

Shortly after Stamm r‘eured to the

or room, Con Grayson
flce.

" Good-mornin', Mr. Grayson," the
book-keeper greeted, with a deferential
smirk. “ You are a-lookin’ unusually well
this mornin’."

_ " Am I,‘ really, Polly?" the youth re-
: turned, ungraoiousy. “I should say those
:9 gimlet eyes of yours need straightening.
\7 I'm anything but well. I'm in a fit of

the blues. .
, u \- “ Has Stamm come in yet? ”

.s .. Simeon silently pointed to the rear
.4 : room. Con entered and shut the door.
 _ Pushing an open ledger to the end of
1,  l.,._th9 desk, the book-keeper mounted his
"" 'stool. Then he reached down, lifted the

  

"”‘ .7...‘ TL. "“H—v’ ’ .—.  .. . .
gm 'v .;<A:f-v_..rr';mgg~.y+ in; 7..  -- 51‘ v"r v 3‘: .N g“ N . t, - .2. , .. i _ ‘,,¥

entered the ot-

lasso:
,.

 

the end to his ear. ' .
Everymord uttered beyond the parti-

tion was distinctly audible.

;‘ "‘You are late again this morning,
Conrad," Stamm was saying, in a tone
of mind reproof.

, “Oh, yes; 'i was out latelast night,”

. ."' the youth returned. ,’

 ~. 'z‘Y-‘ou were playing again, and had

 lo I understand." ,
aw ’ r

   
 
  

 

  

rubber tube from therhook, andfappued

 

Elephant Eph cheating, and the game
broke up in a. row.”

“ You lost again? ”

“ Yes—heavily.”

“So I was informed,” and Stamm
frowned. “Eph was here, bright and
early, with another of your notes.”

“I shall contest payment! He has
been robbing me!"
“You are too late, my boy. Simeon

settled the matter," Stamm declared.

Con seemed nettled.

“I don't like this business at all," he
exclaimed. “I feel that I have been
robbed out of a big lot of money, and
I intend to make matters exceedingly
hot for Elephant Eph and those back
of him.” v ,

“In other words, you’re going to
squeal,” suggested Stamm, blandly.

“Hang it! No! I don‘t mean it that
way, judge, and you know it,” Con pro-
tested.
to last, and I’m going to get satisfac-
tion." ,

“Are you going to do violence?"

“I don't know. That remains to be
seen.”

Stamm maintained a thoughtful si-
lence for several minutes.

“ I have long marveled at your losing,"
he observed, at length. “ You won stead-
ily for a while, and 'I have always under-
stood that you play a really brilliant
game.

“Your father. as I may have remarked
to you. was in early days conceded to be
the greatest player in the camp, and I
have rather fancied that his mantle
would descend to you.” \

“ My skill and my judgment are all
right,” Con boastfully declared. “ But
all the skill and judgment in the world
amount to nothing when you get into a
rogue's game.”

“That is true,", the judge aesented.
“ But you are on your guard, now, and
the rascals will hardly dare attempt
anything of the kind soon again.

“We must make a desperate effort to
get some of this money back. ‘ -

“ I am going away to-day, as you know,
but I tell you what I’ll do. I’ll leaye a
thousand dollars of my own money with
Simeon. You get it from him to-night.
and attempt to recoup your losses."

' The youth's face flushed, and his eyes
sparkled brightly. Then he suddenly
grew sober, and shook his head.

" It won't do," he declared; “ Suppose
I should lose? "' , '

“You must not lose. But should that
happen, you shall have your own time
in which to pay me. Limit yourself to
the thousand, .and don’t make any more
notes, for they have to be paid, or your
name dishonored. 

“ Now, get my horse and take a long
ride—say to Devil’s Bend and “back. it
will keep you out of mischief during the
day, and will steady your nerves for to-
night.” '

“By George! I'll do_ it.” the youth ex-
claimed, jubilantly._ “ Judge, you’re a.
brick! " . ' ,

At that moment; Simeon deftly re-
placed the tube over the hook in the end
of the desk,_dipped his pen in ink and
applied himself to the ledger. Con had
started toward the door, followed by
Stamm. , _

" I’ll not get back in time to see You
off," the youth continued, as they entered
the outer ofl‘ice, “ but my good wishes go
with you.” '

' ” Thank You.” was the manager’s terse
response. ,

“Simeon, before I ‘start, I’ll place a

package of money in the safe. When

0

Con returns 'this evening, hand it to.

him.” ‘

“Yes. sir.” . . ,

Con waited to hear no more, but hur-
ried from the officeto secure the horse
and be off. His heart beat high with
hope, and he felt that-his treacherous
guardian was a friend indeed.

Leaving flie- ou h to
w! -

H

_of business.

“But I’ve been robbed from first

 

His departure from Red Gulch at this
time was not prompted by the demands
It was simply a precaution~
ary move. A crisis was at hand, and for
reasons best known to himself be pre-
ferred to be absent when the crash
came.

Calling Simeon into the private office,
the manager closed the door, and the
two sat down to the confidential discus-
sion of a project at once dark and vii-
lainous. -

Scarcely had the door closed, how-
ever, when a shining black face came
slowly into view above the sill of the
open window. A glance assured the spy
that the outer office was deserted, and
with the stealth of a huge cat DarkY
Dan swung himself lightly into the
room. .

A shrewd, determined look was upon
the negro's face. Crossing to- the book—
keeper’s desk, he pulled out the cun-
ningly hidden tube and applied the end . .
to his ear. -

The consultation was a lengthy one.
but, Darky Dan listened patiently. Hie
dusky face betrayed various emotions,
ranging from fear and horror to deadly
hatred. Once Simeon Paully rose, opened
the door and glanced around the outer
oflice; but the spy, crouching behind the
high desk, escaped detection.

The noon hour had passed, when Ele-
phant Eph, fresh. from his encounter
withiGoldspur, entered the Stockade gate.
His face was swollen and discolored, and
he seemed an embodiment of sullen, sup-
pressed fury. A

Desiring to avoid a meeting with Con _
Grayson just then, if possible, the I.
gambler approached the'oifice cautious-
ly, keeping out of line with the door, an
peered in at the window. ‘ .

His heavy jaws closed with a click.
Shrinking back, he looked cautiously
around. No one was visible inside the
stockade, and he hastily prepared to
act. i

Selecting a heavy stone, he stepped‘
Quickly through the doorway and hurled
it straight at the crouching spy. The:
missile sped true, and Darky Danpwith'.
a single gasp of pain, sank in a senes-  ‘
less heap. .

Thus alarmed, Stamm and the book—
keeper rushed into the outer'ofiice, where .
Elephant Eph at once explained what
had happened. ' ’ ,_  ,

[Stamm at once turned upon. Simeon ~
Paully. . , , 5

“Is thht tube some of your work’f",
he demanded, fiercely. "

“ Yes, sir. It is.” ’

"By heavens!
die!” ,

Quick as a flash, Simeon drew adore 
ringer and covered Stamm. .

“ Stand back!" he ordered, sharply;
“Fool! I am completely master of 
situation! _ ‘1 "

“ You might kill me, yet I should ruin
you! X .

“A complete record of your transaea"
tions, supported by indubi‘table proof, 
ists, and will be put forward if I die on
disappear!” “

 
    
  
  
    
  
 
   
  
  
   
     
 
  
   
 
   
   
   
    
  
   
    
 
    
  
 
    
 
  
   
  
   
 
  
  
   
  
      
     
 
  
  
 
   
    
     
 
 
    
  
  
    
  
     
   
    
    
    
      
 
     
          
        
     
      

You sneak, you  if

turned pale. ,
, “ Thunder and lightning! " the gum
bler exclaimed. “Judge, we are a near
of fools! He" has got us! " " l.
' “ Yes, gents, I have got you," cohtins
ued‘ Simeon, arrogantly. “ But I do not "
intend to push you. ' ~
“ Now, we’d better get that nigger 011
of there and coop him. Hefs begiliu ‘
to squirm. andin another summons 7,
raise an alarm." I . . -«
Darky Dan was indeed beginningfb‘:
show signs of returning consciousness;
Before he could regain his feet, have ._
the three men pounced upon him, 
dragged him into the rear room. 
he was carefully bound and-gagged; 
Then Stamm threw asides mat. d ,.

  

 
  

   

. ,1.

4.21, '-
,._a.‘.s..-_j..‘ .-.' I

4 W3 t v.

.r-.

I‘
r
g.
1";
,
.5

 

" Ill u.

 

14

Gilbert Goldspur, the Dandy Sport.

 

 

gone,” Stamm ordered, addressing Sim-
eon. “ Find out just what he knows, and
see that he has no chance to escape.”

The book-keeper nodded, and returned
to the outer office, while the manager
and Elephant Eph sat down to discuss
the latest phases of their villainous com-
pact.

Undetected by them, a bent old figure
had emerged from the shadows of the
adit, crossed the slope and crouched un-
der the rear window of the office build-
ing.

This second spy was none other than
Daddy Parker.

 

CHAPTER XVII.
THE LONE BANDIT.

Promptly at three o’clock the Big Nug-
get stage rolled out of Red Gulch, with
Texas Tom, a veteran driver, holding
the' ribbons.

Devil’s Bend, the first station on the
run, was a small camp about sixteen
miles north of Red Gulch, and the stage
was to stop there over night. Big Nugget
lay forty-five miles due northeast of Dev-
il’s Bend, and it required the full day to
make the run between the two camps.

Stamm was in an exultant mood, and
chatted pleasantly with his fellow—pas-
sengers, not one of whom even suspected
the dark and desperate schemes in which
the Rainbow manager was so deeply in-
volved.

Just at dark the stage pulled up at the
hotel in Devil’s. Bend, and the passengers
alighted and sought accommodations for
the night.

It is needless to follow Stamm’s move-
ments in detail. Let it answer that he
ate heartily, slept soundly, and was up
at the first peep of day, ready to continue
his journey.

The sun had scarcely cleared the hori-
zon beyond the hills to the eastward
when the merry notes of Texas Tom’s
horn were heard, and the passengers
hastily scrambled into the stage. Then
his long whip-lash shot out, to crack
spitefully above the heads of the lead—

ers, and the creaking vehicle again rolled .

forward. .

The morning was beautiful, the. air
clear and bracing, and the first five miles
of the long trip was in the nature of a
delightful pleasure drive.

But the trail presently bent sharply to
the eastward, and led up into a. range of
low hills covered with dwarfed timber,
and Texas Tom was compelled to reduce
speed to a slow walk.

“ Et’s ther wust bit 0’ road on their hull
run,” he grumbled, addressing Stamm,
who had elected to ride outside that
morning. “Up an’ down—up an’ down,
like shore enough teeterin’, fer all 0’
eight miles. I jest nacherly gits ther
jerries! ”

“Well, the road’s safe—there’s conso-
lation in that," the manager observed,
complacently.

Scarcely had the words passed his lips
when Texas Tom uttered a sharp, snarl-
ing curse, snapped on the brake and

_ pulled up.

An armed man had leaped from the
dense timber into the trail, not fifty feet
ahead. A black cloth, with holes cut for
eyes and mouth, concealed his head and
face, and a Mexican cloak dangled from
his shoulders.

“ Halt, thari” he ordered, covering
driver and passenger with a brace of
heavy “sixes.” “ This hyar is Cherokee
Charlie’s layout, an’ we don’t kalkilate
tenhev any foolishness whatsomever.

“Pard pilgrim on ther box, Jest on-
buckle ther jehu’s, we’pon belt.”

“I reckon, jedge, ye’ll shore hev ter
do et,” Texas Tom observed, vexedly.
“We’re kivered all right."

“ Yes, yes,” Stamm assented, and he
nervously obeyed the command. . ,

“Now, hol’ et‘up, an’ swing down in
ther road," the outlaw continued.

Again he was obeyed. Then he com-
pelled Stamm to advance twenty feet,
deposit the belt at the roadside, and, put
 in“ a weaponsbe‘sideuit.

-- I
A'I W4. 

 

'- t§99.£7-t9’;t§§%%w ’ v .    a

, . v’u Ili'(J?9-1.3‘L ‘IWK‘.’ .fi'x, ",_ U h

“ Now, ye open ther buss door an’
march ev’y blessed pilgrim out, single
file an’ hands up,” pursued the road-
agent. “Jest hint, too, thet ther least
slip ’at calls fer gun-play’ll bring et—
shore an’ nacherel! ” '

There was little need of that covert
threat, however. The passengers inside
the stage had not the slightest idea of
resisting, and when Stamm opened the
door they at once filed out and stood in
a row, with hands up.

“Now, lift their we’pons, pard pilgrim,
an’ stack ’em with ther others,” the out-
law rang out. “Hurry: too, fer Texas
Tom is tired a—waitin’! ”

“ Thet I is," growled the driver. “ Tired
waitin’ fer Jedge‘ Lynch ter hang ye,
Cherokee Charlie!”

The road—agent laughed grimly, and
Judge Stamm hastened to follow instruc-
tions, carefully stacking the weapons in
a heap beside the road. That done, much
to their surprise, the passengers were
compelled to re-enter the vehicle, while
Texas Tom was ordered to drive on to
the top of the hill, and there await Judge
Stamm.

“Ther rest 0’ ther crowd isn’t worth
pluckin’, an’ so we’ll do business with
him alone,” the outlaw announced, with
an ugly flourish of his weapons. ’

With stern face the Rainbow manager
watched the stage roll away, then turned
to the outlaw.

“Where is Cherokee?” he demanded,
savagely. “The fool! Doesn't he know
that this thing is apt to ruin me?”

The road-agent chuckled.

“Hold on! hOiLl on!” he exclaimed, in
a bantering tone. “Don’t git wrathy,
jedge!

“Ther fact is, you’ve been deceived!
Ye're not in ther hands 0' yer friends at
all, fer Cherokee‘s lay-out is in ambush
’bout three miles fu’ther 11p ther trail!”

Judge Stamm started violently, turned
pale, and in a changed voice stammered:

“ And who—who are you? ”

“I’m the Lone Bandit."

“ The Lone Bandit? ”

“ Yas, sir-reel I’m a new hoss on this
hyar stretch 0’ road, but I’m in ther
harness, an’ I kalkilate ter make things
fairly hum!” and the fellow chuckled
loudly at the conceit.

“But, I reckon we’ve chinned enough,
jedge, so we’ll jest draw off hyar in ther
bushes, fer I've some very particular
business with you.” . .

The Rainbow manager realized that he
was helplessly in the toils, and sullenly
stepped in the direction indicated.

A very few paces satisfied the outlaw.
When Just within the shadows of the
timber, he halted his captive, and quickly
pinioned him to a tree.

“ Now, judge,” he exclaimed, reso-
lutely facing the helpless rascal; “I
reckon ye've got a good deal 0’ money
with ye?”

“Several hundred dollars—yes!”

“ And some valuable papers?”

Stamm nodded a reluctant assent.

“ Mostly notes? ”‘

“Yes.”

“ Get ’em out. I want ter see ’em.”

“ They are personal notes, and will do
you no good,” demurred Stamm.

“Who made ’em?”

“My ward, Con Grayson.”

“ So-ho! Gamblin’ debts, eh? ”

“ Yes; but cancelled as such. They are
my private property now, and stand as
security for moneys I have advanced to
pay Grayson’s debts.”

A peculiar gleam appeared in the eyes
of the Lone Bandit.

“ Get ’em out!” he insisted, shoving
the muzzle of his revolver a few inches
nearer Stamm’s face. “ I must see them.”

The Rainbow manager dared not delay
longer, and, jerking a bill-book from an
inner pocket, he handed it over.

“There!” he exclaimed, petulantly.
“ They are in that.”

Accepting the book, the Lone Bandit
hastily looked through its~contenis, then

 

selected a number of papers and handed

.
 I.» t.
7: w 1:335;

 

. m . '1 a’ u h vs 1/
Add it in out ' 7W&“..J&'¢i5&€ ‘

“ Aire those ther notes? ” he asked.

“ They are the notes,” was the sullen
reply.

“ Do ye hold any others ag’in’ Gray-
son? ”

“ No; they are all here.”

“ Destroy them! ”

Stamm winced, then shook his head
obstinately.

“’Twould be madness!” he expostu-
lated. “They represent just so much
cash. Be reasonable, man! Take my
money and leave me the notes. Their de-
struction means absolute ruin to me! ”

“ And their existence means ruin—aye,
yes, deathi—to Grayson!” was the cold
retort. “They were obtained by fraud,
do not represent a value received, and so
shall be destroyed!

“Tear them to pieces, bit by bit, and
scatter them to the four winds of the
heavens, Alex. Stamm, or ill scatter
your brains instead! ”

In tones suppressed, yet fairly ringing
with full determination, came that stem
command, and the muzzle of the Lone
Bandit’s weapon was pressed sharply
against the captive’s head. '

Judge Stamm quailed, and his portly
form shook with terror. Bit by hit his
nerveless fingers rent the notes, and the
fragments, caught up by the morning
breeze, whirled away in the undergrowth.

Not until the last atom had disap-

peared did the Lone Bandit lower his

weapon. Then, with a slash of his knife,

he severed the judge's bonds, bowed cer-

Emoniously, and disappeared in the tim—
er.

 

CHAPTER XVIII.
THE-MOTH AND Tun CANDLE.

Con Grayson’s face wore a flush of
eager anticipation as he entered the
Rainbow office, just before the closing
hour, and glanced quickly around.

Simeon Paully sat in an easy chair,
with his feet crossed on the sill of the
open window. '

“I’ll take that package, now, if you.
please,” Con exclaimed, briskly. “ Stamm,
I believe, spoke to you about it."

“Yes. Get it yourself. It is in the?
safe there.”

‘ Simeon uttered the words without mov-
ing or turning his head. There was an in-
solent ring in his thin voice.

The' flush on Con’s face deepened to
an angry red; but he resolutely ‘checked
the harsh words trembling upon his
tongue.

“Come, now, Polly!" he expostulated,
in a pleasant tone, “ don’t be crusty. You
know I have made it a. rule to keep my
hands out of the safe, and I do not in-
tend to break that rule now; so get me
the package, and I’ll be off for home.”

Simeon, dropping his feet, wheeled
squarely around. his greenish blue eyes.
giinting with malice.

“By George! you are a persistent beg.
gar!” he retorted, arrogantly. “Under-
stand, though, I am not your servant!
If you are goin’ to persist in imposin’ on
Judge Stamm’s generosity, you’ll have to
get the package yourself. I sha’n’t help,
you to it." ‘

“ What do you mean, sir?” demanded.
Con, hotly.

“ Just what I said. You are a beggar! ”'

“ That is false! ”

“ It is true! You’ve not a dollar 015
your own to your name!”

“ You forget, sir, that one—half of this
mine is my property, and that one-half
the income stands to my credit on the
books. Now, hand me that package, or
give up the keys and get out-of the of-

ce. ”

Paully uttered a disagreeable laugh.

“ It is you who will leave the office,"
he retorted, exultantly. “ There is Dracu-
cally no income from the mine, as it has
barely paid expenses for over two years
past. So far. as your stock in the Rain-
bow is concerned, it will revert to Judge
Stamm as soon as you are of age, if he
pushes the matter. The money advanced,
by him to pay your gamblin' debts more
sis".

r .

t an, covers thenvalua of, your interestiffi;

 

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entert- Gold‘sp

    

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Dandy Sport. ‘V

    

 

 

 

  

The flush had faded from Con Gray-
son’s face. The words of the book~keeper
fairly staggered him. He knew that they

Were not without foundation. “
. ,3 “Are you speaking the truth, Simeon
’  Pauliy?” he demanded, hoarsely. “By

l

l heavens, man! I want to know! " .

t “ I am speaking the truth, Con Gray-
? son! You are simply a beggar! ”

' I“ “And tlid——did Stamm instruct you to
i tell me this?”
‘ Simeon chuckled.

“The judge? Oh,
laughed, significantly. “Didn't he leave
a thousand in the safe‘for you? I tell
you, Grayson, the judge’s desire to win
your sister’s hand is a lucky thing for
you—you poor beggar!”

That taunt was more than Con Gray-
s'on could endure. Uttering a. wolfish
growl, he vaulted lightly over the low
'railing, and grasped Simeon Paully by
the throat.

“ Take that, you miserable scoundrel
he grated, choking the luckless book-
keeper until he hung limp and helpless,
then dropping him in a heap on the
floor, “ I will have no more of your in-
, solence! ”

Simeon Paully gasped, and sat. up.
Then he shook his clenched hand at
Grayson, and in a voice choking with
fierce resentment cried:

“ I shall have revenge for this assault,

no! not he! ”

t
L:

 

'3,

Con Grayson—bitter, black revenge!
Mark that! ” ‘ i
' The youth made no reply. Laughing

grimly, he‘approached the open safe and
.- cwseoured the package of money, then
r turned and walked out of the ofiice.
' When he had passed beyond the stock-
ade gate, he paused irresolutely. His first
impulse was to go home to supper. Then
a recollection of his conversation with
Agatha that morning came upon him,
and he shrugged his shoulders.

 . ". ‘

.1,

T .

“ It won't do," he muttered. “I am in
no need to be badgered. I’ll go to

Sailor Jake‘s Haven.”
To think was to act, just then, and
Con Grayson strode hastily in the direc—
tion of the hotel.
‘- if), “7*  ,‘j‘Thegfiavenf as it- was‘ popularly
 '4" ,  called, .asi'wahave ‘stated, stood just
‘ “2‘1- ' _ ‘ac‘ro'ss’ Black Bear Creek from the Gold-
'. , Bar Palace. It was a long, low structure,
' built Stockade-fashion. O: unsavory re-
? . ’1)“th .
lower element of the camps.

During the forenoon, Elephant-Eph
had arranged with the proprietor to

‘make it his headquarters, and it hap-
pened that he was ‘the first person Con
encountered on entering the place.

' “ Hallo! hallo!” , the gambler ex-
claimed, assuming an expression of

1 ~’ pleased surprise. “’Ain’t you oi! your
reservation, Grayson?”

GOD'S face grew dark at sight of the

, gambler. but he had decided upon a
course of action, so curbed his anger and
composedly replied:  W _

“ Oh, no! I wanted revenge, and was
hunting you. After last night's occur-
rence, I knew you would not return to

V ,June’s‘ place, so came here." ‘ '

 “You” wanted to play, then?”

" 'fi 1 {,‘rYes, I do}, I must have revenge!”

' 1-“Y‘ou remember that I am under a
N . , cloud—that I am accused of cheating?"
 ' “ There will he-no cheating to-night,"
 -, .  . was the significant reply.

  v *’ Eph laughed'g'rfmly.

“ As a. matter of fact, there was none
j:  1*  last night.” he declared. 7‘You will ad-
 ‘u  , ma the cheating was not proved. Gold-

. , .:-,=»  ngux' is an enemy or mine, bent on rum.
« , Amine.” ' ‘ ‘
‘  ext); know nothing of the-thbut am quite
"sure there will be fair play toéufg'ht,"
' returned Con. “ Come. get the cards!”

,. ,  Elephant ,Eph led the way to a table,
,andfia; moment later the two men sat

  fidewn‘tpmlay. , ‘, ‘

r   , , From the first the' stakes were high;

 ’,and for something more than'two- hours

‘ Gongwon steadily. Then the tide,turned,

. analuck,renrlteim’lyyagalnst hi ‘, 1

’3» o‘ n his 

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he.

it was much frequented by the.

   
 

swept away, and of his thousand dollars
barely three hundred remained.

The youth's face was white and bag-
gard. ‘His eyes gleamed fitfully, and
there was nervousness apparent in every
movement.

At last, he had realized that he was on
the very brink of ruin!

A crowd surrounded the table. In the
inner rank stood Trumps and Gold Dick,

both fearing trouble, and both keenly
alert.
Then came the final game. It fell to

Elephant Eph to deal, and he ,spun out
the cards with a practiced hand. Con
held three aces and a pair of tens, and
refused cards. "he gambler drew one.

It at once became evident that both
men held extremely good hands. The
betting was rapid, until Con's last dol-
lar was in the pot.

“I will raise you one hundred dol-
the youth then exclaimed, in a strained
voice. I i

“Put up the money."

“I am out of cash, but will settle as
heretofore."

A' peculiar smile crossed Elephant
Eph's disfigured face, and he shook his
head. .

“Put up the cash, or we shall have to
show down for the pot," he returned. “ I
cannot take your note.” ,

“But you have always accepted it! ”

“It is no longer good. Stamm tells
me you are now a beggar! ”

That blunt retort brought the red
blood into Con‘s haggard face, and he
rose to his feet.

“Very good!” he exclaimed,
ing back his anger.
aces and a pair
your hand! "

The gambler at once exposed four
kings, exclaiming: ,

“ They win the money!" '

A sibilant sound escaped Conrad’ Gray-
son’s tightly—drawn lips, and‘with a swift
movement be seized Elephant Eph's
right wrist. The strength of the youth
at that moment seemed superhuman. A
faint, crackling sound, as of bones
snapping, was heard, and a yell of pain
and fury rang through the room. _ .

crush-
“ 1 have here three
oh tens. New show

sleet-acnd 1m; capost upon the table!
_A,roar of anger went up from the
crowd, quickly follmyed by a ringing

headlong to the floor.

Grasping the money on the table, Con-
rad Grayson crammed it into his pock—
ets and strode quickly out into the moon-
lit night.

 

CHAPTER XIX.
- A DEED OF' THE NIGHT.

Leaving Gold Dick .to shadow the
gambler as arranged by the Dandy Sport,
Trumps immediately set forth to watch
young Grayson‘s movements,

That the youth was in .a desperate
mood could not‘be doubted, and the
miner-detective mentally resolved to use
every precaution to escape detection.

Straight to the, narrow foot-bridge

r spanning Black Bear Creek strodeGray-

son, and without so much as a backward
glance crossed and entered the Gold-Bar
'Palace. 7 ‘ - ' I
_ His face was deathly pale, but wore a
etermined look, and all with whom he
came in contact sawat once that he was
deeply moved: . ‘ ' ‘ a v '

Through the hotel office, and into the.
barroom he passed, his eyes restlesst
scanning each face; but the one he sought
was not there, and he reluctantly entered
thegambllng hall, Where he was at once
cheerily' accosted {by Johnny June, the

Gold-Bar Sport. .
. A few words passed between the two.
Then” Con abruptly asked :. »
“1's Goldspur here to-night?”

He was, an hour ago.’ Since then I
hav? not :egn'him." f . "
' "‘ mus» n'jghlm, lor-y_l..w17‘on lthat
:ma fit a ,, '  3.»: 

 
  
  

   

 

Then‘ an are dropped from. the gamblcr’s

cheer, as the youth sent Elephant Eph

-- ConGrayson sat quite still I as
, meat. He seemed " " _
, ing and thinking profoundly. .A a: 5
expression. came over his-“lane: -'
agave chat  - "

 

 

The sport had to smile as he replied:

“ You did indeed wrong him. Grayson,
and most grievously. for Goldspur is a.
splendid fellow and true as steel; but I
fear you will not see him to-night, for
I believe he has retired."

Con expressed his regret, turned away
and sought a seat in a Secluded corner
of the room. His brain was in a whirl,
and the problems demanding solution
were shrouded in disheartening perplex-
ity. .

He realized that he was utterly ruined
—-that he was the victim of an atr0cious
plot, helped on by his own perversity.

The oft—repeated warnings of Agatha.
now rang in his ears with frightful force,
and he involuntarily pressed a hand to
his eyes to shut out from view the sad,
white face that seemed to rise before _.
him, gentle and chiding, yet terribly ac- ~'
cusing.

“ Curse Stamm! " he muttered, in fierce' \_
despair. He has indeed lured me on; ”
to ruin, then fled like a coward, leaving
his miserable tools to fiing the bitter,
black truth in my face! :

“But he must return. and then shall, .9
come the reckoning. for I shall strip from '
his face the mask of hypocrisy and let-
him stand forth as he really is—an infer '
mous scoundrel! ” *1

This thought of vengeance brought a.“
vivid flame to the eyes of the youth—-a.3=‘=
dash of color to his pallid face. Bends --
ing his head upon his hands, he
thought long and deeply; then he rose'
to his feet, muttering: ., ‘

“Yes,‘I’ll do it! The proof—if proofi-
there is—must be there. And at the,
worst, it can be no crime.” ‘ " 

Fully preoccupied with the project in"
hand, and little dreaming that he was,
watched, Con Grayson passed out of the
gambling hall, and hastened in the direc~~
tion of the Rainbow Mine. The moon
was shining brightly, but portions of the
winding street lay in darkness, and from
time to time the youth was lost to visual,

But the shadows upon his trail held.
steadily onward. Fifty yards behind him!
skulking along together, were Simeon
Paully and Elephant Eph, while ate.
equal distance behind them came Two:
and Gold Dick! The shadowers were
shadowed. ‘  f

At that hour; the stockade lay in the
dense shadow of a mountain spur. Pick,
ing his Way with care, Con passed slight-a-
ly beyond the gate, leaped» up ' and,
grasped the top of the barrier, and‘tiié
next minute dropped inside the ens
closure. , '  , 

With straining eyes, Simeon Family
and ‘ his ally watched this maneiutef
then glided forward, stealthily unlock fi'
the gate, and entered.  ’ 

Con had crossed the enclosure,“ aid}
was opening the office door. A' "f ome‘ 'i
later he ignited a match and light/cit“;g
lamp. '  :3

Then he locked the (1001', pulled “id
the_window shades, and seated 'h'ii
in a revolving chair. >

“ Where to begin—that's the quest,
he muttered, alter a brief scrutiny,
surroundings. “’There must be ‘e‘
here; butwhere? ' 

“In the safe? The beaks are-L
and papers, but they’re the r
goods. {don’t want‘thcm,‘yetl-. '1‘
books must be, found." ‘  ‘1: 

He tapped the floor irxipati’etrtri’y,5'10t = -
his foot. . v -  

a muflled sound came .from below.

" Good heavens! what was that?”.
so: nervously enclaimed, main
from‘ his chair. “It.soundedwiik‘e
groan sot one in mortal agony! i. 1,.

“Butlpshaw! I'm nervous. an e
be nothing there.” ‘ . ' ~ '

  
   
    
     
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
    
  
   
    
 
  
  
   
    
   
  
  
  
   
  
   
   
  
  
  
   
   
   
   
    
  
  
    
        
    
    
    
  
   
    
 

 

    
   
     
 
  
   
      
      
    
  
 
  
    
  
    
     
      
     
  
  
   
  
     
   
 

    

 
 
     
    
 
 
 

 

 
  

r
w
Resumiug his seat, he again" tap M" 2
the floor.- . - ' e ,
The groanxwas repeated. . x .

  

 
     
  
  

 
  

to he lists

  
   
     
  
 
 
 

       
       
      
      
   
  
  
   
 
 
  
   
    
   
 
  
   
 
 
 
  
  
    
   
     
  
   
    
   
   
   
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
    
   
  
   
  
    
 
   
  
 
    
      
   
   
  
    
   
   
  
   
    
       
    
  
   
    
   
 

\I

 

in perfect order, then, weapon in hand,
he picked up the lamp and walked into

the rear office, where he paused and
glanced around.

His gaze fell upon the mat. This he at

. once dragged aside and knelt down. The
trap-door was revealed. lie raised it, dis-
closing a short, steep flight of steps.

“By heavens! this is a lucky find!”
Con exclaimed, exultingly. “ Things
point more and more to the fact that
Stamm is a thoroughbred in villainy.”

Again taking up the lamp, the youth
boldly descended into the secret cellar.
It proved a mere cuddy, about six feet
in depth, seven feet long and four feet
Wide.

In one corner lay Darky Dan, bound
and gagged!

" Aha! " Con ejaculated. “My ears did
, not deceive me! So, Darky Dan, you are

a. captive? ”
[ The negro grunted and nodded his
' head violently. His bloodshot eyes
“ blazed with hope.
, In another minute his bonds parted

under the keen edge of a knife, and the

. " There, stretch yourself, man, and
We’ll get out of here,” Con exclaimed,
"with a shudder. “ It is a horrible
place.” ,
Darky Dan stretched his long arms,
and. danced clumsily around on his stif-
fened legs. A look of fear was upon
' 'his'face, and he worked his jaws spas-
gmodically in an attempt to speak.
5 ' Con had turned, and was curiously sur-
veying the walls of the cellar. They
" were of stone, and evidently had been
.. erected by a skilled mason.
The one glance satisfied the youth, for
nine time; but he resolved to make a
' thorough search of the secret cellar be-
' fore the night was ended. I
~ "Come, Dan; we’ll go up into the of-
" he called out, witnessing the pe-
, “ I am
uanxious to' hear your story." _
«Lamp in hand, he hastened up the
steps. » _
.z. .A look of wild terror swept over
wintry Dan’s face. He tottered blindly,
and attempted to grasp the youthjs heels.
His massive chest rose and fell con-
;‘vulsi'vely, and a hoarse shout of alarm
"rose from his parched throat and tongue.
. That warning cry came too late! Con
hadreached the top step. The .butt of a
heavy revolver fell upon his head with
.icrushing force, and, with a low cry, he
V ail,- backward. into the cellar.
 he lamp, slipping from his nerveless
fingers, struck the ofliCe floor with a
 and burst into numberless frag-
mum The oil ignited, and in less than
amlnute the room was a vivid glare of
item:
if Quick! down with the door, man, and
throfltho bolt!" cried a hoarse voice.
, We must get away before the camp is
showed!” ’
{the trap-door dropped with a resound.
clung, and the bolt in a secret lock
ked’ sharply. Dripping with perspi-
, on and fairly quivering with conscious
 t. Simeon Paully and Elephant Eph
,_ “hurriedly quitted the burning build-
fiig'and fled through the darkness.

 

 

 

When morning came, Red Gulch was in
a ,- ever of excitement.
1* “st at sunrise the denizens of the
camp had been called together by the
w or, and informed that both Agatha
onrad Grayson Were missing.
gwas explained, by Daddy Parker,
 , ~t Agathahad gone, the preceding day,
 a, business trip to. the Hermit Miners'
claim, under escort of Moses anper, and
- d» failed to return. ‘ I'
 Ofthe movements of Comrade Grayson,
3mm the moment he quitted the Gold-
,r Palace the night before, nothing was
wn.‘ '

  

   
 
 

 
 
   

" gag was stripped from his stiffened jaws. -

ny believed'that the youth would.

 shunts
.. ' v_

 

I

of the office of the Rainbow Mine, silent-
ly shook their heads and reserved their
opinions.

The absence of Agatha, however, puz-
zled all, and it was generally believed
that she had fallen into the hands of
outlaws.

Quickly selecting a half-dozen trust-
worthy men, Jubal Strong announced
that he would make a thorough search
for the missing girl, and promptly at
nine o’clock the party assembled, well
armed and well mounted.

The mayor, white and haggard, but
stern and implacable, placed himself in
the lead, and the search was begun.

 

CHAPTER XX.
A STARTLING suavmss.

‘.‘ I am a prisoneri—I am held for ran-
som!

“This mock courtesy but thinly veils

the outlaw's purpose, and I must escape,
or pay heavily for freedom! "
I Thus thought Agatha Grayson while
sitting in the dimly-lighted cavern,
awaiting the appearance of Cherokee
Charlie's wife. The pretense that she had
been brought there to meet her attorney,
Orrville Dubois, had not for a single
minute deceived her.

Her chin rested in her hand, and one
foot beat the floor impatiently.

“Yes, yes! and I feel that this is some
of Judge Stamm s doings, too! " she con-
tinued, with a quick flashof her black
eyes. “Indeed, it occurs to me now that
I may be the victim, of a carefully ar-
ranged plot in which the Hermit Miners‘
claim figured as the decoy!

“Merciful powers! how foolish it was
to ignore Aunt Parker’s advice! I should
have taken Con into my confidence, and

prevailed upon him‘to secure me a suit-

able escort. .

“But, it is too late, now, and I must
not lament, but bend every energy to-
ward escape! ”

“ That is true, Miss Grayson—perfectly
true, and I will aid you in your plans,”
uttered a soft voice! directly behind the
captive, and a middle-aged Woman, with
sadand patient face and a careWorn air,
stepped into view.

“ Nay, do not start! Unconsciously, you
were speaking aloud, and I heard the
words, but will not betray you.”

Agatha rose to her feet. Her black
eyes fixed themselves uponthe woman’s
ace. ' '

“I believe you speak truly,” she ex-
claimed, impulsively, after a moment.
“ Indeed, you look a picture of goodness,
Mrs.—-—Mrs.—"

“Middleton,” the outlaw's wife 'sup~
plied, smiling sadly. ” That is my hus-
band’s name. ' ,

“ During your stay here, Miss Grayson,
you will be under my care and occupy
my private quarters until We can find a
chance for you to escape, or you are ran-
somed."

Agatha bowed, then, abruptly chang—

‘ing the subject, asked:

” And Mr. Dubois, Mrs. Middleton—-
when am I. to see him?" »

“ At once, if you wish.”

Agatha expressed a desire for an im-
mediate meeting, whereupon the outlaw's
wife led the way into an adjoining cor-
rider, and thence to a distant alcove of
the cavern. '

A rift in the roughly-shelving roof ad-
mitted a dim, grayish light. Agatha's
eyes had, become accustomed to the
gloom, and she at once discerned the
outlines of a man chained to ’the wall.

‘ He is there," Mrs. Middleton an-
nounced, with a“ wave Of her thin hand.
“I will await you here." ~ . ‘

The maiden quickly moved forward,
and in another minute confronted that
crouching shape.

“Mr. Dubois—Orrville! ’* she exclaimed.

springing up, the captive advanced the
length of his chain. . ,

“Good heavens! can it be possible! "
he ejaculated, ina' voice quivering with

l ' “Y Agatha 1 Gray

  

 

 
 
 
 

 

  

“Yes, Orrville, it is I, and like your-
self a captive."

Dubois uttered a groan, then grasped
the maiden‘s hand and carried it to his
lips.

“ I little dreamed we would meet thus
when I wrote you I was coming," he ex-
claimed, in tremulous tones. “Uur ene-
mies have not been asleep!”

“ No; but we must yet bafile them.”

“ I fear we are helpless! ”

Agatha gazed keenly at the captive.
His face was that of a man of middle
age, and handsome, though so delicately
chiseled as to betray effeminacy. The
eyes were large, blue and lustrous, the
hair and beard brown and wavy.

It was evident to the maiden that Orr~
ville Dubois was sadly shaken by his
brief captivity.

“We must have courage," she cheerily
rejoined, after that brief scrutiny. “We
must escape.”

“I believe that will be impossible.
These scoundrels want money, and we
shall have to Day ransom. Indeed, I
have prepared the way for negotiations.”

“You surprise me!" '

“Yes? 'Well, I acted promptly“ The
chief hinted at money, and I sent a mes-
sage to Red Gulch late last night, ex-
plaining my predicament, and enlisting
the good offices of John June.“

Agatha uttered a gasp of astonishment.

“ Why to him! ” she exclaimed. “ He is
a miserable gambler, and for aught you.
know leagued with the outlaws." -'

“Oh, no! he’s not that, though he is ',

a gambler,” Dubois protested. “He is
an honorable man in a dishonorable bus-
iness, I should say. He is true as steel,
and my sworn friend. Sending to him
was my only recourse.

“Moreover, he was partially familiar
with my business in Red Gulch., I wrote
you some time ago that I would have a
man in the camp to look after Con’s in-
terests. June was the man." '

Agatha reflected a moment, then hast-

ily sketched the details of the -_ Guideline ‘

Sport's visit to her that morning.

“ You confirm my estimate of the man,”
he declared. “Stamm would have been
willing to pay him at least face value for
the notes, if I understand the case
clearly.

“Then, too, June has wonderful influ-
ence with the United States Marshal for
this territory, and has succeeded in en-
listing his services in the case."

Agatha was about to speak when a
wild yell of terror rang through the cav-

'ern. , v _ , .
Dubois started and trembled violently,

while the maiden turned pale.
“ Ifear that was Moses Lumper! ” she

exclaimed” “ Can they be murdering

him? " p -

“ They are capable of doing anything,”
aver-red Dubois. with a shiver.

Hurried steps were heard, followed by
a confused sound of voices. Then all
grew, silent.

Agatha again turned to the‘captive law-

yer, and for nearly shalt-hour they con-fa

ferred in low tones. . -

“Remember, ,we must keep up cour-
age—~we must escape!" the maiden en-
joined, as the interview ended, and she
quickly retraced her steps to Mrs. Mid-
dleton). '

’ Dubois sank back against he wall, and .

hopelessly watched Agath ’s receding
form until it disappeared in the gloom.

“Heaven grant us liberty!” he mut-
tered. "

Meanwhile, the outlaw's wife was lead-
ing the maiden rapidly through the damp
corridor. On gaining the .main cavern,
she turned abruptly to the right, crossed

a large open space, and ascended a mov- .

able flight of wide steps built against
the wall. '
Pausing on the top step, the woman
pulled sharply on [a cord dangling from
a crevice above, and pushed the wall, a
portion of. which at once swung'back on

hinges, disclosing a long and narrow nabs ,

ural passage! '. -.
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claimed, leading Agatha into the gloomy
fissure and closing the door. “Place
your hands upon my shoulders and fol-
low, Step by step.”

The captive obeyed. At the end of the
passage, a second door was opened, and
the two stepped out into a beautiful,
rock-girt glen, several [acres in extent.

Agatha paused and uttered a cry of
surprise.

“ This is my home,” Mrs. Middleton an-
nounced. “ It is here you will have to
remain until you are ransomed or es-
cape.”

“ It is a beautiful place, but I pray
that my departure may not be long de-
layed,” returned the captive.

The outlaw's wife vouchsafed no re-
sponse to that earnest wish, but led the
way toward a tiny cabin nestling in the
shade of a clump of dwarfed pines, and
.in another minute Agatha was fairly
within her prison.

The cabin, small as it seemed, con-
tained tWO rooms, and both were com-
fortably furnished. A hammock swung
in the porch, and rustic seats' were scat-
tered among the pines.

“Make yourself as comfortable as pos-
sible,” urged the outlaw's wife, in a sym-
pathetic voice. “You are fully as safe
here as beneath your own roof.” Then
she added, in a low voice:

, “ To-night, we shall try to escape.”

Agatha’s face lighted up hopefully.

“ Will not that be the means of getting
.you into trouble?” she asked, anxiously.

Mrs. Middleton uttered a mirthless
laugh, and, gazing at the, girl earnestly,
she sighed deeply.

At that juncture a step announced the
approach-of some one, and, a moment
later, the Outlaw chief entered the cabin.

As he did so he lifted his sombrero-

and bowed ceremoniously, when a sharp
puff of wind caught his mask and whirled
it ‘aside. 

The maiden shrank back and uttered a
faint cry of terror.

The face thus revealed was that of
Jubal Strong, the mayor of Red Gulch!

 

CHAPTER xxr.
THE ESCAPE. ‘

I an  execration‘escaped the out

law, as he hastily replaced the mask.

" Further attempt at concealment of.

your identity is useless, Jubal Strong! "
she exclaimed, coldly. “I demand my
immediate release from this robbers’
den! ".

“You may keep on demanding, my
dear young lady," was the cool retort.
“ But, understand just this: you don’t
budge a foot from this rendezvous until
you have crossed my palm with gold!”

‘ “ What. amount do you demand? ”

“ Five thousand dollars.”

“ Return me to Red Gulch at once, and
I Will pay it.” r

“ I cannot do that."

“ Why not? ”

“You forget that I am an outlaw! ”

“ Sir, my knowledge of that fact now
is indelible," and Agatha’s lip curled
scornfully.

“ You would betray me to Stamm," in-

* ,.,sisted the chief.

"I agree to betray'you to no one, and
to give you twenty-four hours in which
to escape from the camp."

“ That sounds fair enough,” he admit—
ted; “ but/how about Dubois? Will you
leave him here? ” ' ;

“ No; he must accompany me,"

“ Thatwill cost you five thousand dol-
Jars more." ‘

5 “:1 will pay it" 
." Umph! You are richer than I thought,

'Agatha Grayson!” and the chief's eyes -

sparkled covetously. 1
" Meeting your demands :will leave me
almost penniless, Jubal Strong,” was the

, b)~tter retort.

“Don’t call me ‘Jubal Strong.’ That
is not my name! "
“ It is the name you are known by in

g Red Gulch".

Again you’are mistaken. I am not

 

 

known in the camp, and please remem-
ber, also, that my name is Charles Mid-
dleton.” .

Agatha lifted her hand in disgust.

“IA truce to this talk! It is idle,” she
exclaimed; .

“ Do you agree to release Mr. Dubois
and myself upon payment of the amounts
named? ”

“Yes; provided I receive the money
before either of you leaves this rendez—
vous." ’

“ I cannot pay it here.”

“ You can send a messenger to camp
for the money.”

“ Not yet. I decline to take that step, at
present."

“ Very Well. Make up your mind within
twenty-four hours. I am going now, and
will be absent that long, at least.”

Mrs. Middleton then drew her husband
aside, and for some minutes the two car-
ried on an earnest conversation. Their
voices were too low for Agatha to hear
what was said, had she so wished; but
she could not help noticing that the wo-
man was pleading, the man angry.

At length the outlaw gave his parting
orders to his wife, turned and strode
away.

Entering the cabin, Mrs. Middleton sat
dOWn near the d or. Her’ eyes were dim
with unshed tea s.

‘f, Miss Grayson,” she exclaimed ab-
ruptly, “ youaddressed my husband, just
now, as ‘ Jubal Strong.’ Will you kindly
tell me what that meant? " .

Agatha explained.

“ And I am quite sure that I was not
mistaken,” she declared, in conclusion.
“,He is Jubal Strong, and no one else.”

“ I am afraid you are right," Mrs. Mid-
dleton nervously admitted. “My hus-
band is nearly always absent, and has
expressly forbidden my visiting Red
Gulch. These two facts certainly go to
support your surmise.”

“It was not surmise, but absolute rec-
ognition," asserted Agatha, quickly.
“Forgive me if I wound you, Mrs. Mid-
dleton. I am right, or Jubal Strong has
a most dangerous double.” -

The captive and ‘her keeper talked
earnestly for some time, and a perfect
understanding was at length established.

Then food was prepared and eaten, the

.cabin Securely locked, and both lay down
'to seek rest and strength 'for the noc-

turnal flight. ‘

Just at sunset they arose, and by night-
fall the preparations .were’ completed.
Leaving Agatha in the cabin, the outlaw's
wife seized a bunch of keys and has-
tened down into the cavern.

Her return’was not long delayed.

“ I succeeded in: releasing Dubois, and
got him safely outside the rendezvous,”
she announced, breathlessly.

“ And Lumper?”

“I searched the cavern thoroughly, but
he was not to be found.” ‘

Agatha turned pale. .

“Can they have killed him?”
asked, nervously.

“Oh, no!" Mrs. Middleton declared.
“ Bad as he is, my ‘husband' would not
tolerate an affair of that kind. Lumper

she

has succeeded in escaping, or been re-.

moved to——to-—”
“ Where? ” inquired Agatha, failing, in

the darkness, to notice the woman’s con-q

fusion. ‘ ’

Mrs. Middleton hesitated a moment.

“ If you will agree not to use the in-
formation against my husband, I will
tell you,” she replied, slowly. .

“I cannot promise,” was the frank
response.

-“ Then I cannot tell you."

“Now, if you are ready to go, follow
me."

The outlaw’s wife moved rapidly

through the darkness of the glen, with

the captive following closely. Entering
the cavern, they kept in the shadows
of the wall until they had gained the
exit, then hurriedly crossed a narrow

moonlight Space .and: plunged into or-

thlckpt. ‘

f. ' “W,

earth to retake us. v

‘ sumo our flight."

'~ Agatha had now fully recoveredher

 

. ehortszthat the woman quick}

 
   
   
 
 
   
   
   
   
   
   
    
  
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
   
    
    
   
   
   
 
  
 
  
 
  
 
   
  
   
   
  
   
   
  
    
  
 
  
  
  

“ I left Mr. Dubois here," Mrs. Middle-
ton explained, peering around. “He was
to await our coming.”

The lawyer was nowhere visible, and a.
thorough search of the thicket failed to
discover him.

“He may have been recaptured,"
Agatha suggested despondently. ‘

The woman shook her head.

“I do not think  she declared.
“But you remain here while I return
to the cavern and see. Do not leave this
thicket under any circumstances."

The maiden assented, and the outlaw's
wife glided silently away.

Nearly an hour had elapsed when she
reappeared, and Agatha plainly read dis-
appointment in her expressive face.

“He is not there?” she exclaimed,
breathlessly. _

“No; he has not been retaken,” was
the reply. “ He has probably become
alarmed and hurried onward.

“ But come—let us be moving. I have
been unable to secure horses, and the
walk is a long one.” ,

Agatha needed no urging. Her inter-
view with Dubois in the cavern came
back most Vividly, and she felt that the
explanation of his absence was at least
plausible. ,/

Her lips curled and her eyes flashed
scornfully, while through her brain ran
the thought: '_ ' 

“Good heavens! Who could have
dreamed him such a coward?" '

Meanwhile, the fugitives were hasten-
ing down a sharp slope, with Mrs. Mid-
dleton in the lead. When they. had
gained the valley. she clasped Agatha’s
hand and urged her into a faster pace. '

“We must get as far away as possible
before daybreak,” she declared, nervous-‘
ly looking back. “ Our absence will not
likely be discovered before my husband’s .,
return, but he will move heaven and 

“ Somewhere ahead there is a wagon
trail which I have heard spoken of as
leading into Red Gulch, and we musty,
reach that before we even stop to rest.”

For hours they hurried onward, until,
footsore and weary, just at daybreak,’
they came upon the trail. As she glanced
around, Agatha uttered a cry of amaw"
ment. . ' ,

“ It was right here we were captured! "
sh exclaimed. '

It rs. Middleton shuddered. . ‘
.‘ “ We must rest, but not here," she de-'
clared. "Let us get on, an’d away front
the trail." ‘ ' ’ . .1

Agatha assented, and they trudged on» f
ward for nearly a mile, then turned aside
and plunged into the thick undergrowth,
bordering a small stream. -:

Seek}ng a secluded nook, both  ,
down and ate heartily of the food the"
outlaw’s wife had thoughtfully provided.
’ Then, worn out by their long and te- ‘
dious tramp, both fell asleep. The sun},
was high in the heavens when they?
awoke. Refreshing themselves at the ’ ,-
stream, they hurried back to the trail.

Just before they emerged from the un-
dergrowth, a heavy trampling on the
trail warned them_of the approach of a'
party of. horsemen, and they hastily”
shrank into a leafy covert. , . ' 

The neXt minute the riders swept by,
going toward Cherokee Charlie’s strongh-
hold.

Agatha uttered a faint cry of terror. .

“ It'was Jubal Strong and his men!‘”i
she gasped. .

s

 

CHAPTER XXII.

FROM FRIEND T0 ENEMY.

Mrs. Middletbn turned deathly pale,

battered, and would have fallen but

Agatha‘s supporting arm. 1 ‘ ' 

“ Courage! ” whispered the ‘ Inside

“They are gone now, and we

“ Thank heaven! ” uttered the torrid

woman. “ The escape .was a narrow on
and completely unnerved me."

coniposure, and hastened to reuse
«Mrs. \Middleton. So we’ll? directed were' 
 res

  

 

 

lied, and the flight was resumed within
a few minutes.

No further adventure awaited them.
Shortly after twelve o'clock they came in
sight of Red Gulch. Both were travel—
stained and dusty; and, true to her femi-
nine instincts, Agatha avoided the street
and approached the Grayson homestead
by a private path leading thereto from
the rear.

Old Margie, the colored servant, met
them at the kitchen door, and threw up
her hands with a yell of delight.

“ Bress de Lawd! Missy ’Gatha—chile!
Come right in y'ar! ” She wheezed, fairly
quivering with excitement and joy.
“VVe’s dun made suah de robbahs had
gobbled yo’ up, an’ yo’ poah ole Aunt
Parker—she's jes‘ crazy wif grief, so she
am! Come right in y‘ar! "

“Coming, Margie, coming! " laughed
Agatha, gayly, as she clasped the hand
of the outlaw‘s wife and drew her to the

 

 

she feared, such a correspondence might
subject her husband.

So the Parkers had long mourned their
daughter as dead, and great indeed was
the mother's joy at again beholding her
alive and in the flesh.

When these explanations were ended,
Mrs. Parker informed Agatha of the
burning of the Rainbow office, and of
Con‘s mysterious absence.

At first, the girl was puzzled; then she
became alarmed.

“There is something back of this," she
declared, with emphasis. “The matter
must be investigated at once.”

“Your uncle is down in the camp, and
has doubtless taken the steps necessary,”
Mrs. Parker suggested. “In any event,
I would advise you to await his return.”

Then she rose and led her daughter
away, and Agatha was alone.

The girl was in a quandary.
felt that something serious had

She
be-

.fallen Con, yet knew not what to do.

Gilbert Goldspur, the Dandy Sport.

 

Then he resolutely curbed his feelings,
and turned to the girl.

His effeminate face wore an expression
of fiendish malignity.

“ Very well, Agatha Grayson! "
enunciated, coldly. “I have only this to
say: You are no longer to consider me
as a'friend, btit as an implacable ene-
 I,

Then he caught up his hat and stalked
angrily out of, the house; closing the
door with a bang.

he

CHAPTER XXIII.
A BRAND FROM THE BURNING.

Return we now to the Lone Bandit,
the audacious knight of the road, whom
we haVe seen discomflt Judge Stamm.

Without so much as a backward
glance at his pallid victim, he glided
rapidly through the undergrowth until
he had reached a. secluded dell about
two hundred yards off the trail.

There, a clean-limbed roan horse was

house. . .
- Mrs. Parker summoned by the 1m, Deliberation assured her that the course tethered, and the bandit quickly un-
usual commotion, at that moment suggested by her aunt was the best thing hitched the animal, mounted, and rode

opened a door and er “red the kitchen.
She was a feeble, white—haired woman of
sixty years. At Sight of Agatha, an ex-
pression of joyous relief beamed from her
careworn face, and she clasped the girl
in her arms.

“W’e feared some misadventure had
befallen you,” she declared, in trembling
tones.

“A misadventure did befall me,” Aga-
tha averred. “I was captured yesterday
by outlaws, and but for this good lady,
Mrs. Middleton, I should yet be in their
power.”

“Middleton, did you say?” and Mrs.
Parker turned quickly to the outlaw’s
wife. .

The eyes of the two women met, and
each regarded the face of the other curi-
ously for a moment, while both betrayed
unwanted agitation. Then the elder
threw wide her arms, excl-aiming:

“Helen! Helen! My child! my child! ”

“ Mother! mother!”

Agatha gazed at the scene in wide-
eyed astonishment.

possible, just then, and she decided to
await Daddy Parker’s return.“

In the interim, she could put herself
in presentable shape, and be ready to
return to the camp with him, should that
be necessary.

So deciding,
room.

Hardly a half hour had passed when
Daddy Parker appeared. He was accom—
panied by Orrville Dubois. Both men
seemed to be greatly excited.

“ Sir, you will sit down—you will rest
yourself,” the old man exclaimed, in his
peculiar way, as they entered the parlor.
“ I will call Mrs. Parker, and we’ll hold
a family council, sir—yes, sir—~a family
council! ”

Dubois sank wearily into a chair. He
looked wan and haggard. His costly
clothing was covered with dust and
hung in tatters.

The old man moved briskly out of the
room. At the same moment, a door
opened and Agatha entered.

The lawyer sprang to his feet, elec-
trified with astonishment.

Agatha retired to her

away, laying his course toward Devil’s
Bend.

For something more than a mile he
kept back in the timber, then removed
and destroyed his mask, and boldly
spurred out into the trail. '

When within a half—mile of the camp,
however, he again sought cover, and
made a wide detour, coming out upon
the trail nearly two miles below.

“There! I reckon that‘will do,” he
muttered, riding into a sheltered nook
beside a swiftly flowing stream.  I am
hungry, and must feast.”

Dismounting, he watered the horse,
then sat down on a flat-topped bowlder,
and opened a haversack of food.

 

“ Why should I not die?

“Fortune has indeed deserted me! I
am hungry and penniless—I have not a
friend in the world!

“ Life has become a burden, existence
a mockery. Death is oblivion, they say,
and in the grave there is peace.

“Yes, yes! I will do it! A single
shot, a single spasm of pain, and all will

d “ Well,1I (lfclalrtilb’: ‘S‘ge ejaCUIated- “1 “My dear Miss Grayson! Is it pos- be ended!”

on’t unters am -15. sihle" “ he ejaculated. . These Words uttered in a voice

“ ' . _ H », , of
It means that 50? have found my “You confront, not a poss1bihty, Mr. hopeless melancholy, came froma tall

daughter, MI‘S- Parker beammgly re‘ Dubois, but an actuality,” was the cool young man seated beneath a spreading

turned. response. oak, close beside the stream. His eyes,

“And brought me to my mother,” ex-
plained Mrs. Middleton, joyously.

“ Then we are cousins! "

“ Exactly!”

Agatha warmly greeted her new-found
relative, and they adjourned to the sit-
ting—room for further explanations.

Without following the unfortunate wo-
man’s story in detail, it may be briefly
stated that Helen Parker had become the
wife of Charles Middleton, in Connecti-
cut, nearly fifteen-years prior to the date
of this romance. Shortly thereafter, Mid-
dleton emigrated to Minnesota, where he
secured a promising position in a St.
Paul mercantile house. Five years later,
the house failed, and Middleton was ar-
rested on the charge of forgery, tried and
convicted, and sent up for a long term in
the penitentiary. '

But he was an innocent man, the Vic-
tim of a. machination of one Nicodemus
Judd, a. junior partner in the house. Judd
was a lawyer, and very cunning and un-
scrupulous, but was eventually detected
in one of his desperate schemes and
forced to flee the country.

After a year’s confinement, Middleton
escaped, and fled into the wilds of Men-
tana, where he was joined by his faithful
wife. Under an assumed name, he
worked in the mines, but was finally fer-
reted out and forced to flee to avoid re-
capture. For years he continued as a
fugitive, hounded from State to State, un-
til at last, in sheer despair, he accepted
the fate seemingly forced upon him, and
boldly took to the road. ‘

No hint of Middleton’s misfortunes had
ever reached the Parkers. In her de-
, spair, Helen had at first failed to write
, home, and afterward refrained from do-

 

“ May I ask how you escaped from the
outlaws?”

“ Certainly, Agatha—certainly,” Dubois
stammered, growing red under the keen
gaze of the girl. “Money did it. I
bribed a member of the band.” ,

“Aha! That was a cunning trick.”

“ Yes; but in this world we must meet
cunning with cunning, you know.

“ As I said, I bought my way out, and
as soon as I was clear of the den, I has-
tened toward Red Gulch, determined to
raise a party and effect your rescue.”

“ How thoughtful of you! .”

Orrville Dubois smiled complacently.
Then a. fresh thought occurred to him.
His brow clouded and he asked:

“ But how is it that you are here?”

Agatha’s face grew grave.

“ I owe my freedom to the same kind
hand that unlocked your chains, Orrville
Dubois," she replied. “ Yeti were to
await me, btit fled like a. coward! ”

“ Miss Grayson—”

“ Silence, sir! That act killed my re-
spect for you. Now you come to me with
a falsehood upon your lips, to screen
your cowardice, and also defame the one
who befriended you. Sir, I detest you! ”

Dubois’s big blue eyes flashed madly.

“I object! " he exclaimed. “ What
right have you—”

“I have the right to dismiss you from
the case that calls you to Red Gulch,
and I now do so,” Agatha interrupted,
sternly. “In plain language, you are
not to be trusted! ”

The lawyer recoiled. I

“ And the—the other—” he stammered,
breaking off in utter confusion.

“ Need you ask?
and now! ”

‘.

That, too, ends here.

 

hair, and mustaches were dark, his fea-
tures strong and resolute, though white
and pinched. His clothing, once of fine
texture, and fashionable cut, hung in
shreds and tatters.

He held a revolver in his hand; and
as he finished speaking he started to
raise the muzzle to his head.

But at that instant a shot rang out,
the weapon whirled out of his grasp, and
a dozen stinging spatters of lead drew
the blood from his hand.

“Har-har! Thet was a putty blame
good joke! Ye jumped just like ye was
shot! Har-har! ” and the Lone Bandit
emerged from behind a screen of bushes,
carrying a smoking revolver. “ Blamed
ef? ye ain’t about ther biggest fool I’ve
seen around these hyar parts yit!

“Who aire ye, anyhow, an’ what ye
mean monkeyin’ with thet thar gun?”

The young man drew himself up with
a. gesture of scorn and coldly replied:

“My name, sir, is Justus Jarrett, and
I was on the point of ending my misera-
ble life.” -

“Har—har! Wal, I’ll declar’! An’ I
spoiled yer fun, eh? It’s too bad—-too
bad! ”

Jarrett flushed angrily.

“ Don’t make a jest of my miserY.” he
protested. “You know nothing Of my
trouble.”

“ Trouble! Justus, you jest wait till
ye’re old es yours truly, an’ then talk 0’
trouble! I’m ther on’y an‘ ’riginal Her-
cules Bedrock, ther prize beauty f’m
Brimstone Butte, an’ I kalkilate ter
know more about most troubles than
gher' man who started ’em. I do! Har-

ar.

“ An’ now, Justus, jest open up yer

 

his: so. because of, the dangers to which,

{A groan, burst from, Dubois’s lips.

heart, an’ tell me what’s workin’ on 10,."
fr  , N4   i; _ '   , I  L I

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“I am starving!”

“ Sho! Is that all? ”

“ I am penniless! ”

“Look hyar, Justus! I heer’d them
things when ye was spoutin’ to yerself a
. bit ago, an’ they shore don’t go fer much.
’ “Man’s got no cause ter let daylight
' through his head fer sech es that, when
l , a bit 0’ rustlin‘ ’u’d fill both stomach

an’ purse. You come with me.”

Redrock seized Jarrett by the arm and
literally forced him through the screen
of bushes. Then he pointed to the
haversack of food lying on the bowlder.

“Thar ye aire! You feed!” he or-
dered. ,

Justus Jarrett required no second bid-
ding. With a pleased cry, he fell upon
the haversack and ate ravenously of its
contents.

.‘ When he had finished he uttered a
 sigh of relief, and warmly grasped Red-

, - rock’s hand and thanked him.

“ That’s a“ right," asserted he of the

‘red beard, good—naturedly. “You' see,

ye’re a-feelin' a heap better already!
;, Now, jest squat thar on ther rock. I
i want ter talk ter you a bit.

“ Ye’re a tenderfoot, I presume?”

“Yes, sir.” ,

“Got ary incumbrance? ”

‘x‘ Family? No, sir.”

“ Would you take a. job down in Red
Gulch? "

“Yes, I‘d go anywhere, sir.”

Redrock stroked his beard thoughfully,
and after .a moment continued: ‘

“I’m on my way thar myself. I’ve
got «a friend tharrnamed Goldspul‘. He
needs a; bright, Well-educated man, sech
es I‘t‘ake you ter; be, an’ ef ye care ter
try fer ther job I’ll say a word fer you.”

Jarrett rose from the rock. '

“Thank you! ” he exclaimed, eagerly.
“I wish you would do so. I’ll go at
once. ‘

“What business is your friend in? "

. “You’ve got me thar,” and Redrock
» , shook his head. “I kalkilate he’s one o’
I these hyar minin‘ stock sharps. Any
way, he‘s honest, an’ wants a man, so
"watyou go to ther Gold-Bar Palace, an‘
r ; flak/fer Gilbert Goldspur. ’
,- i .  “‘1{itI‘llmgotye‘thprmyself;tar-night, an’
' " ’ i ‘see' tha’tyez'hev a mommy": An?,,,by ther

‘ii
if.
,
z

,t , ‘ 5.  o.

w. . .Aflfisi‘b Tm-A «(7,. w

W

1 may

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mu

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{upggrsa-‘fl  .K ,F _‘

>3 .1... was “.mu‘vw‘f  
L e .  w. 3

 

  

 

f sprucin' up a bit when ye strike ther
camp, seein’ es ye're a stranger thar.”

  ,A painful ,fiush came over Jarrett's

*5  I face, and he drew back from the bank-

' ’- . note Redrock tendered him.

 

 : g... “ I can't accept that,”'he declared.
 ,   . “ Yes, ye kin! " stoutly. “ Ye’re goin’
’  '  ‘ter Bed Gulch, ain’t ye?”
' .“sY'esBPfi‘ ’ .
“ Ye’llf hex,..:tér :waik et? ”

 

4: Oh,  I y\
e " Wat, now, look hyar. : This ten's yer
guarantee. Ef ye-‘gihuier job, ye pay et
ack ter me. by an’byr-et ye don’t, ye're

' a
3
d

 

 5. See?" '  ‘ ’

£3 E  Jarrett was still inclined to denim", but
if Redrock laughing1y caught‘h‘m by the

shoulder and thrust the bill into 11.“

 

1: I

' » vest pocket.

   

« 4 XhadT-ihountédhis horse and was speeding.
' . away. 6  ; , r ,
“That’s a '-dptermined galoot,” he
muttered. glancing back at the figure
beside the bowlder.,‘_s"‘ If I hadn‘t inter-
fered, he'd have let, daylight through
his head as sure as fate,  . .
, ‘f Well. if 1’33 “BY, Judge of character,
"119’: St the man 1". WM“. and so I may
Jan, he time well spent."
. ~ -;,'Mémwtlile, Justus Jarrett was gazing
'u.‘1i.£t's‘i:fiis rescuer in silent wonder. *
 i "What a strange character! ” he
'44"  thought; That man Is a mystery, yet
" J5831316" Work    He cer-
:‘. ,ta-lnly read my despair sright, and stayed

  

 

 

  
   
  

14'

my hand-mime ‘ 

a“ Yufllyowfl my life to him—4. will do
 heyha’.ordt . '09», . ‘V ,__ .: , .
"gheagi'mi him

   
 
 

   
   
 
 

. ,nw

mes rejoicer where
. . W t’ ‘

‘ Gilbert ’Gbldspu}, ‘ t

11}, N » Way,"Ye better 'tuck“lthls"hyar.ten}in yer V
W ' vestpocket. fer ye’ll.‘ nacherel fe‘elJike

  , paid fer yer time an’ trotible, any way._

5%,,‘mie next minute the eccentric sport

.WasJerked
{or  t- a

 

A flush'of hope had taken the place of
that deathly pallor; his dark eyes, spar-
kled brightly, and he seemed imbued
with new life and hope.

It was late in the afternoon when he,

neared Red Gulch. A half-mile above
the camp he stopped for a bath in Black
Bear Creek, then hastened on and just
at sunset entered the Gold-Bar Palace.

Here he was greeted effusiver by Her-
cules Redrock, who led him to a table in
a retired corner of the room.

“Now, you sot down thar," the red-
bearded sport requested._ “I’ll run up-
stairs an’ send Goldspur down.”

Before Jarrett could remonstrate, Red-
rock vanished.

Ten minutes later, Goldspur, fresh and
smiling, descended the stairs, entered the
barroom, and approached the table.

“You are Justus Jarrett, I presume? ”
he asked. ’

' “I am, sir; and you, I believe, are Mr.
Gilbert Goldspur? ”

“ Yes. My friend Redrock tells me you
are seeking employment, and I am here
to see ,if I can engage you."

“ There will .be little trouble about
that,” Jarrett assured, with a. smile.

Then the two men shook hands and
sat down, and at once began a low-voiced
conversation.

For upward of a half—hour they
talked, then Goldspur drew a roll’ of bills
from his pocket and counted off sixty dol-
lars, which he handed to Jarrett, saying:

“ Here is a month’s pay in advance.

“ Now, remain about the Gold-Bar Pal-
ace to-night, for I suspect that I shall
need you."

 

CHAPTER XXIV. ,

l .' DICK. DODDS AGAIN.
Early in the night; Gold Dick, the
miner-detective, sought out the Dandy
Sport, and, using the code agreed upon,

‘ signaled,that he wished to meet him pri—

vately.

A few minutes later, the two men came
together on the narrow footbridge span-
ning Black Bear Creek. '

“Pard Goldspur, l. hes news fer ye,"
Gold Dick announced. »

“I was sure you would have, Dick,”
was the reply. “ I have been out of camp

.sl'nc’e lashnigh't, but am informed that

mugh‘of interest has been going on.
f“You refer, I suppose, to the hurning
of ‘the'oflice of the Rainbow mine?”

“Yes, pard, ter that, an‘ a heap mare.
Ye see, Trumps an’; me hes bin, busy, an‘
we hes' turned up a pile o’ evidence.

“ Last night we shaddered young Gray-
son an" Elephant Eph.‘ They ;met in
Sailor Jake‘s-Haven, an' played another
game. Eph Was caught cheatin’, an’ thar
was trouble, though no one‘ was much
hurted. ' "

' “Then GraysOn left an’ hunted fer you.

but failed to find yer, an’i-flnally started
fer ther Rainboweofflce. ‘ r

“ In ther meantime, Elephant Eph hed
sneaked out ther back way f’m ther Ha-
ven, an’} met Sim‘Paully, th'er bookkeep-
er.' Ther two confabulated a, bit, then
sneaked off an? struck Grayson's trail;

which’ same they follered right terther‘

Rainbow. office. ‘

_ » ‘-‘ But Trumps an’ me war on deck, you
.~‘het,fan' we jest lingered behind on they’d

got through ther gate, then skipped up

.an’ :climb'ed ther stockade fer‘ter see

what"wssgotn'von inside.
Thar: was a light in ther office, an’

Eph and Sing was hangin’ "round outside. 5

Then ther light Seemed ter go out, so We

crept up close: an’ saw Sim unlock the? 

door an’ both‘siip inside:

“We know’d then ther was goin' ter'be‘

trouble fer 8,h0re.',fer young Grayson was
in thar an' themtwo houndsimeam mfg-
chief—no less! So we moved up close ter
line in. when the? ca , e ,a‘ tremendjus
racket f’m insiderfong: -
Yell. 81? .then the!“ light blazed up .big in
ther back room. ,g    j  r . ‘:

“ Before we of ‘- ‘

 
  
 
   
  
   

-: plained,‘ graciously.

ed. by. an awful.

V ’ ted the'Sport'to. entity, ,1).

 
     
  
    
  
   
  
  
    
     
  
    
    
   
   
  
  
    
  
  
   
    
   
  
   
    
  
  
    
    
    
  
  
     
     
  
     
   
     
  
   
  
   
    
    
      
   
  
  
  
 
  
 
   
  
 
  

“ Grayson wasn’t thar. Ther back room
was on fire, an’ we was shore puzzled,
when some one pounded on ther floor f’m , ..
below an’ yelled fer help! ' *1 '.

“ Then we see‘d thar was a". trap in ther '
floor, an’ we bu’sted et open, when out of
the cellar popped Darky Dan!”

“Darky Dan, eh?” exclaimed Gold-
spur, deeply interested in that hurried
recital.

“ Yas, our black pard, an’ he was scart:
hafe ter death, too. But he rallied quick
when he saw who we war, an’ told us .
Grayson warbelow, dead. It was gettin’ l 8
most owdashus hot, but we got ther lad- ’
out, an’ then ther three of us carried him ;
away f’m ther stockade, an’ we bid him.  ..
an’ Darky Dan away in a desarted dug— ' , ' "
out up ther slope.  
' “Then we found out Grayson wasn‘t ,
dead, though bad hurted f’m a hang over'
ther head, an’ we fixed him up an’ laid . .
quiet till we c’u’d see you.”  t

“ You have done well, Gold Dick,” the "  .
Dandy Sport gravely declared. -  ‘

“But if Grayson is hurt he must have 1:
surgical attention at once, so I will send 
the doctor up with you.” v

“Hold on, Pard Goldspur! Trumps is
a sawbones f’m A to Izzard. He’s got:
'Grayson on ther mend, an’ ef et's tepbe'a. z,
secret—” 7 '-

“You are right, Gold Dick—Lit means
one lesstongu'e to still; but if Grayson
seems dangerously hurt, or grows worse,
send for the doctor at once. ‘ ‘  ' ;

“ In the mean time, have Trumps re»
main at the cabin with him, and orderf
Darky Dan to keep under cover) I will’
see him before the night is done, for i”.-
am puzzled to account for his presences i
there in the cellar.” ‘ .r . . 

Gold Dick chuckltd. ' ’5', ,

“ He got too bold, an’ war caught*il"si~ ,
tenin' in the Rainbow office," he cit-«j
plained. “They knocked him senseless:
an’ put him away}? ~ '

“ Thatnras it, eh? Well, rethrn to ,th
cabin and tell Trumps and Darky 'Da
just what is to be done. Impress upon--
them too, the value of absolute secrecy?»

“ I‘ll do et, pard.” i  t ‘
‘ “Then take a look at Elephant Ehh,‘ 2i
and return to the Gold~Bar Balaclag” . ’
have been planning an important-more;

 

  

  

 

and it may be that I shall execute l‘ttii»
“night.”  l i f ,
“ I’ve got that down, Pard (i‘rold‘spuafK
“ Very 3good. There’s just one  rs
point, and then we‘ll separate betel-effigy
attract attention. ' » 5 ' I ’ j"
“Hereafter, when you fail to findim‘
report to Hercules Bedrock, the strait".
in camp. If he gives-orders, obey than».
just as you would if they came fireflies
from me.”  ‘3’ ‘ “ '
Gold Dick seemed surprised, but '
no comment, and a moment later the
te . ’ -
he Dandy Sport turned his, std
the direction of the calaboose. ' g .
,“The night is young, and I ma, 
well see Dick Dodds,” he mused. “ 8
thing tells me theman will finally;
en and- confess. and that I shall
who my unknown .enemy is.” ‘
Shocky Pete, the jailor, greeted 
Sport pleasantly, and readily granted .=
request for an interview with the ~ "
oner. , _  _, ‘ 
» “Et was Raymond's orders that
should see him of ye‘ called,” “13¢
 But ther, ';
others hyar that I‘tarned away.” 3‘" . 
, “His friends have not deserted“,
 n 1‘ 1, LI.‘ .t’
35031, no! Jubal Strong hos-"bi
twice an’ be even‘ offered mane
ch'aince ter see Dodds.  '. b
t‘ “ Then Sim Paully, ther Ramps ‘-
keeper, was hyar lateintlier 

    
 

  
 
  
        
  

  
 
    
       
   

    
 
   
 
     
     
      

    
 
 
 

  
 
    
   
  

'an’ he wanted? text talk‘with 
,“ He seemsjo bejpopiilarx';

 
 
          
   
 
 

I

'sremark‘ed. .. . , t M .4,
‘ The jailer winked, myafiimj ..
‘he opened the oellsrwm door '-

   
   
  
 
 
 

 

   

Gt,

 

The agilequ we} slum

  

  

 

   

 

“You here! ” he exclaimed, bitterly.
“Yes, Dick Dodds, and you should be
glad to see me, for I come to give you a
chance to clear your skirts,” was the cool
response. -
" I cannot do it! ”
“ Think well, my man! ”
The'prisoner doggedly shook his head.
I; "‘ I cannot do it," he repeated.
‘ “‘ Dare not, you mean! ”
“‘1 didn’t say that.”
" You were hired to get me out of the
way? "
“ No, sir; I was not." _
“ Then you were coerced! ” declared
Goldspur, sternly. “ There is a man in
 this camp who holds you in his power."
Dick Dodds winced and turned pale.
“No, no!” he protested. “You have
no right to say that.” ,
" Oh, yes, I have," and the Dandy Sport
‘laughed grimly. “Come, now, Dodds; I
I 'have discovered your secret, and you
would better make a clean breast of it.”
“I dare not! "
“I will interce'de with Raymond, and
-,'.secure your release from the conspiracy
charge against you.”
“ That is a promise? ”
“ Yes, sir; and it will be kept.”

    
  
  
    
  
   
 
  
  
   
   
  
   
  
   
  
 
 
  
    
  
  
     
 
 
  
     
 
  
  
   
   
 
 
  
  
    
  
     
   
  
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
 
  
   
  
  
  
 
  
   
    
  
    
 
  
 
   
 
   
 
  
    
    

‘tface. He reflected a moment, then his
lead sank dejectedly.
~ “ I would like to oblige you, Mr. Gold-
spur, but the risk is too great."

. “Do not fear. Stamm’ is out of Red
‘Gulch, and will not return for several
liweeks, if ever." *
' : That was a random « shot. That it
._..1!truck heme Goldspur quickly saw, for
Dick Dodds leaped to his feet, hoarsely
"fiem'anding:
' “,Is that true? On your honor, man, is
t true? " -
; I “ It is absolutely true."

‘ “ And your promise stands? "
‘ _' “I Y 98, sir.” ‘
i “ I will not be held here as a witness? "
“‘ You may make an affidavit; and de—
Dart'” ,‘ 1
The ex-deputy uttered a long breath of
relief.
{ “ Very well, Mr. Goldspur. I will make
.a’ clean breast of its-and mighty glad of
the chance, ‘toe' as the matter now
Wands," he declared.

»" Stamm was the man. He wanted you
and the Mad Miner arrested on some
ru'm'ped-up charge, and gotten out of Red
“lch. You were to be held at least.
_ rty- days.”

Goldspur nodded complacently. I
f" Itis just-as I suspected,” he averted.
“That will do now, Dodds. Keep up
"ur spirits. I’ll call with a justice of
oil‘peace in the morning, and secure
hr aflidavit. Then I’ll see the marshal,
yeu shall be released." _
he‘Dandy Sport stepped out of the
acorn, bade the jailer good-night, arid

 I ,3 ~
All he passed the corner of the build-
a number of muffled forms leaped out
lie/shadows, and in another minute
sum was struggling in the grasp of
enemies.

CHAPTER xxv.
5',» THE AMERICAN.
,jl‘h‘e Dandy Sport was not one to yield
finitely, He struggled fiercely against the
‘ ‘9, “'perate odds besettinglhim, and his
 we fell thick and'fast. Two of the
 s were sent sprawling to the
7nd, whereupon the others hesitated
fseemed to shrink back. ‘ .
 they ,were too strong in numbers
7 meet defeat, and at a word from the
- theyclosed in upon the sport, se‘

r,»-

o

 

3;» I.

QDCB- .
fiflDo‘wn the v'whelp, boys! " (ordered a
 .;.-. voice. “ Down him—wsmother him!
that he makes no outcry!" . -
"en Goldspur felt a strong clutch
w his throat, and under the combined
ht’of his assailants he was slowly
he ground.  l
“at Instant,
in r

    

     
 
 

  
  

success
' dorm

A hopeful ,look crossed the prisoner’s

:2,- lS’rwthat he was unable to draw a ,

plunged into the melee, and a pair of
sturdy fists began swinging right and left
with fierce and vengeful rapidity.

“ Break away, you cowards! ” shouted
a stern voice, and the thugs, alarmed by
that sudden onslaught, shrank for the
moment from their prey.

“ Steady, boys!——-there’s only one! ”
grated the leader, with a bitter oath.
“ Rally there, and—don’t let Goldspur
slip! ”

But the mischief was done!

Released from that strangling clutch
and relieved of the oppressive weight
upon his shoulders, the Dandy Sport had
leaped to his feet, and now stood back to
back with his bold rescuer, a revolver
gleaming in each hand. .

“ Furies! We are balked of the-game!
Scatter, lads, and hunt cover, before the
camp’s aroused! ”

Even as that command rang from his
lips, the leader bounded away through
the shadows, followed by a shot from
Goldspur’s weapon, and in less than a
minute the entire band, with the excep-
tion of one man, who was stretched on
the ground, had disappeared.

“ What a cowardly pack!" the sport
exclaimed, in contempt, as he turned to
his rescuer. “And yet they were des-
perately in earnest for the moment, and I
was faring badly when you so bravely
lent a hand. ‘

“Command me, for I am at your serv-
ice when a favor is needed.” .

The rescuer laughed good-naturedly.

“ That is all right,” hexassured. “But
I wasn‘t out looking for a reward.

“I have a natural love for the fisticuff
game, and as it looked like a splendid
opening for a bit of healthy practice, I
waded right in.

“ ‘ Fair play is a jewél,‘ you know, and
I couldn't stand back and see a dozen on
one.”

Then Goldspur started, and warmly
grasped his companion’s hand. ‘ ,

“ Justus Jarrett! ” he exclaimed. “ Up-
on my Word, I didn‘tknew you! ”

“ I suspected‘as much,” was the smil-
ing-response. “ You see, I’ve 11 taking
your advice, Goldspur, I went t Strong's
and put myself in presentable shape, and
had just stepped out on the street when
you were attacked.

“ I'am glad it happened so, for I prefer
to be of some service while playing this
waiting! game.” ‘

“Well, you certainly have bee of
service, and earned my lasting gratitude,
as I suspect‘ my life was the stake for
which the rascals were playing.

if we can induce him to peach.”

The fallen ,ruflian had lifted himself
to a sitting posture, and now sat with
his hands clasped to his head, groan-
ing dolefully. , ,

In another minute, despite his frantic
struggles, he was jerked to his feet and
disarmed, then forced toward the cala-
boose. ‘ ‘ .
,Shocky Pete at once opened the door
when summoned by Goldspur, and the
prisoner was thrust inside. .

The )keeper had heard the shot. t But
a pistol shot was no ,variety in Red
Gulch, and he had not bothered his
head about it.

.Now, however,»his eyes opene to their
fullest extent as they fell pen the
prisoner. A peculiar look crossed" his
face, and he exclaimed:

.“Halio, Mex! Ye’v’e’ come ter lodge
with me at'last, I see‘. ‘

“Will, ye’ve dodged; me for many a
day, but I told ye yer time would come.
an’ shore enough at hes! " ‘

“Don‘t gloat over my misfortune! ”
the prisoner cried, with a, vivid flash of
his black eyes. "‘ Remember that I shall
soon be free, and that my knife is keen!
Jose is not one to forget a wrong! "

" Oh, I'll not firgit, Hosay! " the jailer
‘retorted, and then at a sign from Gold-
rspur he passed out of} the room and

closed the door. ‘ ' ' ,
,J "New; Josmis’i d

d If

        
   

 

“ But let’s get this chap up, and see i

1‘ ‘ exclai

 

smooth-faced Mexican, doggedly obeyed,
then said:

“ Senor, my ears are open.” ‘

“ What induced you to attack me? ”

“The love of gold, senor."

“ You were hired? "

“Si, senor."

“ By whom? ”

“ By one I know not. He was in dis-
guise, and he spoke with pebbles in
his mouth.” 2

The sport reflected a moment, then
asked: ,

“ Was it my life they sought?”

“blot at once, senor, if it could be
avmded. You were to be captured and
carried away. Later, perhaps, you were
to be killed.”

“ How much Were you to receive? ”

“ Five dollars, senor.”

Goldspur drew a double-eagle from his
pocket and held it before the eyes of
the Mexican.

“ Do you see that, Jose?”

“ Senor, I am not blind! "

“I will put it in your hand, Jose, and
set you free. When you return and tell
me who your leader was, live more, just
like it, shall be ready for your hand.”

The Mexican’s eyes sparkled covetous-
:y, but he shook his head slowly, say-
ng: .

“I am a soldier of fortune, senor, and
fight for gold; but I love life better, so
cannot do your bidding.

“The man you ask me to seek is too
powerful, and his friends are too many.
No, no, senor! Jose must refuse.”

. “Very good; it is as well, perhaps, to
keep you here, so I shall go and lodge
immediate complaint against you.

“Jarrett, keep your eye on the fellow
till I send the jailer in; and if he offers
to move, dro him.” a

Then Goldspur opened the door and
joined Shocky Pete outside.

“ Jailor, who is that man? ” he asked.

“A cut-throat called Mexican Jose.”

“ He belongs in camp?"t _

' “He comes and goes, PirdfGaoldspnrA.’ 

‘fYou have had trouble with hing-I" .,
infer.” ' . " '

Shock] Pete uttered an angry growl.

“He robbed me when I worked in ther
placers,” he explained. “I carry scars
f’m his knife yet.”

“Can you hold him until I get a war-T
rant?” . a ' ’

“Ef you say et, you bet,{’ and the.
jailer tapped his revolver butts signifi-.
cantly. , I v ' I

“ Do 30, then, and I’ll send the docu-l
ment down as soon as possible.” ,

Shocky Pete then entered the cala-i »
boose, and thesport and his ally d0-'
parted. ' I

As soon as their steps had died away,’
the jailer looked at the prisoner and!
laughed._ - I

“I thought, fer a minute ye was ,in'
ther net, shore an’ natural, jedge,"./he
exclaimed. . , '

‘filt will take an extremely cunning_
man to entrap me,” the pseudo-Mexican}
boasted, in an arrogant way; "‘ It was

  

 

 

aw:

 

 

fortunate, though, that you caught my';
signal and adopted the course you did,,
for it has thrown that ,accursed sport:
entirely off his guard."  ,

“ Oh, Yes: I reckon thet was a puttyé  ‘
artful dodge I worked,” chuckled the x
jailer. , l . ‘  y
“You see, it is highly important for‘y‘, .9” ‘
me to’be in camp at this time, yet/apt”; x
ceedingly risky for me to remain here:
in my proper person," the prisoner ex-
plained. “ So Judge Stamm went away
yesterday, and Mexican Jose came in te—
nlght." ‘ . » ‘

Shocky Pete chuckled again, and com—
plimented the Rainbowgmanager on his
successful disguise. Then the voices of
the two sank to a lower key, and they \ :
talked earnestly for several minutes.

When this conversation had ended, the I , M
jailer opened the cell-room door and ‘ 
brought out Dick Dodds. ‘ ,' ‘z

“ ell, Dodds, I understand thatyou
hare betgayed'me to Goldspur,” ‘Stammg

me D  " *- '

_ .5: .,"L' ,. .. -.‘.'.
Jaifisfim~mfimwfmnlJ  '

 

        
     
          

  

 

,. elites Goldsmi-

‘ifihe Dandy  

 

 

   

the disguised rascal, and a terrified look
came into his face.

 

“There—don’t deny it, man!” the
 judge continued. “I am going to be
" merciful with you—far more so than you

i; deserve.
f “Pete'is going to open the door for
i you. You are to go. If you can be

found inside the camp's limits ten min-
utes from now, your miserable life shall
pay the forfeit! ”
The jailer threw open the door.
Terror-stricken, Dick Dodds leaped out
into the night and sped away.

 

CHAPTER XXVI.
DADDY PARKER SPEAKS our.

When he had secured the warrant for
Mexican Jose, Goldspur started Jarrett
back to the calaboose with it, and went
on to the Gold-Bar Palace.

' There, he found Daddy Parker anx-
iously awaiting him.

The old man's eyes were sparkling

feverishly, and he was in a highly ner-
vous condition. ‘
, “By your leave, sir!” he exclaimed,
f eagerly plucking the sport’s sleeve. ” By
‘ your leave, sir! If you will spare me a
few minutes of your time, I shall esteem
it an especial favor, sir.i

“I have something highly important
to communicate—yes, sir—highly impor-
tant! ” ,

Goldspur nodded and smiled.

“I am ready to listen, Mr. Parker,”
he assured.

“Not here,‘ sir!—-not here! It must
be in' secret. It! you will walk over with
me to the Grayson residence—"

. “ That is out of the question, sir,”
I ~ cut in the sport, coldly. “But we can
' retire to my room.”

“Very well, sir. You know best. I
. ,, _ . am at your disposal.”

5’ - Goldspur led the way to his room.

.. Pointing Daddy Parker to a seat, he

was...

 

 

' closed the door and sat dOWn.
*3 “You may proceed, Mr. Parker, I am
ready to listen," he said.
“ I am in trouble—yes, sir, the deepest
v of trouble,” the old man bluntly an-

, .  nounced. ~“I have come to you for

b I  ‘ ~ ' K ‘ '

g ‘ "" on sffailhave it, if I can possibly
7 give it.” '

" I was assured ,0! that, air, for your
face betrays a generous naturerand a
, bold spirit. I knew I would not appéai
in vain. 1
“ And now to explain. There is going

to be trouble over the Rainbow Mine,
. ‘ .- , and I want to engage you, sir, to ke
' _ charge of Miss Grayson’s interests till
‘ ' ' the matter is settled." '

.; , Goldsphr's face , flushed, then grew
t white. '

I
. l ’
g - “ Does Miss Grayson make that re-
' , quest? ” he asked, in a voice of icy cold-
r ., ness. '

V  “ No, sir; oh. no! air; .I doubt, indeed,
. ‘ if Miss Grayson knows 0‘ Your existence.
Indeed, she is too badly shaken up over
her adventure with the outlaw be. d to’
attend to business herself; and {5811118
the importance of immediate action, ,I
have taken charge of her affairs myself,"
- . ,“And ‘Dubors, her attorney? What is
/ the matter with him? He has escaped,
and is in’Re‘d Gulch, I understand." _
' “Ah, sir! he has proved himself an
$53;  arran’t coward-yes, siri—an arrant cow-
" _' ard'! He has been dismissed by my
' niece, sire—bag and baggage, and has
Joined the enemy. * . '
“I trust. 811‘. "that you will consider
I this matter, and give me a favorable
‘ “answer. You understand, of course, that
' ,_ , you are to have 1"“ compensation for
' '- ‘yoot‘iervicesfl .
‘ The Dandy Sport smiled grinfly,‘
1‘ Refllthr. Parker, you flatter me."
he -'exclaimed. “Of course, I shoum be
ad to do anythingtthat I can to sue.
ta n the cause of your niece; but you

 

 

       
   
     
   
 
  

   

‘ WrfigdirGu‘lc'h, and therefore hardly the
garnet: you would‘wsntin case of trou-

w.
y.
.

      
    

‘ a friend in Red Gulch capable of assum-

‘ know the villain‘like a book—yes, sir~—

must remember that I am a stranger in'

 

 

thank!“ a
' .  .11.-

some well-known citizen of" the Camp,
say Jubal Strong, for instance. You see,

his popularity in itself would lend
strength to your cause.”
Daddy Parker leaped to his feet. His

shrunken old face grew red with rage.
He uttered an oath and brandished his
fist in the air.

“ That scoundrel?
er!” he shouted.
insult—”

“I beg your
Goldspur, coldly.
riddles to me'. ”

Instantly sobered by the Sport’s cold
voice, Daddy Parker brushed a hand
across his eyes, and resumed his seat.

“It is l, sir, who should bog pardon,”
he asserted, in a subdued tone. “ In my
excitement, I forgot that you were not
acquainted with all the facts.

" In confidence, sir,‘I will tell you that
Strong is an abominable villain—yes,
sir-a most abominable villain! I may
say, further, sir, that I discovered to-day
that he is my son-in—law; that his true
name is Charles Middleton, and that in
his true character he is Cherokee Char-
lie, the outlaw! " '

Goldspur gazed keenly at the old man.

“ You astonish me, sir! ” he exclaimed.

“, I was astonished myself,” Parker re-
turned, and he related all that he had
learned from Agatha and Helen Middle-
ton.

It is almost needless to say that the
Dandy Sport was nonplussed. Although
he had learned to regard the mayor with
some little doubt, he was not prepared
to believe him the guilty wretch Parker
declared him to be. He felt there was
a ,grave mistake somewhere.

“It certainly looks black for Strong,”
he as forced to admit.

“You see, sir, we are in a terrible
plight," Daddy Parker continued. “ Con
is missing, ' and so invidious has the
work of these scoundrels been that I
may say, barring yourself, we have not

Never, sir!—nev-
“Why, sir, it is an

pardon! " interrthed
“You are talking in

ing charge of our affairs.

“June was disposed to favor us
against Stamm, but he is a warm per-
sonal friend of Dubois, and that ties
his hands.

“ Stamm is in possession of the Rain-
bow bookspand it he seizes the mine,
as‘I tear he‘mtends it! do, we may
as well givevup ’the fight as lost, and
that means financial ruin to Miss Grays
son and her brother.” ,

“ Stamm would certainly have a pow-
erful hold upon the property,',’ Goldspur
admitted. ” Still, as he is out of Red
Gulch and likely, I understand, to re.
main away for some weeks, much can
be accomplished durifig his absence."

“But he's not absent! ” cried Daddy
Parker, striking his knee with his
clenched hand. “ That’s only a cunning
blind. It hasn’t been two hours since
I passed him in front of the hotel. He
was cleanly shaven and disguised as a
Mexican."

Instantly Goldspur’s thoughts revert-
ed to the prisoner, Mexican Jose, and
he sprang to his feet. ,

“By heavens! 'I believe that is the
truth! ” he averted, visibly impressed. '

“ Yes, sir! I’ll swear it’s true! I

like a“ book, and I could swear to his
eyes anywhere.” .

And Daddy Parker began to dance
about excitedly. ,

Stead)’, now!” warned the Dandy
Sport. ‘Don’t raise such a racket, or
we‘ll have listeners right at the 6001‘-

Sit down there. I want to talk with
you. I Want you to speak right out,
fully and plainly.”

Daddy Parker obeyed, and Goldspur
put him through a rigid course of ques-
tioning, dealing with the history of the
mine, the brief captivity of Agatha, and
the events throwing such a shadow of
guilt upon Jubal Strong. .

When these :10an .had been fully
covered, the ,

  
   
      

 

 

,',J

- In response to a summons: to. on
Justus Jarrett stepped into the moon.

"I

   
  
  
    
 
  
  
   
  
  
  
    
    
   
  
   
  
  
  
    
  
    
   
   
  
  
 
 
   
   
 
  
   
     
    
    
  
    
   
 
   
  
    
 
    
   
  
   
  
   
    
 
   
  
     
    
   
  
  
  
  
   
    
  
   
  
   
  
 
    
 
     
   
    
 
    
     
    
      

coming of age, would his share in the-
mine revert to Miss Grayson? "

“ Yes—or what is left of it?”

“And his death. through terminating
Stamm‘s guardianship would enable ac—
tion upon the marriage clause in Ga-
briel’s will? ” ,

“Yes, sir. But I don’t believe Gabe
ever left any such will.” ’

“The court has pronounced the will‘
valid, you must remember, and under
such a decision its provisions are binding
until a different verdict from a higher
court is gained.

“ Miss Grayson, you say, has declined
to marry Stamm? "

“ Yes, sir; most emphatically.
will fight the will.”

“Has it ever occurredto you that Ga~
briel Grayson might yet be living? ” .
.“ I’ve always considered him dead...
s1r.”

“Then you accept Stamm's story of
his death? ”

“ Yes; Lumper swears it is true.”

Goldspur‘s lip curled slightly. ,

“ Stamm’s game is as clear as day,” he ,
declared. “He believes Con Grayson is.
dead. Before many hours he will seize
the mine, then bring action, under the:
will, to secure Miss Grayson's Sharer

“There is not an hour to be lost, Mr.
Parker! ” 
In alarm, Daddy Parker again sprang,
up. ‘

“You—you will aid -us, Mr. Gold»
spur?” he asked, betraying painful agi-
tation. ‘  .

“ To the last drop of my heart’s '-
blood! ” was the vehement answer. .Then,
coldly: “ But mark you, Mr. Parker, not
one word of my connection with the
case must reach Miss Grayson! '. , -.

“Remember, too, that hereafter ybui,
are to remain away from me.‘ My friend, 
Hercules Redrock, will have charge of?
1tlhe matter, and you can consult withi'

im.’ - 

\

She.»

 

CHAPTER XXVII.
THE JAle IN TROUBLE;

For a moment, Daddy Parker seemed.
incapable of speech or action. He oath
silent and motionless, staring blankly“
at the face of the sport. Then hurried
steps sounded in the hall, and some one:
rapped on the door. ‘ '

dark eyes were glittering withsuppr ' '
excitement, and that he bore intelligean
of a. startling nature the sport read at“
glance. ' '
Goldspur‘ at once made his two visi
acquainted, and motioned Jarrett to.
seat, tersely explaining: . v
“ You may Speak freely before Mr. Pdf-
He represents the Rainbow“

as

ker, Jarrett.
owners."
“ I will do so, sir,” Jarrett responded;
“Mexican Jose has escaped. and with:
him Dodds. the ext-deputy.” ,,
“Aha! This is news-indeed. Jarrett!‘ “
" They assaulted and overpowered.“
jailer, I suppose?" ' . é
“ So he states, sir." _
“ You doubt the statement? ’
Jarrett nodded assent. » ~  .
“ I found him on the floor, spparehtiy“
unconscious, but my faith in his vs : . _ ‘
is not strong,” he explained. “ 'I‘hei'owgo;A
an absence of serious wounds on 
and I feel that hisco‘ndition 
“ Moreover, you will  that
Dodds was in thei-‘cell-room with the dad
locked, while the Mexican, disarmed; was”
in the living room with the Sailor. 
V“ Now, Shocky Pete was well a: a
and looks to be a man of desperate W
age, so it is not at all prohabls‘that.
Mexican succeeded. in overpo
pm,» (I If 3, -.st.
h “ Yelling.l reason well; Jarrett. Nit 15°.
ave ppened‘ through carelessness
the iailor’s part, rm- the Mexican, 1

 
 
         
    
  
 
    
   
 
      
    
    
  
  

 
  
       
    
  
 

lieve. is a quickawitted‘ sco
thoroughly desperate." . '1
, " Yes, tillers is alwayfi the odd
sir.” Jarrett admitted:

C
I
r .
is

 

.22

‘ Gilbert Goldspur, the Dany S V

 

 

“ I found the cell-room door locked and
the bars in place, while the key itself
was in the jailor’s pocket.

“Now, sir, the Mexican knew that we
had gone for a warrant and would not be
long absent, and I cannot believe he
would have lost time in observing such
painstaking care had his liberty been
gained by force.”

“ That is quite true, Jarrett, unless pos-
sibly he intended to throw suspicion
upon the jailor,” the Dandy Sport ob-
served.

“ But I believe you have read the case
aright, and hereafter we shall regard
Shocky Pete as one of the enemy.

“And now, Jarrett, my friend Redrock
tells me you are a bookkeeper.”

“ I am, sir, and also a stenographer.”

“ You would be competent, you think,
to make an expert examination of the
Rainbow books?”

" Yes, sir.”

- Goldspur smiled complacently, and
turned to Daddy. Parker.

“It would be well for you to suggest
to Miss Grayson the discharge of Simeon
Paully and the employment of Mr. Jar-
rett,” he remarked, significantly.

“Yes, sir; that is true. I will do it—I
will do it at once,” declared the old man,
rising. “ Sim Paully is a scoundrel, sir.

“In the meantime, Mr. Goldspur, I
shall remember your instructions, and
leave the management of the affair en-
tirely in your hands.”

Then Daddy Parker departed.

“ Now, Jarrett, you may go down-stairs
and look up Gold Dick,” the sport contin-
ued, turning to his ally. “ Remain there,
but have him locate Paully at once if pos—
sible, and report his whereabouts to Red-
rock, who will probably join you soon.”

Jarrett bowed, and silently withdrew.
He felt that some important move was
about to be made, but sensibly refrained
from useless inquiry.

He found Gold Dick sitting at a table
near the foot of the stairway, and ex-
plained Goldspur’s wishes, whereupon the
miner~detective rose and hurried out into
the street.

A moment later the Dandy Sport ap-
peared. Pausing for a word with Jarrett,
he, too, passed out into the night. '

Straight to the calaboose the sport has-
tened, and pounded sharply on the door.

A faint shuffling sound came from with-
in, then the wicket opened and the face
of Shocky Pete appeared, peeping out
cautiously.

“Hallo, Pete! Open the door,” Gold-
spur greeted, in assumed excitement. “I
want to talk to you.”

The jailor obeyed, and the sport step-
ped into the room. Then:

“Jarrett tells me you have had bad
luck.” v

“ Turrible! ” and the rascal wagged his
head dolefully. “Got a crack on ther
skull w'ot laid me out till et was all over
but ther s'houtin’.

“ Ye see, Dodds made sech a racket on
ther door thet I jumped up an’ tarned my
head, when thet blamed Mexican hit me a
jolt with his stool.

“ Et’s ther fust time I ever had sech a
low-dOWn trick played on me, an’ I kal—
kilate ter make thet Greaser fa’rly sick

‘ when I gits my two hands on him! ”

And the fellow scowled in a fear—in-
spiring manner.
“ Oh, I wouldn’t get mad about it, if I

'were you," Goldspur observed, in a cool

and bantering tone. “It does seem sin-
gular, though, that a man of Stamm’s
standing should stoop so low.

“ Do you know, Pete, that from what I
heard after you closed the door I’ve come
to the conclusion that you are a miser-

able scoundrel? ”

The jailor' changed color, and trembled
violently. The sport had drawn a re—
volver, which he flourished menacingly.

“ Yes, sir—rec! And I calculate that you
have gotten yourself into an extremely
bad box,” he continued, as he noted the
effect of his cunning threat. “I don’t

‘ think shooting is a bit too severe for a

man who will play such a trick as you
have been guilty of.

 

“ Now, you sit down there and make a
clean breast of it, or it shall be the worse
for you.”

Shocky Pete was a desperate ruffian,
but there was something in the cool and
determined attitude of the sport which
filled him with terror. ‘

Down he sat, and then in trembling
tones confessed the liberation of Stamm
and Dick Dodds.

“ Now, what hold has Stamm upon
you? ” the sport demanded.

Pete hesitated.

“ Pard, will ye spare my life ef I tells
yer all I knows?” he ventured at length,
in a craven tone.

“Yes, for I have no wish to shed your
blood if it can be avoided."

“ Lordy! I‘m glad ter hear ye say thet,
pard, fer ye looks ‘ kill,’ an’ I believe ye
meant et, too!

“Now, I’ll tell ye all I knows, an’ then
mebbe ye’ll hide me f’m Stamm, fer he’ll
kill me shore when he finds out I hes
peached.

“Ye see, I belongs ter ther Rainbow
Rogues.”

“The Rainbow Rogues, eh? Explain
what you mean,” Goldspur requested,
visibly interested.

“Et’s a secret band, pard, an’ works
ther camps an’ trails fer gold an’ booty.”

“And Stamm is chief, you say? ”

“ I hain’t said so, but ye hit ther truth
plumb center, pard, fer Stamm is ther
head chief, or camp chief, es we calls
him, while Cherokee Charlie is ther trail
chief, an’ between ther two work is
plenty for us.

“Ye see, ther men aire hired by ther
month, an’ sworn never ter betray ther
Rogues. All wear masks when they meet
an’ none but ther chiefs knows who aire
members, while ther men do not know
who ther chiefs r’ally aire.”

“But you know, Pete? ”

“Oh, yas, an’ ther two chiefs meet
right hyar when thar is mischief ter
plot.”

“ In the calaboose?”

“ Yes, pard.” -

A ngm smile played over Goldspur's
expressive face.

“It is a queer place for a rogue’s
headquarters, yet one in which they
should certainly feel at home,” he re-
marked.

“And, now, Pete, who is the second
chief? ”

“Cherokee Charlie, ye means?”

“ Exactly."

“ Honestly, pard, I don’t know fer
sure. Ye see, he comes disguised. He
dresses like one 0’ these hyar gospel
sharps, an’ wears big goggles; an’ he
looks like an old man, fer his ha’r an’
beard aire long an’ gray, though his
voice is strong an’ full.”

“Yet you suspect his identity?”

“ Oh, yas; I hes always hed it down
he war Jubal Strong.”

“ The mayor, eh? ”

“Thet’s ther man, pard.”

At that moment a peculiar tapping
sounded on the door, and the 'jailor’s
face grew white with terror.

“ Lordy, pard! They is out thar now! ”
he exclaimed, in a sepulchral whisper.

 

CHAPTER XXVIII.
ENTRAPPED AT LAST.
Undisturbed. by that startling an-
nouncement, the Dandy Sport glanced
coolly around the room, then turned
to Shocky Pete and in a low voice said:
“Unlock the cell-room door, set the
bars inside, and give me the key, then

admit them.

“I am going in there to hear what
these rascals say, and if you betray me
by word or sign, it will be the worse
for you! "

Utterly cowed by the look of intense
determination on Goldspur’s face, the
jailor silently obeyed, and handed him
the key.

Entering the cell-room, the sport
placed the door ajar, then seated himself
beside it, weapon in hand.

Scarcely had he settled himself com-
fortably when Pete threw open the outer

r

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,r

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door and admitted Stamm and the road-
agent chief.

The Rainbow manager was now dis~
guised as a miner.

“You move with leaden feet to-night,
Shocky,” he grumbled. “ Just when time
is valuable, too!”

“Lordy, boss! but I is narvous,” the
fellow responded, in quivering tones.

“ You have had callers, eh? "

“Fer shore! Fu’st come ther dark-
lookin‘ stranger with ther warrant, an’
he putt me through a hull catechism.

“ When he was gone, ther Dandy Sport
popped in, an’ he was a terror.”

“He suspected something?”

“ Shore, an’ nacherel! ”

“But you dropped no hint?”

“ Nary, though he caught ther drop on
me, an’ I was sore puzzled to throw dust
into his eyes.”

Stamm swore volubly, and turned to
his companion.

“We must get rid of that fellow at
any hazard,” he declared. “Three times
has the trick been tried, in one way and
another, and still he is at large.

“From the moment he came into
camp with the Mad Miner, he has been
secretly meddling with the Rainbow
affair, and is a constant menace to our
plans.”

“Yes, that is true,” the road-agent
assented, in a voice that made the hid—
den listener start. “He is a dangerous
man.”

“I am confident, too, that lie is the
one who played the Lone Bandit game,”
Stamm continued. “That makes him
the more dangerous, for he discovered
your men on the Big Nugget trail and
later, while off my guard, entrapped me
into admissions which will surely con-
vince him that we are secret allies.

“Yes, yes! we must rid ourselves of
him, and I will lay the plot before the
night is over.”

Then Stamm ordered the Jailor to
take up a position outside the door, and
with the road-agent retreated to a corner
of the room, where they sat down, and
talked in whispers.

Goldspur strained his ears to hear
what was said, but vainly.

Nearly a half-hour passed thus, then
they summoned the jailor and departed.

The sport, with the bars in his hand,
at once stepped out of the cell-room.

“ Pete, you have done well,” he re-
marked, briskly. “But I am not pre-
pared to trust you, just yet.

“Hold out your hands! ”

Trembling violently, the jailor obeyed,
and in another minute he was securely
manacled.

Goldspur then disarmed him, and re-
lieved him of his keys.

“I am going to lock you up,” the
sport announced. “If you behave your-
self you’ll get off lightly; if you don’t,
it will go hard with you.

“ Now, go into the cell-room, and keep
quiet. .There will be a man here in a
few minutes to take your place as jail-
oz"), ‘
Shocky Pete stumbled blindly into the
prison. Goldspur carefully secured the
door, put out the light, locked up, and
departed.

The moon was shining brightly, and
the sport was in time to see Stamm and
his confederate crossing the foot bridge
over Black Bear Creek.

Without an instant’s hesitation, he
followed. The two men walked on-
ward leisurely, and finally entered Sailor
Jake’s Haven. '

Passing around to the rear door, Gold-
spur stepped into the place, and glanced
over the crowd.

Seated at a table near by were three
men, one of whom he recognized as Ele-
phant Eph. The others he knew not,
but correctly concluded they were Du-
bois and the bookkeeper Simeon Paully.

Beyond them, in the crowd, stood Gold
Dick.

A moment later Stamm and the road-
agent appeared, and joined the trio at
the table, and the five at once began
a low-voiced consultation.

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Goldspur made no attempt to listen.
Contenting himself with a quiet and un-
obtrusive scrutiny of each face, he gave
a scarcely perceptible sign to the miner—
(lotective, and passed on through the long
room and out into the street.

Gold Dick followed, and the t\vo men
draw off into the shadows.

“ How goes it, Dick?” the sport asked.

“They aire plottin’, pard Goldspur.
Thar is mischief in ther air.”

“I believe you, and we must plot to
balk them.

“Go, now, and have Trumps come
here to take your place shadowing Paul-
ly, and then go over and pick out a
dozen reliable men, choosing as many as
possible from the Rainbow force, known
to be loyal to the Graysons. Have them
report to Bedrock at the Gold-Bar Pal-
ace as rapidly as you select them.

“Until Trumps arrives, I will keep
an eye on Paully.”

“That will leave Con Grayson alone
with Darky Dan,” Gold Dick suggested.

“For the time being, yes. But it can’t
be helped. Paully must be closely
watched until he is holed for the night,
then seized and spirited away.”

“I will do jest what ye say, pard
Goldspur, fer I sees ye hev some deep
game on foot."

No further words were wasted. Gold
Dick hurried away. The Sport stood
silent and motionless a moment, en—
grossed in thought, then turned back
to The Haven.

Just as he reached the door, Stamm
and Elephant Eph stepped out. At the
same instant three men suddenly ap-
peared from around the corner of the
building.

Each of the five grasped a pistol in
his right hand, and with one accord the
five weapons were raised to a level.

A single sweeping glance sufficed to

' show the Dandy Sport that he was fairly

within the toils, the victim of a cun-
ningly-laid trap!

“ Steady! Don’t stir!—don’t chirrup! ”
uttered Elephant Eph, in a low and
deadly tone. “Move but an inch, and
down you go! I reckon there’s enough,

I right here, to swear each other clear!”

Before the Sport could utter so much
as a word; a heavy sack was skillfully
flung over his head, and closed tightly
around his neck by means of a slip-cord.
Then a powerful hand grasped each
wrist, and he was hurried away.

The course of the rufllans was down
stream, and they exercised care to keep
as well within the shadows as possible.
A quarter of a mile below the camp
they halted with their victim upon the

vverge of a bluff overhanging a deep

and dangerous whirlpool in the creek.

“This is the place, boys,” Elephant
Eph announced, grimly. “Off with that
bag, for it will betray foul play if found
upon his corpse.” 1

The order was quickly obeyed. Then
the butt of a heavy revolver fell upon
the head of the half-smothered sport.
Staggering back. he Slipped over the
verge and whirled down into the seeth-
ing waters!

 

CHAPTER XXIX.
MURAT EFFECTS A RESCUE.

Let us turn now to a scene long neg-
lected, yet most important—that which
occurred between Weeping Mose and
Murat, the Mad Miner, in that secret re—
cess of the outlaw’s den.

It will be remembered that a wild yell
of terror burst from Lumper' lips when
the old miner so suddenly appeared—a
yell which rang through every portion
of the cavern, and interrupted the hur-
ried conversation between Agatha Gray-
son and Orrville Dubois. "

The effect of this cry upon the Mad
Miner was electrical. With a single,
swift, cat-like leap, he cleared the in-
tervening space and crouched with his
knees bearing upon the prostrate cap-
tive’s breast.

“Fool! Do you want to die?” he
grated, his black eyes gleaming savagely,

 

 

while the muzzle of the cooked revolver
in his hand bore firmly against Lump-
er’s low forehead. “Don’t you know you
were brought here to meet your death?
I came to give you a chance for life, yet
you would fritter that chance aWay!

“Silence, now, and listen: You have
alarmed the band—they are coming! Be-
tray me, and I shall reap revenge, swift
and sure, for all your miserable treach—
ery!

“ And—you know Mr? ”

An assenting shudder answered that
finally—significant query. Then Murat
rose and swiftly retreated.

Hardly had the friendly shadows closed
round his gaunt but powerful form when
Cherokee Charlie, followed by two mem-
bers of his band, bounded lightly into
the recess and crouched over the cap-
tive.

“What’s the trouble?” the outlaw
chief demanded, peering with keen sus-
picion, at Lumper’s ghastly face. “ Speak
out, man, for—has the mad devil been
here again?”

“ What-fer—Ugh! No—snakes! ” shud-
dered Weeping Mose, closing his blood-
shot eyes to shut out that searching

gaze.
“Snakes? That is it, you are sure,
man?”
“Yas! Ugh! Fer ther love 0' marcy,
drive—”

Laughing shortly, Cherokee sprang to
his feet without awaiting the end of that
sniveled plea.

“ It’s Red Gulch whisky, lads, so take
warning,” he chuckled. “Strike a light,
and beat about a bit; it may help to ease
his addled brain.”

Then again he sank beside the captive,
and with hand on shoulder shook him
roughly.

“Let be such rackets, Lumper,” he
growled, in menace. “ Understand, your
life isn’t worth a penny shoestring, just
now! ”

“I never—”

“ And never will, you addle-pated don-
key, if blow the game’s your meaning!
I’m hand in glove with your precious
master, and—shall I say it right straight
out, or leave your imagination at play?
Eh, my poor, old Mose?"

Something in that viciously-purring
voice roused the captive’s wavering cour-
age. With a sudden writhing ‘of his
lank body he rose to a sitting posture,
and blinked inquiringly at the crouching
outlaw. '

“Dern an’ double-dern ye!” he sniv-
eled, in a burst of fury, his voice rising
shrilly. “Ye can't say too much ner too
hard fer me, Jube Strong~mind thet!
I've played dead straight with both ther
jedge an’ you, when hed I bin hafe
your-size cur I’d ’a’ hanged ye both! ”

“Too bad! Moses! ”

“Thar hain’t no ‘too bad’ about it!
I seed at once I was in fer a double-
bank when ther hold—up came, fer
’twasn’t ther game ther jedge laid down
ter me. But I hain’t hollered. Tain’t me
ter yelp, hands-tied, at a dirty sneak’s
game! ”

“Oh, no! not you! ” gritted Chero-
kee, a sudden gleam of anger showing in
his black eyes. “ And yet—Stamm
didn’t trust you——don’t trust you—never
will trust you! You know too much for
such an addle-pate, so down comes your
wool—box! You understand? ”

Mose sullenly inclined his head.

“ Et’s ther Grayson matter, 0’ course,”
he grumbled. “Yet, I drove home ther
fust Wedge in ther game, an’ et was
Share. an’ share alike. But, now—” He
choked with fury.

“ But now it’s different, eh? Just so! ”
Bneeringly. “You’re not to be trusted.
The snap-shot at Goldspur showed that.
Suppose your lead had gone home true—
what then. The United States marshal
was fairly at his heels in the Grayson
interest, and more than one neck would
have stretched hemp!

“You played straight for your own
turn-down, Mose, and it came!, The pro-
gram was changed, and you’re safely in
1100., and put to stay till Stamm can get

1
I

u

.‘xn '1! t~_.i :-  ‘ \.. r ,t w I 

 

 

here to see you.
know the judge!

“You know, too, I’m not on the Gray-
son deal, except for the pay I get. and
that it’s no grease out of my skillet
whether you live or die. SO I say’: No
more such rackets, if you value life!”

Laughing lightly, Cherokee sprang up
and back from his captive, then with
hands on knees stooped and peered sharp-
ly at his haggard, rage-distorted face and
glowing eyes.

“Don’t take it so hard, Moses, dear!”
he chirruped, gayly. “ I dare say you’ve
slit many a throat in your day, and it
doesn't become you to flinch, now that
your turn draws near! ”

Uttering a despairing groan, Lumper
shrank back.

“ \Vhen—when does Stamm come? ” he
asked, in a changed tone.

“Dear soul! Why ask that useless
question? How can I say? I only know
we are to hold up the Big Nugget stage
to-morrow, relieve the judge of the pay
due us, and slip a note into his pocket,
saying we have you here, and the girl!

“ Now, compose yourself, and think se—
riously of your impending fate, for, upon
my word, your hours are growing short! ”

With a mocking bow, Cherokee Charlie
turned, called to the two men to follow
him, and quickly left the gloomy recess.

Lumper was in an agony of fear. He
felt that a .vein of seriousness and truth
ran through the outlaw’s grim and heart-
less badinage, and that his fate was cer-
tainly sealed—barring a very slender
chance of escape!

For the moment, he wholly forgot the

After that—well, you

' Mad Miner’s presence within the cavern,

and it was not until a number of pebbles,
dislodged by a creeping body, fell from a
ledge in the wall near by that he recalled
the fact that he was not alone. Then he
started violently, and choked back a cry
of alarm.

“ Utter no sound! ” warned Murat, peer-
ing down at the groveling wretch.
“While you richly merit death at my
hands, I am here not to harm you, but to
effect your release.

“But you must first swear to obey my
orders, or I shall go my way and leave
you to your fate.”

“ I do sw’ar et, Gabe—J do sw’ar et! ”
whined Lumper. “ An’ I cuss ther day I
listened ter Stamm an’ lifted my hand
ag’in ye!”

“There! That will do.
word!
rat!”

“ Yas, yas, ole pard! ”

The next minute the Mad Miner
stealthily descended from the ledge, and
at once examined the irons confining the
captive. '

“They cannot be removed here,” he
muttered. “I have no key, nor can I
smash the lock or break the manacles
without raising an alarm.”

The captive uttered a despairing groan.

“Silence!” hissed Murat, savagely, a.
wild glow leaping into his fathomless
eyes.

Then he passed his hand across his
brows, and gazed around, much like one
stupefied by some powerful drug.

“ Where am I? Where am I? ” he mut-
tered, dreamily. “Yes, yes! I know,
now. That is the adit, yonder. It is
early, but the men are going in to work.
I must go with them. I must see what
they do. They are plotting something.”

He shaded his eyes and peered sharply
through the gloom, then with swift,
noiseless steps sped away.

Hopelessly, Lumper stared after him.

“Clean crazy,” he ejaculated, after a
moment. “ Cuss me, ef et don’t sarve me
jest right, too, fer I hed a hand in thet
very leetle game!

“He’s gone off, now, an’ ther jig’s up,
fer when he comes to, he’ll never think
ter come back hyar. Sarves me right,
too! ”

Whereupon, the rascal stretched him-‘
self on the rough stone floor and gave
himself up to bitter reflections. ’

Not another
Remember, too, that I am Mu-

The hours wore slowly away, and Lum-‘ ' t ’

per finally fell asleep. How long he slept

 

 

.r-w“ —_f,m*!7I‘T-’ ‘3‘“ ' ~ ‘

‘v ‘fi‘KWA ‘.

24

{Gilbert Goldspur, the Dandy Sport.

 

 

he had no means of knowing; but some
time after nightfall he was awakened by
a peculiar vibration of his chains, which
waslaccompanied with a faint, metallic,
clicking sound.

Lying quite still, he peered sharply
through the intense gloom, and at length
succeeded in making out the outlines of a
man standing between himself and the
wall.

Then, suddenly,
whispered challenge:

“Hist! Are you awake? ”

“ Yas." .

“Get up, then, but make no sound.

“This chain is fast to an iron picket
pin cemented into a crevice of the wall.
I have picked the cement away with my
knife, and we must now pull the pin out.

“Grip the chain with me, and pull
slowly and steadily.”

With a sharply drawn breath of relief,
Moses Lumper obeyed. There was a
strong, steady pull, followed by a violent
wrench, and the pin slipped from the
crevice.

At the same instant the cold muzzle of
a. revolver was pressed against Lumper‘s
head, and in a stern voice Murat ordered:

“Come! Keep right at my side and
hold those chains so they will not clank.

“ Use care, for if an alarm is given I’ll
blow a hole straight through you! ”

came the hoarser

 

CHAPTER XXX.
A rncemxn ACCIDENT.

Trembling in every fibre, Weeping

Mose yet brought each action into perfect
keeping with the Mad Miner’s mandates,
and the two succeeded in passing from
the cavern undetected, and at once
plunged into the thicket in which we
have seen the outlaw's wife and Agatha
Grayson take refuge.
. The moon had not yet risen. The faint
starlight failed to pierce the dense gloom
clothing the mountain-side, and the fugi-
tives were compelled fairly to feel their
way through that tangled growth.

For upward of an hour, they held
steadily onward, then came out upon the
banks of a canyon, and further progress
was barred.

“ We must wait for the moon,” Murat
declared. “ Sit down there on the rock.
Do not move, nor attempt to escape.
There—that will do.

“ Now, tell me how it came you were a
prisoner.”

Lumper reflected a moment. He dread-
ed to arouse Murat’s anger, yet concluded
that his best possible course, just then,
would be to make a clean breast of the
affair and throw himself upon the old
miner’s mercy.

“Come!” ordered Murat, sharply.
“ Don’t pause to study up a. lie, but out
with the truth.”

“I was jest goin’ to, pard, but didn’t
know whar ter begin,” returned Mose,
humbly.

“Ye see, yer gal—yer darter, she hired
me_))

“ My girl—my daughter? ”

“’At’s what I said, pard Gabe. Ye
see—”

Man, do you mean to tell me my
daughter is in Red Gulch? ”

“ Oh, Lawd! no. I wishes she was!

“For a mortal fac’, Gabe, she’s back
thar in ther cave! "

For fully a minute Murat did not
speak. His firm jaws shut with a click,
and he clenched his hands savagely.
Then he turned fiercely upon the trem-
bling wretch, and in tones quivering with
suppressed fury demanded:

“Is she there through fault of yours,
or fault of Stamm’s? .

“Speak out, man, or by the Eternal!
I’ll crush the life out of your miserable
carcass! "

“Let be, pardi—let be!
help me—” . ,

“ Out with it! ” I

“I never took her thar—never! Et
was all Stamm’s fault! Let be, pard!
My throat—let be! Ah-h! ”

“ Don’t lie to me! Out with the truth! "
and Murat loosed his grip and shrank

I never—so

'\

 

back a pace, with eyes gleaming hotly
through the darkness.

“I'll tell all—all! On’y—don’t! She
hired me ter take her ter ther Hermit
Miner's claim, this mornin’, an’ Stamm
hired Cherokee ter capture us both.”

“ Is that—"

“ ’At’s gospel, Gabe! " hurriedly.
“Smash off these hyar irons, an’ give

me a gun, an‘ I'll go back with ye! \Ve'll
get her."

Murat laughed harshly.

“Trust you?—never! Hound! \Vhy
didn‘t you tell me she was there? ”

“Your orders, boss—I didn‘t dare

speak! ”

The words were lost upon Murat, evi-
dently. He stood with head bowed, and
seemed to be thinking deeply. For some
little time he stOod thus, then started
slightly, and exclaimed:

“Yes, I'll do it! I will return to the
cave and rescue her, for every moment is
of value now.

“ Lumper, you will remain here till I
return.”

“ An’ these irons, boss—cain’t ye—-”

“You deserve to wear them, and they

must remain for the present. I am g0-
ing to rescue my daughter. If I fail to
return by noon to-morrow, you may

consider that I am lost, and do the best
you can.”

A groan of terror came
wretch.

“Don't try et, Gabe! " he pleaded.
“ Don’t leave me hyar, this way! Knock
off these irons, an’ i‘ll sw'ar ter help ye.”

Laughing in sheer bitterness of spirit,
Murat turned and glided away, Without
answering that sniveling cry, and in an-
other minute Moses Lumper was alone.

He sat with head bowed, listening pa-
tiently until the Mad Miner’s retreating
steps had passed beyond hearing, then
cautiously rose and glanced around.

A chuckle, suppressed and almost in-
audible, came from his wide, cruel
mouth, and twin gleams of fire shot
from the twinkling little orbs half hid-
den by his granulated eyelids.

“ Foolished once ag’in! ” he muttered.
“ But, cuss him! why c’u‘dn’t he 'a’

from the

knocked these hyar irons off an’ given

me a full chaince fer a git-even?

“Now, I’m foot-loose, but hand-tied,
an' et’s a measly. load ter tote ter Red
Gulch, fer ter camp I’ve got ter git, un-
der kiver, an’ git ther blacksmith ter
work on these hyar bracelets, then skip
——though I’d like most doosid well ter
chuck a bowlder inter ther gear-wheel
o’ Stamm’s pet scheme—dern him! ”

Thus musing, the rascal advanced to
the edge of the bank and peered down
into the gloomy depths.

“’Tain‘t more‘n a ravine,” he mut-
tered, kicking a loose stone over the
verge and listening intently. “Twenty
feet, I reckon; no more fer shore. Ef
my hands were loose, I'd chaince a tum—
ble on et, for I ben’t in love with losin’
time, right now.

“But the moon will make light in an
hour, an’ thet’ll give me lead enough ter
steer cl‘ar o' ole Gabe, fer I reckon at
his best he cain’t make et back in less’n
three or four hours.”

Then Lumper returned to the bowlder,
crouched down, and patiently waited.
The moon had risen, and, in little less
than the time he had estimated, it swung
clear of the peaks off to the east, and
threw a. flood of light up on his sur-
roundings.

Again the rascal advanced to the
verge and peered down, then exclaimed:

“ Et’s jest as I thought—a ravine not
more’n twenty feet deep. Et’s an ugly
drop on this side, but ther other shelves
off, an' I c‘u’d git out dead easy.

“Now, ef I goes on up, ther higher I
goes ther-wuss et’ll git; ef I‘keeps down
hill,‘ I’ll be travelin’ right inter ther
Red Gulch trail fu’st thing I know, an’
thet won't do, fer I’ve got ter keep un-
der kiver.

“No, no; I’ll cross right hyar, keep
along ther mountain till I reaches Big
Pass, cut through et ter Black Bear
Crick, an’ right up stream an’ inter camp.

1
I

   .ir.“ 1; i, ~

 

“ I’ll swing over right hyar, drap on—
ter thet ledge hafe-way down, an’ f'ni
thar drop ter ther bottom. I kin do ther
trick ef I‘m keerful, an' hyar goes fer
ter cheat ole Gabe once more."

So saying, the ruifian knelt, and care-
fully lowered himself ovcr the sharp
verge. For a moment he hung at full
length, swaying slightly, then released
his hold and shot downward.

Thereupon, the unexpected happened.

The picket pin attached to the chain
dangling from his manacles had caught
in a crevice in a slightly projecting
portion of the wall. When his weight
came upon it with a jerk, a mass of the
rock crumbled off, descending with stun-
ning force upon his head, and he fell
from the ledge to the bottom of the ra-
Vine.

A Single sharp cry of pain and terror
pealed from his lips, and then he lost
consolousness.

For a long time he lay thus—a sense-
less heap, maimed and bleeding. The
moon had begun the downward half of
her course ere so much as a groan to in-
dicate the return of life and sensibility
passed his bloodless lips. Then, the face
of Murat suddenly appeared at the top
of the bluff, and a~ moment later he
dropped lightly upon the ledge, and
thence to the bottom.

A hasty examination disclosed the fact
that Lumper had sustained a number of
serious injuries, and the old miner shook
his head ruefully. '

“ It's his last fit of sickness, I reckon,”
he muttered, “There‘s no more bad
whisky—no more devilment—for him,
and I can’t see that the world‘s any
the worse off.

“Still, I can’t let him die here, like a
dog. I must get him up, and away. He
Shows much that I must hear, if possi—

e.

Murat set to work quickly. A small
stream coursed through the ravine, and

a few dashes of cold water restored;

consciousness to the' suffering wretch.
The miner then explained what he in—
tended to do, and Lumper gave a feeble
assent. ,

A few minutes later, the Mad Miner
started down the ravine, bearing Weep-
ing Mose upon his broad shoulders.

 

CHAPTER XXXI.
A GLIMPSE OF THE PAST.

Halting, at intervals, to put down his
almost lifeless burden and rest, Murat
plodded pluckily onward until the night
was spent and the forenoon well ad-
vanced, when he came suddenly upon an
abandoned dug-out.

He hailed this shelter, rude as it was,
with a long breath of relief; for he was
almost exhausted, and he felt, too, that if
Lumper’s wounds were not speedily
dressed he would die with his secrets
untold.

The dug-out door was open, and the
Mad Miner at once passed inside and
carefully stretched the wounded ruflian
on the cool earthen floor, where he made
him as comfortable as possible.

The flushed and swollen face and ster-
torous breathing told Murat as plainly
as so many words could have done it
that the end of Moses 'Lumper’s career
was dangerously near.

“It may have all been for nothing,
after all,” he muttered, staring down at
the maimed form of the mirobund. “ Bet-
tier,f perhaps, to have let him die where

e e .

Then he turned away, walked moodily

to the door and looked out.

The dug—out stood near the mouth of a.
ravine opening into a narrow, heavily-
timbered valley, and set at suCh an angle
in the slope as to command. from the
door and the rear window, a fairly good
view of both ravine and valley.

Just as Murat stepped out, a rattling
volley of rifle shots came from the tim-
ber, to be quickly followed by an answer-
ing volley from up the ravine, and a mo-
ment later two well-armed men broke
from cover and started rapidly toward

the dug-out.

,t" . /  _ ,,.\

 

 

 

 

1...,“

w. ‘ 1‘.

,3“ .

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gilbert Goldspur, the Dandy Sport.

25

 

 

“Hold hard, there! Do not close that
door!” sternly ordered the foremost, as
Murat leaped back. “ We are officers of
the law, seeking cover.”

Then, amid a perfect storm of bullets
from timber and ravine, both men bound-
ed quickly into the dug—out, and closed
and fastened the door.

Murat had retreated to a corner of the
gloomy retreat, but now, with each pis-
tol-armed hand thrown to a level, he
boldly faced the intruders.

“ Prove your story!” he cried, sternly.
“ You may be officers, or you may be out-
laws! Speak out, but don’t attempt to
draw! ”

“By heavens! man; you’ll find our word
good,” was the quick and fearless re-
sponse. “I am United States Marshal
Raymond, and this man is Deputy Rug-

les.

g “In scouting through these hills, we
became separated from our posse, and
were attacked by Cherokee Charlie and
his men, for whom We were searching.”

“That sounds straight, and I’ll take
your word,” Murat rejoined. “I know
these hills are full of outlaws.”

“ They are, indeed."

“But, now, sir, who are you? ”

“ I, sir, am Murat,”

“ The Mad Miner? "

“I am sometimes called that, I be-
lieve.”

Raymond smiled, then said:

“It is a misnomer. You are certainly
.as sane at this moment as I am.”

“ I am not always so. Indeed, it is only
at times and briefly that I have a full
consciousness of Who I am and what I
have endured.

“That wretch there is familiar with
my wrongs—yes, was an instrument in
their perpetration, and I have brought
him here to hear his confession."

As he uttered the words, Murat pointed
to' Lumper.

“ He is your prisoner, then? ” Raymond
asked.

“ No; he is Death’s prisoner, for he is
dying.

“ He was captured yesterday by Chero-
Ikee Charlie, but was released by me last
night. I left him on the bank of a can~
you and returned to the outlaw’s den to
rescue my daughter, but failed to find
her. On my return, I found Lumper at
the bottom of the canyon and brought
him here.”

Raymond shuddered.

“He will certainly die,” he declared,
after a. brief examination of the uncon-
scious sufferer. ,

“ Ruggles, you keep a bright look—out
for theoutlaws. I wish to talk to Murat
abit.”

“Correct, sir,” the deputy responded.
“ They’re not in sight at present."

The marshal again turned to the old
miner, and asked:

“ Is your daughter a. captive? ”

“ She was yesterday, but I could not
find her last night. She may have been
returned to Red Gulch.” ’

“ She lives therei thenz’

“ ‘ um )er te S 1118-

“ I’loeananIie is Agatha Grayson? ”

u 8-”

"qu, then, are really Gabriel Gray-
son? "

“I am; yes, sir." .

“Murat, you puzzle me! Knowmg
yourself to be the missing miner, why
haven’t you come forward, acknowledged
your identity, and claimed your prop-

.. H7 ”
eliéurat gazed keenly at the officer. ,

“Can I trust you? " he asked, simply.

“ You can, sir,” Raymond replied.

«Them sir, I will tell you. .I have
been mad for years, and the v1ct1m of a

'base conspiracy.”

“You are sane now.”

“ For the time only. Presently I shall
lapse into madness. Yet, I know that I
am Gabriel Grayson, and thatnl own
the Rainbow Mine in Red Gulch.

“I concede as much.” ‘

“I discovered and opened that 'mine
before Red Gulch was an established
camp,- and employed eleven men. We

* . , ' w ~.,. q.¢, V
-3 :f«,. m m--““~ ‘~w~ "

 

were attacked by Indians one night, and
of the twelve, Stamm, Lumper and my-
self were the only ones who escaped.
The wounds I received in that fight af-
fected my mind, and until a month ago
I did not have a single lucid interval.

“Believing that I was incurable,
Stamm and Lumper plotted to rid them-
selves of me and get possession of the
mine. So, I was carried into the mount-
ains about two hundred miles to the
northward, and abandoned."

“The heartless scoundrels! ” ex-
claimed Raymond, indignantly. “Death
itself Would have been far more merci-
ful."

“Yes, and I have never understood
their motive for so doing, for we were
alone in the hills, and no one would
have been the wiser had they finished
the work the red—skins begun.

“Thus cast adrift, I hung around the
mining camps of that district until about
tw0 months ago, when I ventured fur-
ther into the hills than I had ever been,
lost my way, fell sick of fever and came
near dying.

“At this time I was found by a rov—
ing sport, and nursed back to life, and
then came the first recollection of the
past.

“Goldspur, my rescuer, became inter-
ested in my case. He set patiently to
work to get at the truth, and quickly
learned enough to convince him that I
had been the victim of foul play.

“Then an outfit was procured, and
we set out for Red Gulch.

“He had carefully mapped out his
line of action, so when within a dozen
miles of the Gulch we halted and went
into camp, where I was to remain while
Goldspur paid a visit to the county
sheriff.”

Raymond nodded quickly.

“ Yes, I met him in‘ the sheriff's office,”
he averred. “I did not learn his errand,
though he discovered mine.

“But proceed, Murat, for your story
interests me.”

“I am very near done,” the old miner
returned, gloomily. “During Goldspur's
absence, the accursed madness came
upon me again, and I left the camp.
What followed I do not know. When
reason again returned, it was for an
hour only, and I found myself again with
my new pard, but in bonds. I next be-
came same yesterday, in the outlaw’s
cave, when I rescued Lumper. i

“And now, sir, having told my story,
I have a favor to ask.

“I feel that madness may again return
at any moment. Should this happen and
Lumper rally during my aberration, I
ask you to write down whatever state-
ment he may make, for I believe that
he will confess before he dies.”

“I will do it, sir,” Raymond prom-
ised. “But do not alarm yourself, for
your fears may not be realized.

“ Let be the unhappy past, and bend
your mind upon what the future‘holds
for you, for your son and your daughter
are both in Red Gulch; while retribution
will surely reach Stamm before many
days have no.” ’

Murat shook his \head and shivered.

“I hope that you are right, sir,” he
returned, gloomily. “But I have a pre-
sentiment of evil. Something is going to
happen soon. I feel that my race is well-
nigh run.”

At ’that moment, Deputy Ruggles
tlli‘llled his head, and in an ominous voice
sau :

” Get ready for business, pards!

“Those fellows have been exchanging
secret signals, and are now advancing
under cover, in full force!”

CHAPTER xxxn.
THE ATTACK.

“Aha! They are sending a. man for-
ward under a flag of truce," Ruggles an-
nounced, a moment later. and he yielded
his position to Raymond.

A glance through the open slide in
the door was sufficient to confirm the
deputy's statements, ' r '

i...
.'"

 

 

 

The outlaws in the upper ravine had
moved down to a position within a hun-
dred yards of the dug-out, while those
from the timber in the valley had ad-
vanced almost to the mouth of the ra-
vine.

They numbered an even half-score, and
all were well-armed, desperate-looking
fellows.

“ That is the chief, Cherokee himself,”
Raymond declared, after a searching
scrutiny of the flag-bearer. “ He shows it
in his dress and bearing.

“I wish he would remove his mask.
I would like to see who the fellow really
is.”

At that juncture, the outlaw halted,
waved his white flag, and in a gruff
voice shouted:

“Hallo! hallo! Come out, Raymond!
I want to talk to you.

“Do not fear, for my men shall not
fire a shot until I return to them."

Opening the door, the marshal stepped
out, rifle in hand, and said:

“Have your say, Cherokee, for I am
here to listen."

“Good! I am glad to find you inclined
to reason, for I feared that you would
be stubborn, and it is my desire to avoid
bloodshed if possible.

“ I have come here to demand the im-
mediate surrender of all parties in that
dug-out, yourSelf included.”

Raymond‘s lips curled grimly.

“Indeed! You are anything but mod-
est in your demands, Cherokee!

“But I have no desire to have my
throat cut, just yet, no matter how ar-
tistic the job, so decline to consider your
demand.”

" No harm shall come to you or your
men, Raymond, beyond a few days‘ cap-
tivity—I pledge you that! ”

“You have no designs, then, against
our lives?”

“ None whatever, sir.”

“ Then draw off your men and leave
us alone.”

“I will, upon one condition: Swear to
call in your deputies and to quit this
county for thirty days.”

“ The condition is preposterous.
fuse to accept it.”

“Remember, we are asking only what
we give—a chance to escape.”

“Did I accept, I would scorn myself
evermore, so again refuse.

“ You, chief, have made yourself a ter-

Ire-

,ror on the Red Gulch trails. I came

here to hunt you down, and nothing

but capture or death shall turn me from.

my sworn duty.”

Cherokee” Charlie laughed bitterly.

‘x “ So be it, then! ” he exclaimed. “ You
have virtually signed your own death-‘
warrant, for no one of you shall leave
that dug-out alive! ”

Then he turned and hurried back to
his men, while Raymond, pale but deter—
mined, re-entered the dug-out. ~

Ruggles greeted him with a nod of ap-
proval, saying:

“That’s the talk, chief! We’ve got
the beggars guessing, and they’ll never
be able to drive us out of here.

“Now, if we could t'ear that door of!
its hinges and set it on edge crossways,
it and the jambs would give us shelter
from which to command all approaches
from the front, while Murat looked af~

We’ll do,

, ter the window in the rear.”

“You are right, Ruggles.
it.”

In another minute the door was down,
and each man quickly dropped into po—
sition.

Just in time were these simple prep—
arations completed. A hoarse command
rang out, quickly followed by the crash
of a volley from the outlaws’ rifles,
and a storm of bullets rained against
the dug-out, splintering the stout oaken
door in places.

Protected by the solid logs between
them and their fees, the Marshal «and
his deputy, confident that a rush would
soon be made, patiently reserved their
fire. , , -

“They are coming now!’ exclaimed
Raymond, a moment later, as a fierce

    

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no. :m« “w: "‘ *1"

c

a} ,h.

‘f'Yir-Iflev Q»

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. '1': ‘ 

"4.. )5 . ,4

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t.—
'1—
.~

  

 

  

‘ ‘burst of yells echoed through the tim-
‘ beru “Make every bullet count, Rug-
gles! ‘

"Knee! there, and I will stand, for
we must cross-fire to driVe them back.”
‘ Then, partially screened by the heavy
'door and the solid jambs, the twooificers
opened a rapid fire. V

At such close and deadly range, nearly

7 every bullet told. For nearly a minute
the outlaws held gamely o'mvard, then
swerved aside and passed out: of range.

An interval of silence followed, and
«T " Buggies glanced anxiouslyat his chief,

"then asked:

' “ What if they try tihe rooi’, chief?

“ It is of sapplings laid close together,
and covered with sod, and with their
.‘ liniVes they can quickly (-ut holes through
which to fire." .

Marshal Raymond smiled grimlygand‘
said:

“We‘ll still have an advantage, Rug-
’ 'gles, for we shall see them before they
 can see us.

1 “ We have decidedly the best of it so
far, and, with food and water could
Stand quite a. siege.
. H .“I believe they will draw off new, and
Noisy a waiting game, hopingto starve
‘113 into surrender. But the sounds of
'the' heavy firing should have reached
our men, and I confidently expect help
within a few hours.” I
4 ' The deputy shook his head sagaciously,
 1‘ "I’m afraid we," can’t build much on
that," he remarked. “The men are
_ oubtless pretty well scattered, with
the nearest of them some miles from
_.  . So, even if.they hear thevflring
" gat”*"afll, and come, it Will likely be in
[such straggling order as to create noth-
ng‘ more than a m mentary diversion.
flour favor. ' ' -,
’ 5Raymond, readily saw that this view
the case was correct, and his ex-
“;r'cssive face clouded. Grim!y.,','he re-
n'edz' ' , t I ‘ ~
Let it go ,at‘tha‘t, then! we‘re under
er—f-we can hold them off. Sooner or
alter, Our plight will be discovered and
 elp sent ,3. it that should fail—Well,
“W 'won’t , alk out, pardnex! "

»“VVe strain a 'bad box. them-that is
,eartain,” Murat gravely interpo’sed. “ ut
,‘see' no reason why we should not. all,
scape-barring death by a chance bullet
il'e c‘ooped- up here.

Let: us hold them off till nig

  
 

I

.1

his, then

:3. . .

'dswnsme can turn the tables,”

“You will :20 for help! *’ echoed nay.
nd incredulons'dy'. ‘ ' i ' '

"‘ 80 I said, sin", x

 mean, Marshal Raymond, that when
g ‘ ant comes 1‘ will secretly lens the
it -out. so to' ‘Red, Gulch, and return‘
._haln.toi ~  .\ . I L
That will be,impossible, Mura’t!,"
Not: ad, all, air, it wears guarded; for
'- slip through this-‘,Window,.\creep

 
 
  

  
  
  

I ' tithe" slope, and Masha-trough their
.43, undetected, I amysure. ‘ ‘ v " s
‘ ' ‘ ‘i’tTKQY'WilI not know that I have gone

  

that’yodr force is/Wealgened, ‘so w‘m
 of making another "assaulh.
Lil! their game now to starve you

  

 

t-w
flint, are you sure, More: that you
n-pipstheirflines undetcct 3?," v g
" ‘_I-;V(ii~l do its-sir, for discovery would
jmm‘fdéath, and I:~ ca e not to die with
i W instill! untuliille ‘
0.11 'mat :ireniem
. "mountainoman. _ r
tecmpelied almoSt daily to . at my

-' Wnsflhe cunning‘otr d‘SKlDS and

    

  
  
  

 

 

oi,-

bs'r ,na‘ '1 am an

  

  
 
 

  

'. ' ‘ ’ at e, and I'am, wafers, not a.
.n was, it sfgame I propose.   p g“
noadqdaquickly. ,, ‘ , ,
3,]  ‘Ve,~chiet, that Murat' an work
Emitflckfi“ he declared, earnest! . "That

gigs master of stealth and cunning"
,rcapegtroxu’ the field-Bar. P lace
' "d provg,

 
 
  

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.‘wtiile h’store' .us i . the
at thatwonnd'ed w'rs‘téhi
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H’ i-


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twinge for help, and before morning _

  explain—I do not under- .

For many cars 2,! ‘ .

“ No, nor the right to tell him to go,"
the Marshal added, smiling quietly.
“ When night comes, if he is of the same
mind, he may go.” i, _

Murat stroked his long beard reflec-
tively. He seemed to be thinking deep-
ly, and at last broke the silence. saying:

“I will go, pards, as soon as night
falls, f01\I must get through their lines
before the moon rises.

“ lint there is a promise you must
make me, and one which you must keep
at any hazard. _

“ You must pledge yourselves to write
down all that launper may utter during
my absence; and, if 130 rouscs get a con-
fession from him it' possible.

“Will you do it? "

“ We will," earnestly declared the two
officers, in one voice.

Then the three men resumed their po—
sitions, and in almost unbroken si—
lence the day were slowly away.

That the outlaws lingered near, under
cover, was attested by an eer'asional
volley, and all realized that the situ-
ation was most desperate. '

When night had fallen, Murat gripped
the hands of each of his friends, slipped
through the small window and silently
crept away.

 

CHAPTER XXXII].
DICK pope's Discovunv. ,
,._.Whe.n Orrville Dubois turhed away
from the Grayson cottage,'_hi heart was

hot with rage, embittered by chagrin.

and ‘disappointment, and he was fully
determined to seek revenge as a salve
forhis wounded vanity. ~ '

Straight to the Gold-Bar Palace he
stalked, and sought his gambler—friend,
John June. ‘ ' V ‘

"June, I am in trouble—you must
help me!” he exclaimed, in a low, in-
kense voice, as he grasped the hand of

he gambler. “(,10me-can’t.we talk in
private? ”

“To be sure,” “the little sport. re-
sponded, his keen, steely-blue eyes flash-
ling ,swift glance over theypertux-bed face
of, t a. lawyer. l'tR-Jght “this Way, old
fellow. There’s no charge ‘fo‘r" admit-4

I reckon, pardner?” _

“Jit’st that! But I'll cut loose and
swing off, or~”

"‘Eaéy, now, pardner! Don't promise
to be rash-tt don't pay! ,/ ,

" Butuhere we are. Walk right in and
"camp. You can speak your little piece
without fear or favor, ‘for we’re in private
now tor,sure!",_ , -' t
, Juhe had led the way into a small-
room in.the rear of the gambling (191;.
,Now, he closed the door and seated
himselffoppositc to thé alawy r.  .

For a moment hols; dlt not-speak.
His brows Were gknitted,,in~, a 'ssVage
scowl, and he; drummed angrily
table with his fingers. ., .V I T, 

,t‘ You’re in pecks‘o’ tro hie,~pardne f":
'. “Curse it!\ yes‘. live, ,_ hung
in! the Grayson case.
has gone to smast‘so tar 
'cerned." rt " V , f9!

“ Because off—Just what, 11 "

Again Duboxs scowled. Then he told
of his, reception by Agatha-v Grayson,
holding back nopart orghthat brief but
decisive interview at the cottage. "

\ June‘ nodded vehement”. .’

“Youmade a. bad lay, po’xdner,” he
observed. “ I told we to at drink alone,

as 1 ram con-

‘tance, andéliull square against a.snag,- _

(m che' "

81.11.? ,
The wholedhin‘s‘

., this scene.” I

rot-Atlas: a man needed his head-yon1

did ,tq-ra‘ay, {with things «in the [with
summer are! 1‘.  .  '.  
“But that 'tnischietl- is; done, now: I it
can’t be undone, and there is not: a 
tide of us to’ kick.-"“‘“ ' r ‘ 'r ‘

v a

, " Yes, "I.__rieckon thallium/stout did‘it,"

'4 bubois "glOOmily' assented. fl last my

head ,tor a,m‘ome‘nt,'_\ and in “attempting
to. screen my accnrsed» cowardice made
matters tentoid.__wor'ss. “ '  v  .
, ,“nut Agatha Grayscn shall mien, her
«cremains; pel’nt' 1“ an. tam)

 l“ ‘55. , '1

  
    
   
  
 
 

     

 

’ .

ride-L, trod
 e. .s . L _ 
z  hint“!
. I shall, fit-

. ers. now!

once pledged me your Help, John June.
and I am here now to‘e‘xact, my pound
of. flesh! ” V '.

‘The gambler’s steely-blue eyesight-
tered vividly. A faint smile of scorn.
curled his thin, firm lips.

“ 'l‘o be'sure! ” he exclaimed, smooth-
ly. “Butfi-Will you have the kindness
to explain?”

" ln bi'iei—yes.
marry me! "

“ Whew! You are crowding the moui'.:~
You forget that I am neitln r
matrimonial agent nor parson." ' ,

‘y‘l forget nothing, .lunel—not even
your promise. Be serious, now, and its-
ten to me.

“If I fail to marry that girl I am
ruined.” ‘

“ Financially? ”

“ Yes.
here fully determined to win her hand.
I must do it. Her fortune will save me."

June's overhanging brows contracted
ominously, and he gazed searchingly at
the lawyer‘s face.

“.Nick Judd, you are mad! ” he ex-
claimed, coldly. “That; girl is as tar
above you as the stars of heaven are
above the worms of earth! She is as
pure, as spotless, as an angel; while
you-’ A short, bitter laugh completed
the sentence.

The girl has got t.»

’Dubois flushed angrily, then grew pale. .

His lips parted woliishly.

“ Don‘t address, me by that'name! ” he
gritted, ina was of menace. “ You' far-
get that my past is buried—£1
not'to be resurrected. ' p , V ,

“New listen to me: I have sworn'to
make that girl my wife--—to break her
proud spirit. I need your help. It was

I am deeply involved, and came

pledged to me upon your word of honor.

I demand that you keep that pledge.
“Will-you do it? ” v ,
“ No, Sir, I will not, Nick Judd," Was
the stern reply. “ It is true that you saved,
my life at the risk of your on u, and that

'I pledged‘myself to be of service to you,

if it ever fell within my pover. , -

 
     

‘f Promise to let Miss Crayson alone»
to leave the camp, and to attempt to
work no harm to her, and i will gladly

“ Burl dict. oteo to mats-dishes is, .
meson nth pied; ?%/,snct*~l..ncw:i.. at,
.CHREVI. . . szfie'se vicef’you Would-r
exact of me.- ’ . 

save you from your threatened ruin, ior_«

of gold I have lenty.‘ ‘ 4

“Thus will keep my pledge, Nick  (

Judd, but not .im the

I

way, you would
nOWLdemhnd.” . ~ ‘- '

/

.   came    lips, I  .  
‘y'l‘w‘ifihdnk:  i

and hesprang to his fee, —:-.-on_ ‘
quickly into. his ,,  'l- ay'i‘evolver
gleamed in June’s bin {and his grimly
determined iac, disclosed his‘ purpose. .

“ You Would'a ill me! ”
in' a tmitiedi’Voice. _
I “’As'l would a heel-snappi
Judd'iijou do not deserve to iiVe! ”
' “You are hard with me; John June!
You campel me to accepty'ourtermsx’ w

“ ‘You deserve harsh~ treatment, fairy

“ But name your‘pric'emn'di’rlfti aloud;

' lx  v  j a . “any-vii

thousand donuts ,n‘ow',
thousand more in

I “ I need twelve
and must have :tsm'
three months.’."   p -'
“ You shalljhaim it. and "glad am I to
discharge .in gold the debt I owe you,”
and
tense relief, I ,
' “You swear to leave Red Gulch on 
first'stage,‘ and to retnnnno more?” V, ..
i?“ I‘do.” " »>,‘ ‘ krv‘i’: v
_ "Come, then. and the money-ii? ‘1 "
une put up thopistm and led t 1 x'Way
into the barroom, where he. one: 1 him-
self a moment. When :hodétlfi‘ned. he

biaced a thick paclml'gaxogfhilis’in the 9-"

lawyer’s hands;

“ Count it,_,and wit-items a~-receipt,",iiei 

placidty requested. t
‘Dubois obeyed, and a
men 941' ed. ' . ‘~
3,  v mutton-th ,
,on't’ into 'tlfc

J

 

 
    

 

       
   

   
  
 
  

   

   
   
  

gstre t.,- 
v. ‘

Vii-L

 

dlf'i‘the lawyer, as he i ,
“limbs!  ., 
’ » v ‘4.’ ,

gasped Dubois,  'l

at ling-1s. , .

. I

"h

~,

{Iv 
2’, ,

thallium gambler '3 voice bespoke in- . ‘

“Hf, '

l

 

moment inter the  ‘

‘\

 
   

 
      
      
  
  
  

.i

   

    

   

I

    
  
   
 
 
 
   
  
   
 
 
 
  
  
 
  
   
   
   
 
  
  
   
   
   
  
   
   
  
  
 
   
  
  
    
   
  
  
   
    
  
  
    
    
  
   
  
  
 
 
   
    
   
  
    
   
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
   

 

rig cur. Nick-d :_ 

    
    
     

 
       
 
   

 
  
     

 
 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

f;
is .
i
i

.gr'fi- 3‘,

_.
4,1
i
'9
‘9

 

/

 

 

‘ Gilbe G’bid‘s‘u, the! handy Sport.

 

 

It is needless to follow the cunning Du-
bois step by step. Let it answer that he
sought a. barber and had his luxurious
beard removed, then purchased and
donned a full suit of sombre black.

The change in his appearance was
startling, and he felt that with care he
could remain in Red Gulch indefinitely
without danger of recognition by the
Gold-Bar Sport or Agatha Grayson.

During the afternoon, he learned by
cautious inquiry that Stamm was absent
from the Gulch. and that Elephant Eph
had changed his quarters from the Gold-
Bar Palace to Sailor Jack’s Haven, and
he determined to seek the Giant Gambler
there that night.

Accordingly, shortly after nightfall he
set. out from the low dive in which he
had secured lodging, and made his way
in the direction of the ilaven.

The moon had risen, and he strode lei-
surely along, busy with the villainous
plot he was forming. As he neared the
calaboose, an approaching form suddenly
shrank into the shadows, and Stared at
his smoothly shaven face with fear—dis-
tended eyes. Thcn came a quick gasp of
relief, and forth on the calm night air
rang the hoarse words:

“Great powers! Nicodemus Judd, is it
you? ”

Startlcd beyond measure by that'ab—
rupt hail, the rascally lawyer recmled,
and his hand dropped swiftly to a weap-
on. Ere he could draw it from his belt,
a firm grasp closed upon his wrist, and
Dick Dodds, the ex-deputy, stared sharp—
ly into his face.

“ Speak! ” he exclaimed, sternly.
you notNicodemus Judd?”

"‘I am!” was the faltered response.

“ Thank heaven! I am no murderer!
No crime can be laid at my door!

“Let Alex. Stamm beware, for I am
now his enemy, and free to act! ”

' Hurling the lawyer roughly aside, Dick
Dodds turned and with long leaps sped
rapidly down the street. ‘

“Are

CllAP'l‘ER XXXIV.
A STRANGE ..l‘l-1l..

Dazed by his encounter with Dodds,
Dubois shrank against the wall of a
building near by, and brushed his hand
sharply across his eyes. -

“ Ugh!" he shuddered, with a violent
tremor. “ I remember inow! His knife

'once sought my heart!

“Curse the blind folly that led me to
shave! Betfler by far had I remained un-
der cover and hired a tool to do my will!

“ I must use care, for there is one other
to whom my face will bring a thirst for
vengeance, and for aught I know he, too,
may be here! ”

Rallying, then, with a wonderful effort,

he lawyer glanced apprehensively in the

direction Dodds had fled, and with quick-,

ened steps resumed his course.

Arrived at the Haven, he boldly en-
tered and in seeming carelessness glanced
over the crowd. A fairly accurate de-
scription of Elephant Eph had been given
him, and he felt assured he could not
miss his man.

Surely, in a camp no larger than Red
Gulch two such men as Elephant Eph
could hardly be found, and when his eyes
fell upon a tall and ponderous format
the bar, bedecked in gray corduroy, w1th
gray cowboy hat and frilled white shirt,
Dubois knew that his brief search was
ended. .

Yet, he hesitated. The Giant Gambler’s
face was/bruised and discolored, and his
lowering brows bespoke an ill-humor.

Then, with a. muttered oath, the gam-
bler spun a glistening double-eagle along
the rough bar, and in a boisterous tone
invited the crowd to “ come up.” ,_

Moving forward with the others, the
lawyer slipped in beside the Giant Gam-
bler, and touched him lightly on the arm.

“I beg your pardon,” he exclaimed,
suavely. “ But—are you not Elephant
Eph? ”

The gambler turned his head, flashed a
swift look of inquiry at that smoothly
shaven face, and gruffiy responded:

-... f‘ That is my handle, stranger."

/, .. I

 

“My name is Dubois. Until to-day I
had the honor to be the legal representa-
tive of the Grayson heirs.”

“ Never heard of you."

“ No, I suppose not. Yet. you are no
stranger to me. I am hunting Judge
Stamm, and thought perhaps you could
give me. information.”

“The judge is out of town.”

“And has he no representative with
whom I can do business? Mind you, I
have been thrown over by the Graysons,
and have information of value for him."

The lawyer’s voice had sunk almost to
a whisper, and Elephant Eph again
looked keenlvinto his face.

That which he read there must have
assured him that Dubois was a thorough
villain, for his sombre. visage brightened,
and in a confidential tone he replied:

“ Wait here, then, with me. Sim. Paul-
ly. the Rainbow book—keeper, will be here
shortly, and you can talk to him.”

At that moment Sailor Jake handed the
gambler his change, and as he thrust it
into his capacious pocket Elephant Eph
drew the lawyer away from the bar and
led him to a distant table.

“ “’0 can sit here and talk without dan—
ger of being overheart ,” he assured.
“ Provided——you can prove your words, I
reckon? ”

“ I‘ve got the papers, hard and fast.”

“They should talk, surely! But I’m
puzzled, pard. I don‘t see the reason for
your sudden conversion to Stamm’s in—
terest.”

“Yet there’s cause enough. I trav-
eled two thoiisand miles, then was turned
down the day I reached camp. I want
revenge.”

“And a share of the booty? ”

“ Assuredly.”

Elephant Eph pondered a moment.

“ I can’t deal with you direct, pard.
But I know Stamm will let you in on the
trick if what you say is true."

“ But Stamm is out of town,” Dubois.
rejoined. “It is necessary for me to act
quickly. I am in danger here."

“ So-ho? \Vcll, don’t Worry. The judge
has set up a blind.
night."

The two men talked for some time.
Then Simeon Paully appeared, and Ele-
phant Eph speedily made him acquainted
with the lawyer’s wishes.

“ Stamm will treat with you,” the book~
keeper assured. “ You may rest easy on
that score.” .

Over an hour passed before Stamm and
the road—agent, both thoroughly dis-
guised, entered the‘ place. Dubois had
grown ,uneasy, and was on the point of
leaving when they were discovered ap-
proaching the table.

Acting as master of ceremonies, Ele-
phant Eph introduced Dubois to the
judge and his companion, and in a guard-
ed voice explained the lawycr‘s errand.

The road-agent had started violently
when his eyes first rested upon the face
of Dubois, but he repressed his agitation
and coolly joined in the conversation that
followed.

But a few minutes had gone by when
Elephant Eph detected Goldspur in the
room, and the plot to get rid of the sport
was quickly hatched. ’

“ You must take part in this affair, Dua
bois,” Stamm declared. “ We have no
positive evidence as yet that you are sin-
cere, and your action now shall decide
whether or not we are to trust you.”

 

Listening intently until they heard
Goldspur’s body alight with a splash in
the whirlpool beneath the cliff, Stamm
and his allies drew back from the verge
and silently hastened toward the camp.

At a point near the bridge they stopped
for a moment ere separating, and Stamm
spoke to Paully.

“Eph has selected a number of men
to-day, and they will be on hand in the
morning—myself among them,” he said.
“Let off such members of the force as
you do not know we can absolutely rely
on, and put in the new men."

“ And if Miss Grayson objects? ”

“ Tell her you are acting under my or~_

/

.4-.\\' a, “3,, ,_».‘ , ,. .‘- e

He will be here to- ‘

 

' l
“a  n"

ders; that as manager of the mine I de-
sire the changes to be made.”

Paully agreed, and after a few words
around the party separated.

Dubois started toward the bridge, and
the road-agent chief walked beside him.
They crossed together. Just. as the law—
yer stepped off into the street, Cherokee
deftly drew a revolver, and in a stern
voice exclaimed:

“ Halt, and throw up your hands, Nick
Judd!

"Don’t utter a sound—don’t stir an
inch. or I‘ll let the moonlight through
your thick head! "

Utterly paralyzed with fear, Dubois.
muter obeyed. His clean-shaven face
gleamed white and ghastly in the moon-
light, and he trembled visibly.

“ You don‘t know me now, Nick Judd,
but I know you," the road—agent contin-'
tied. in chilling tones, while his dark eyes
flashed with ire.

“Turn squarely around, and lower
your hands. Keep them at your side, but.
where I can see them. There—that will
do. Now, forwardv—march! ”

Straight up the street walked Duhois,
with the road-agent just three paces be-
hind him, until they had passed the con—
lines of the camp, when Cherokee or-
dered a turn to the left.

Fifteen minutes later, both men entered
a beautiful glade, an acre or so in extent.

lt was covered with a thick, velvety
greensward, and was free of under-
growth.

When near the renter of this glade, the
outlaw ordered a halt. and autirtnz'ed his
captive, saying:

“I did not know you, Nick Judd, when
you were my captive at the cavern yes-
terday, or all the gold of Montana. would
not have purchasr d you a chance of es~
cape.

" Look upon me“ know me as I am—as
Charles Middleton, the man whose life
your devilish cunning wrecked.

“ An honest man, I was sent forth a.
fugitive, branded as a thief. Hounded as
I have been, is it any wonder that at last.
I have fallen?

“I swore that it should be your life or ‘

mine if we ever met, and Fate hassdealt
me one kindly stroke in bringing us to-
gether thus.

“You are armed. Step off there five
paces, with your hands up. I will retreat
a like distance and count One—two—
three. At the word ‘ one ’ you may draw;
when ‘three’ is spoken, you may fire.”

A gleam of hope shot athwart Duboiss
haggard face, and he silently stepped off.
the prescribed distance, and turned. '

Middleton had retreated, and stood
silent and motionless.

Then in a sternly ringing voice came " '

the words:

“Make ready, now!

" One—two—-three! ”

Crack! The weapons of the fees ex-
ploded together. Middleton’s pistol slip--
ped from his nerveless hand. He flung
his arms aloft, turned half around, and
pitched heavily to the ground.

Uttering an exultant laugh, Dubois
leaped past his fallen foe and hurried
toward the camp. '

 

CHAPTER XXXV.

THE MAYOR RETURNS.
Justus Jarrett waited long and patient-

’1y for the appearance of Hercules Red-

rock. He was sorely puzzled by the de—
lay, but just as he concluded that some-
thing had certainly gone amis’s in Gold-
spur’s plans, the delegate from Brimstone
Butte strolled leisurely into the Gold-Bar
saloon.

“ Evenin’, Justus,” greeted the red-
bearded sport, with an unctuous bow. ‘,‘ I
hopes I see ye feelin’ better than ye was.
to-day. Har-har! ” -

“ You do, indeed, friend Redrock! I

feel like a new man, and life has again
taken on a roseate tinge."

“ Thet is good—mighty good, my boy,
an’ I’m glad ter hear et. Et teaches us

we should never ’say die, but keep on. ‘

.kickin’. ,
“ But now we’ll Quit this hyar ,moralih

27 

 
   

t .Jr.’~' . .

28

Gilbert Goldspur, the Dandy Sport.

 

 

in’ an’ come right down ter ther hard-

' pan 0’ business.

“ I reckon thet my friend Goldspur ex—
plained es how thar was a leetle trick
he wanted you an’ me ter work ter-
night? ”

“Oh, yes. I was instructed to come
here and await your appearance, and to
Obey your orders.

“But I want to thank you right now
for your good offices in securing me this
position just at the time when I so sorely
needed it."

“ Thet’s all right, Justus, an’ jest putt
thet ten back in yer pocket. I reckon
ye ain't none too iiush yet, an’ I ain’t
:a-needin’.

“Now, you camp right hyar an’ wait,
While I circulate a bit an’ see how things
aire a-pannin’.”

Without waiting a response the eccen-
tric sport moved away, and a moment
later was lost to view in the crowd.

That he had a certain well-defined pur—
‘pose in view, however, was attested by
the precision with which he moved. Pass—
ing quickly from the barroom into the
gambling den, he spoke to John June,
and quietly drew him aside.

“ Murat, ther Mad Miner, is in camp,”
he tersely announced. “He brings word
thet Raymond an‘ one of his deputies is
corrilled in a desarted dug—out back in
ther hills, an’ needs help.

“Can ye get a few good men tergether
an’ send them out? ”

“ I can and will, if I can find a guide.”

“Murat will lead them.”

“ Where is he? ”

“ Under kiver—good an’ strong, but
‘ready ter start at any minute.”

“That is well. Keep him there. I will
secure the men, and hunt up Red Har-
"per, the camp marshal, to command
them. If all goes smoothly, they will be
ready to start inside of an hour.”

“ Good! Quick work will count. But
keep the expedition secret, if possible.”

June nodded significantly, and at once
set to work to pick his men.

Drawing aside, Hercules Redrock sat
down at a vacant table, and in seeming
idleness watched the crowd. But his
cunning brain was busy.

Presently, a man, a tall, powerful fel-
low, dressed as a miner, came forward
and in a cautious tone addressed him,
saying, simply:

“ I come from Gold Dick.”

Redrock gazed keenly at the speaker.
Evidently he was pleased with the man’s
appearance, for after a moment he nod-
ded approvingly, smiled, and pleasantly
asked:

“What is your name? "

“ Fenton Duval.”

"Do you know, Mr. Duval, what we
want with you? ” '

“ I do not, sir, but Gold Dick assured
me that it was an honest man’s job, at
good pay, an’ thet et wouldn’t interfere
with my regular work in ther Rainbow
mine.”

“He told yer ther truth, Duval, but
he might have added et would give ye a
big chance ter do some tall flghtin’.”

“ 1 care not fer danger of I’m paid well
an’ ther job’s square."

, “ Ye'll do, then, fer we aim lookin’ fer
men ter defend ther Rainbow Mine a’g’in
jumpers.”

Duval started.

“In ther interest 0’ Stamm or ther
Graysons? ” he'asked, quickly.

“ ,Ther Graysons."

“ I’ll sign, then, an' without extra pay.”

Redrock then explained, in part, the
move in contemplation, cautioned Duval
to remain silent, and dismissed him,
pending Gold Dick’s arrival.

In the course of an hour an even dozen
men presented themselves at the table
in much the same manner, coming one
by one, and each addressed the sport
with that same terse announcement:

“I came from Gold Dick! "

In each case, Redrock studied the man '

carefully for a moment, then questioned
him, and ended by accepting his services.

Truly,
miner-detective’s Judgment, and as the

 ‘\

the twelve did credit to the ‘

 

red-bearded sport recalled each face he
felt confident of success.

Shortly after the twelfth man had
stepped away from the table, Gold Dick
appeared and sat down opposite to the
sport, saying:

“ I hes sent ther men to you, Pard Red-
rock, as Goldspur said I should, an’ now
I am ready fer orders.”

“ A splendid crew you have picked, too,
Dick, an' with them we should sart’inly
wm.

“Have them go arm themselves thor—
oughly, an’ meet at their Rainbow stock—
ade, whar I'll jine ye before mornin’ with
ther keys ter ther gate.

“Use caution, now, so thet none may
suspect we’re actin’ in concert, or thet
a move of any kind is on foot.”

Dick nodded comprehensively,
rose.

“I un’erstand ye, pard, an’ we’ll all be
shy as mices,” he returned. “So-long,
now.”

Redrock responded, and the miner—
detective moved briskly away, just as
John June approached.

“Red Harper and his men are ready,”
the gambler announced. "‘ If Murat is
to guide them—”

“ l-le'll do jest that, pard,” cut in the
delegate from Brimstone Butte, almost
curtly. “Tell Harper tier keep right
down ther crlck till he comes ter ther
broken rocks on this side 0’ ther big
whirlpool. Murat is hidin’ thar, an’ will
come out when he heers ‘ Gabriel ’ jerked
out three times, short an’ sweet.”

June reflected a moment, and was
about to speak, when a quick gesture
from Redrock warned him to remain
silent. The next minute, Jubal Strong
touched him on the shoulder.

The mayor was pale and haggard. His
strong face was blood—stained, and a
bandage was bound tightly around his
head.

For a single fleeting second the gam—
bler regarded him with surprise, then
warmly grasped his hand.

“ Welcome, mayor!” he exclaimed.
“ You have had a brush with the out-
laws, I see.”

“ Yes. We visited the Hermit Miner’s
claim in search of Miss Grayson, but
they declared she had not been there.
Later, we separated, to beat through
the hills, and in thinking the matter
over I again became suspicious, and re-
turned alone. I watched the place for
some hours, and the actions of the men
convinced me they were not honest
miners.

“‘ Late in the afternoon I was discov-
ered and fired upon, and we had a regu-
lar pitched battle, with the result that
both iled wounded, while I was left with
an ugly scalp wound to remind me of the
trouble.

“When they had gone, I searched the
place thoroughly, and turned up evi-
dence enough to convince me that the
claim is only a blind, set up to hide

and

one of Cherokee Charlie’s dens."

Mayor Strong spoke slowly, and in
some agitation. Redrock’s eyes never
left his face, and there was a puzzled
look in their shrewd, blue depths.

“ It is unfortunate, mayor, that you
were wounded, and that, too, when Miss
Grayson had escaped and was safe in
Red GulCh.”

“ That report is true, then? ”

“Perfectly true, mayor.”

“I heard it a moment ago, but hardly
credited it.

“Con Grayson, I suppose, has not been
heard from? ”

“ No, the mystery surrounding his dis-
appearance is as deep and dark as ever.”

The mayor pondered a moment.

“There is foul play at the bottom of
it,” he declared. “ I am fully convinced
of that. I came here to find Goldspur,
for I believe that "he can sift the secret—
if he will."

“It has been some hours since I saw
the sport, and I do not think he's
around.”

Jubal Strong turned wearily, and sur-

veyed the throng. June’s words proved‘

‘N ‘ v‘   .". ‘r’ in?“ i .. I v .' I
L y»; gt?».v,1.’f‘fl‘lfi,6fif.\-‘viiiqw‘zfL  J; i

 

1:..4
vi.

true.
visible.

Redrock rose and walked away. At
the barroom door he was met by Trumps,
the Miner.

“I’ve had trouble striking ther trail,”
the latter explained, guardedly. “Ther
gang had left ther Haven when I got

The Dandy Sport was nowhere

-thar, an’ I jest found ther critter.”

“ Whar is he?”

“ At his cabin.”

“Come, then! We’ll act at once.”

Beckoning to Jarrett to follow, Her-
cules Redrock hurried out into the street.

 

CHAPTER XXXVI.
. 'I‘lIl'I RAH) lilu‘Gl'N.

Penurious to the last degree, Simeon
Paully lived alone in a small cabin on
the outskirts of the camp. He served
as his own cook and housekeeper, and
report said that he fared on the cheapest
and poorest food.

That, however, was Simeon’s own af-
fair, and the masculine gossips of Red
Gulch might possibly have spared him
many a merciless excoriation but for the
petty niggardliness which he publicly dis—
played in dealing with the tradesmen of
the camp.

When the Rainbow Rogues separated
after hurling Gilbert Goldspur over the
cliff andyinto the whirlpool, Simeon was
shaking nervously, and he found it nec-
essary‘ to walk about awhile to wear
away the ominous, soul-chilling tremors
agitating him.

He knew that without complete physi-
cal exhaustion there would be no sleep
for him for many hours to come. The
savage assault upon Con Grayson
weighed heavily on his conscience, alter—
nating with a secret fear that the youth
might possibly have escaped, in some
mysterious way, to return, later, athirst
for revenge. ,

So Simeon Paully strode meodily
about, the hapless victim of his own
evil deeds, until completely tired out,
then bent his steps homeward, entered
his cabin and carefully locked the door.

Lighting a. lamp, he turned the wick
low, and flung himself, fully dressed, on
a. narrow cot in the corner.

“ I'm getting squeamish! ” he growled.
“But, like the others, I‘ve gotten into
this affair too deeply to draw out, and
must push through, or go down.”

He passed his hand wearily over his
brow, twisted uneasily, and st ed at the
dim light. So, the minutes dragged slow-
ly, until a calf-hour had elapsed, when
his eyes closed in uneasy slumber,

But Simeon Paully was not to sleep
undisturbed. Scarcer had the heavy lids
shut down over those dull, greenish—blue
orbs, when a heavy knocking on the
door jarred the cabin and brought him
to his feet.

His face paled, and a startled look
flashed from his eyes. Turning up the
light, he grasped his revolver and slowly
approached the door.

“ Who is there? ” he demanded.

“ Stamm! ” was the muffled response.
“Opcn quick, you donkey! I’m in a
hurry! ” ,

Never doubting that the Rainbow man-
ager stood without, so close an imitation
was that voice, the bookkeeper hastily
unlocked and flung open the door.

Hercules Redrock sprang into the cab-
in, closely followed by Trumps and .Iar-
rett. ‘
warned the red—bearded

“Easy, now,”
sport, promptly swinging his pistol—
arnied hand to a level. “Don’t act a.
fool! ”

“This is an outrage!” fumed Paully,
slowly retreating. If you fellows mean
robbery, you’ve come to the wrong place.
1 have nothin’! ”

Redrock chuckled.

“ I-Iar-har! ” he laughed. “ \Ve ain't
no robbers!
“I arrest you, Sim Paully! You are

my prisoner! ”

The blood rushed to Simeon’s face, and
as quickly receded, leaving him whiter
than ever. He trembled violently. Then,
his natural effrontery came to his aid,

‘, v
' ".. .'.i

‘A ‘ I .-..I"

 

 

 

 

 

.1
. -1“

 

a. .. pr‘q‘,‘

 

 

 

Gilbert Goldspur, the Dandy Sport.

 

29*

 

 

and he plucked up a bold front and an-
grily demanded:

“ Who are you, to talk of arrestin’? ”

“Jest ther same ole Herc, f’m Brim-
stone."

“ I understand that. I’ve heard of you.
You’re a wretched sport—a rascally
knave, travelin‘ from camp to camp; in
short, a swindler. You’ve got no license
to talk of arrestin’! ”

A peculiar grin lurked around Red-
rock‘s mouth, but he coolly replied:

“ 0h, yas; I have. I hold a commission
as an under-sheriff for this county, an’ I
arrest you on ther charge 0’ murder! ”

“ Murder! ”

“Yes. You are charged with killing
Conrad Grayson.”

With a wailing cry of terror and de-
spair Simeon Paully shrank back, and
fell on the cot.

“Close ther door, Trumps, an’ stand
guard,” Redrock ordered. ,

“ Jarrett, help me disarm an search
ther critter. He seems knocked out
shore an’ nacherel.” .

Paully was indeed unconscious. With
deft hands the two men searched his
pockets, placing everything taken there-
from upon a table near the cot.

That task completed, Redrock snapped
handcuffs on the prisoner, and left the
work of resuscitation to Jarrett.

Among the various articles taken from
Paully’s pockets were several keys, a
memorandum book and a number of pa-
pers. Seating himself beside the table,
Redrock gave the documents a careful
' ion. .
lnilprfgér Jarrett’s rude but effective mm-
istrations, the bookkeeper quickly rallied.
A few dashes of cold water brought him
to a. sitting posture, gasping and sput-
tering. As he cleared the water from his
eyes, he started violently and glared an-

‘ grily at Redrock.

“Those are my papers,” he expostu-
lated, vehemently. “Let them ’alone.
You have no business with them.’ .

“You are mistaken. I have .busmess
with them. You aire charged With mur-
der, remember, an’ I b’lieve thet some
0’ these hyar papers may establish ther
motive fer ther crime. - _

“‘I also infers, fur the contents 0’ this
hyar book, thet ye aire a member 0’
ther Rainbow Rogues.”

Paully shrank back. ,

“ I—I do not understand you,’ he
stammered.

“ 0h, yas, ye do,” was the cool assur-
ance.

“ Then, too, I sees by a check hyar fer
a hundred dollars, thet ye he}y bin in on
Stamm’s leetle game 0’ robbin ther Gray-
sons." h k f alary ”

“Thecec is ors ..

” Et’s dated day afore yistiddy. Thet
wasn’t pay—day."

“ No; I got it as an advance. I wanted
to buy a bisickle. I didn’t have the
mone n”

A gomplacent smile stole over Red—
rock’s bearded face, and he asked, ab-
ruptly:

“A beeseckle, eh?
Rainbow books?”

“ They were in the safe. It was taken
from the ruins of the office to-day, and
placed in the toolhouse at the mine. It
hasn’t been opened since the fire, but. as
it was fire-proof, the books must be in-
tact.

“ HOWever, they win do you no good.
They are perfectly straight, and I’m Will-
in' to go over them with you and Miss

- son at any time.”

GI'?3\’Ve’ll leave 'thet job fer an expert,

. Paully."

Mgimeon’s thin lips curled 'scornfully.

“ Do as you please, ‘of course, Mr. Red-
rock. Your words imply that you regard
Stamm and myself as rogues. I can as-
sure you that were we as guilty as you
seem to suspect we are, you’d find us en-

Whhr aire ther

tirely too cunnin’ to be caught with a'

had set of books on Our hands.” I
" We shall see—we shall see,” coolly
responded the red-bearded sport, and
then he placed the variousarticles in his
pockets and prepared toquit‘vthe cabin.

. 'i
't.‘ ‘- A; ,.' ' n
.,¢-  ._ .i] "

 

 

A moment later Simeon passed out be-
tween Jarrett and Trumps, whereupon
Redrock extinguished the light and fol-
lowed, locking the door.

Then the little party walked rapidly in
the direction of the Rainbow stockade.
Near the bridge a brief halt was made,
and Jarrett shrank into the shadows with
the captive, while Redrock and Trumps
crossed the bridge and turned toward the
calaboose.

Arrived at the building, the sport drew
a key from his pocket and unlocked the
door.

“ You'll remain hyar, Trumps, an’ act
as jailor until some trustworthy man is
appointed, fer Shocky Pete is in hoc,” he
explained, and he handed the miner the
key.

“ If any galoot comes round axin’ ques—
tions before the grand smash comes, you
kin say that Shocky was called away, an’
thet you were left in charge.”

Then he unlocked the cell-room door,
and ordered Shocky Pete to come out.
The captive jailor obeyed with alacrity,
and in another minute Trumps was alone.

With a firm grip on the arm of his
prisoner, Redrock retraced his steps to
the point where Jarrett was in waiting,
and the march to the stockade was re-
sumed.

A dozen shadowy forms were clustered
near the gate, under cover of the wall,
and as a faint signal rang out Gold Dick
stepped forth to meet the sport.

“ We’re all hyar, paid, an’ waitin',” he
declared with a grin of delight, as he be-
held the plight of Paully and Shocky
Pete. “ An’ nary a galoot hev we seen.”

Redrock tersely expressed his satisfac-
tion, and handed Dick the keys taken
from Paully, saying:

“ Hyar aire ther keys ter ther gate an’
ther mine buildin’s, pard. I putt them in
yer hand, an’ leaves ye in charge. Let
no one enter without the password.

“ Hyar, too, aire ther prisoners. Guard
them well and see thet they do not es-
cape.”

 

CHAPTER XXXVII.
A GAME OF DRAW.

Locking arms with his companion as
they walked along, Redrock in a few
terse sentences laid out the work ahead
—nothing less than the capture of Ele-
phant Eph.

Soon they entered the Haven. ’

A straggler or two stood at the bar,
while toward the rear of the room three
men were seated around a table, engaged
in a game of draw poker.

Elephant Eph was one of the trio.

These facts Redrock discerned at a
glance. He addressed Jarrett in an un-
dertone, and strolled on toward the
gamesters.

At that juncture one of the players
threw down his hand in disgust, got up
and walked out of the place.

“Har—har !” laughed the red-bearded
sport. “ I’ll bet I kin do better’n thet.”

Then, with clear artistic assurance, he
sat down in the vacant chair and drew
a. roll of bills from his pocket.

The Giant Gambler gazed keenly at the
delegate from Brimstone.

“Git a good squint while ye’re a-git-
tin’, mister,” Redrock coolly‘requested.
“ Et don’t cost a cent, an’——time’s no ob-
ject! ”

Elephant Eph flushed hot under that
pointed bit of badinage, and his gaZe
wavered and fell.

“ I beg your pardon !- ” he coolly replied
after a moment. “ You are Hercules Red-
rock, I believe? ” .

“ Shore an’ nacherel! ”

“ That, my dear fellow, must explain
my rudeness! I’ve heard a great deal of
you in the past four-and-twenty hours,
and-could I help looking, then ? ”

“ Har—har ! I reckon not, Johnny ! But
deal ther cards. I'm hungry ter ante.”

Nodding curtly, the Giant Gambler
deftly shuflied the pack, and the game be-
gan.

The .keen eyes of Redrock were not

. idle, and when the first hand had been

5 ‘45.. .
a 

 

 

dealt he made a discovery that brought
a scornful curl to his bearded lips.

The cards were marked !

Not only that, but the system employed
was one which he was an adept in read-
ing!

When a half-hour had gone by he felt.
fairly confident that he held the Giant.
Gambler at his mercy.

The third player was a Jew, Moses
Levy, by name. He was one of the
solid business men of the camp, but as
soon as the pace became hot he gave up
his chair and departed.

“ Shall we continue the play?” asked
Eph curtly.

“Sart’in. I’ve got pecks o’ scads ter-
lose—cf you kin win ’em! ”

Several hands followed, and Elephant
Eph continued to lose steadily and heavi-
ly. At length, there came a jack-pot, and.
for several successive deals both men
failed to open it. 'lfhen Redrock dealt.
the cards. When the Giant Gambler
looked at his hand, he found that he had.
received three aces, a king and a queen.

A glance at the back of the top card of
the marked pack showed him that it was
another king, and he promptly opened
the pot, betting fifty dollars.

Much to his secret satisfaction, Red-t
rock “saw” his bet, and raised him a.
hundred.

“ You must have caught a pair your—
self,” sneered the giant, shoving two hun-»
dred and fifty dollars forward.

“ I ain’t bobbin’,” was the senten-~
tious rejoinder, and Redrock counted off
and placed a roll of bills in the centre of
the table, saying:

“ Three hundred an’ fifty more.”

“ I’ll raise that five hundred.”

The man from Brimstone ‘ Butte
scratched his head and reflected a mo—
ment. Then he dropped five crisp new
bills in the pot and picked up the pack.

The Giant Gambler discarded the
queen.

“ I’ll draw one card,” he announced.

“ Uh-huh!
rock declared“

Then the betting began, and it ran.
high. _

Neither man appeared willing to
“ call.” After some minutes of lively bet—
ting, Elephant Eph arose, opened his
vest and drew a heavy money-belt from.
around his body.

Loosing th‘e stout draw-string, . be
poured the contents of the belt into his
hat, then carefully counted the money
and shoved it into the centre of the table.

“ Five thousand even—and the last dol-
lar I have in the world! ” he announced,
in a. hoarse voice. “Cover it, sport, if
you will; but.
win that pet, I shall kill you before you.
can leave the table! ”

He drew a revolver and laid it before
him.

Redrock looked up. His blue eyes ‘

flashed with contempt.

“ You aire a bluffer—ye’ll do nothin’ 0’
ther kind,” he returned, coldly.

Then he counted out the amount nec-
essary to call the bet, and flung it in the
pot.

“ Show your hand! ” he ordered stern-
1y.
Smiling grimly, Elephant Eph obeyed,
exposing three aces and a pair of kings.

“ I have four deuces,” Redrock de—
clared, and he turned the cards face-up
on the table.

A bitter curse came from the Giant
Gambler.

“Steady! " warned Redrock, in cool
and even tones, his right hand, pistol

armed in the twinkling of an eye, rising ,

above the table. “ Don’t touch that gun!
Don’t move—don’t utter a sound!

“I want you for the murder of Con.
Grayson! Resist, and I will blow your
brains out! " '

Not loudly, but in strains of intense
and deadly earnestness came those words
and the stern visage and gleaming eyes
of the sport, betrayed a fixed determina-
tion to keep his promise! ,

Elephant Eph read as- much in one

swift glance, and the last vestige of color

I don’t want any,” Redo '

mark my words: If you '

Ii!

.2

  

"Ann «1...; V

 

    

30

left his face when Redrock seized the re—
volver and placed it beyond his reach.

That done, with his free hand, the
sport drew the money to him, thrust it
into his capacious pockets, and rose to
his feet.

During this proceeding a low whistle
sounded in the rear of The Haven. It was
the signal agreed\ upon between Redrock
and Jarrett, and indicated that the way
was clear.

“ YOU are to go with me," the sport con—
tinued, in the. same cold, metallic voice,
“Turn and walk slowly through the rear
door. Keep your hands down, but in
plain view. Now——forward! "

The Giant Gambler's massive chest
swelled with fierce anger and resentment.
But he was powerless. ,

Turning, he walked slowly out of The
Haven. As he crossed the threshhold a
firm hand grasped his wrist and the cold
muzzle of a pistol was pressed firmly
.against his temple.

“Steady, now!”
calmly.

In another minute the gambler was se-
curely handcuffed.

So quiet had been the affair through-
«out that Sailor Jake knew nothing of
the arrest.

Just at daybreak Stamm, still disguised
as a miner, walked quickly into The
Haven and asked for Elephant Eph.

“ I think he is in his room asleep," the
bartender explained.

“Please send. him down at once,” said
Stamm, dropping a gold piece on the bar.

The bribe was readily accepted. Pend-
ing the bartender’s return, the Rainbow
manager retreated to a table, sat down,
and pulled a note from his pocket.

“ I don’t understand this,” he muttered,
with an uneasy frown. “ It’s not like him
to run away.”

The note was brief, and ran as fol-
lows:

“Stamm: Things are getting too hot
for me, and I’m going while I have the
chance. You, of course, can do as you
please. PAULLY.”

“ It’s in his handwriting, and I reckon
he’s skipped, sure enough,” the rascal
mused.

“Well, I’ll talk to Eph, and go up to

cautioned Jarrett,

‘ the mine with the boys to see what turns

up. Then, Alexander Stamm must appear
in person, called back by startling news
from Red Gulch.

“And, by heavens! I’ll make Paully’s
flight count, for if trouble comes he shall
be the scapegoat—the one to be called
to account for missing moneys and gen-
eral crooked work! ”

A moment later the bartender ap-
peared.

“ Eph is not in his room—has not been
there to-night,” he said.

A grim smile curled the manager’s lips.

“Another recreant,” he muttered, and
he rose and left the place.

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
MATTERS a'r THE MINE.

Meanwhile, Hercules Redrock and his
ally had carried the Giant Gambler
straight to the Rainbow Mine, where he
was securely confined in one of the small
buildings near the adit.

“ We must keep the rascals apart,”
Redrock observed, unconsciously lapsing
from the phraseology of the‘ mines, as
had also happened during the scene at
The Haven. “ Separated, we may get a
confession from one or the other.”

Three of the men were then dispatched,
under guidance of Gold Dick, to bring in
Con Grayson and Darky Dan, and shortly
before daybreak they arrived at the
stockade.

The wounded youth, had rallied won-
derfully under the assiduous care of the
miner detectives, while Darky Dan de-
clared himself as good as new. -

Redrock and Jarrett drew both men
aside and engaged them in a brief but
earnest conversation.

When this consultation had closed, the

 

'sport sought Gold Dick and said:

\ “Dick, ef ye aire not sleepy, I wish

I

 

Gilbert Goidspurrthe Pailde

 

ye‘d go down ter camp an’ keep eyes on
Jubal Strong this forenoon.

“ Ef he makes my show 0' leavin’ let
me know at once.”

The miner nooded quickly.

“I’ll do et,” he returned.

So Cold Dick departed, and, after vis-
iting the sentries placed at regular in-
tervals along the Stockade, Redrock sat
down to await developments.

“0 was not kept in idleness long, for
shortly after sunrise Jarrett came up
from the gate with the information that
a considerable number of men were ap-
proaching.

“ I think they are coming to make trou-
ble," he explained. “They are a rough,
determined looking set. and every man
seems to be armed.”

“They may try ter git in,” Redrock
responded.

Then he got up, and with Jarrett walked
down to the gate.

The approaching party was pushing
rapidly up the slope, and when the sport
looked through the gateway they were
in plain view. -

“ They’re a hard crowd, shore enough,”
he remarked. “They aire near enough,
too, an’ I will halt them.

.“ You may fetch ther men down, .Iar—
rett.”

As he uttered the words, Redrock
stepped through the gate, and in a stern
voice cried:

“ Hold on, thar! You aire near enough!

“Stop right thar an’ speak yer leetle
piece! ”

Thrown into confusion by that sudden
hail, the approaching party halted and
looked helplessly at one another.

Evidently, they were without a leader.

Redrock smiled grimly.

“ Say what ye want,” he quickly con—
tinued, “ then turn back, fer ther mine is
shut down, an' no one will be admitted.

“ Those 0’ you who’ve bin workin’ hyar
will draw wages fer lost time next pay-
day, but none need report fer work till
next Monday mornin’.”

The men talked among thmselves a
moment; then one of their number
stepped forward and said:

“ We wants ter see Sim Paully.”

“ Paully is not hyar; he is no longer
connected with ther Rainbow."

A howl of incredulity greeted this state-
ment.

“Too thin!” yelle one.

“He hired us last 11 'ht! "

The self-appointed leader, none other
than Stamm himself in disguise, turned
angrily upon his followers.

“ Be still, cain’t ye? ” he snarled. “Let
me do ther talkin’!” Turning to the
sport, the rascal continued:

“ We come hyar to do business with
Sim. Paully. You say he's not hyar.
Now, who aire you? ”

“ Me? Why, I’m ther boss 0’ this hyar
mine,” the sport replied.

“I believe you’ve jumped ther Rain-
bow! ”

“ I hev—fer a mortal fact! ”

“ Miserable scoundrel! You shall pay
dearly for this trick!” and Stamm, for-
getting the part he was playing, shock
his lists in anger. -

“ An’ who’ll collect? ”

“ Alexander Stamm! ”

“ Stamm? Bah! He’s a wretched thief!
He has run away.” .

Black with rage, the disguised mana-
ger turnel to his followers.

“Et’s no use, boys,” he declared, sul-
lenly. “ We'll have ter let go till Stamm
comes. Then we’ll raise an army an’
clean out this rascally gang." ‘

A half-hearted cheer greeted the words.
Then the troop turned and slowly de—
scended the slope.

“ Your turn next, Alex—if I can only
get the right grip,” laughed Redrock soft-

ly. .

Entering the stockade, he closed and
locked the gate, spoke pleasantly to the
men assembled by Jarrett, and passed
on to the building in which Paully was
confined. \

He found the prisoner greatly down-
cast.

“ Ypu  to: be feelin’ extremely
- i “  "it? \‘u ‘ .‘ ‘ '

 

Sport.

, approached.

 

 

 

 

bad, Mr. Paully,” the sport remarked, as
he seated himself.

“1 do—I do indeed!” whimpered the
wretch.

“ You find yerself in a mighty bad box,
hey? ”

“ Yes; but nothin’ can be proved ag’in’
me."

“Then what ails ye? "

“I~I don’t like to say,” whined the
bookkeeper.

“ I guess et‘s yer conscience. You killed
Grayson, an’ ct bothers ye.”

“They can’t prove I killed him."

“That remains ter be seen.”

“Elephant Eph did it.”

Redrock arose, and moved toward the
door.

“I cain’t waste my time with ye,
Paully,” he exclaimed. “When ye come
ter yer senses an’ decide ter make a
clean breast of et, I’ll listen ter ye.”

Springing forward, Simeon Paully
clasped his manacled hands imploringly.

“Wait! wait!" he gasped. “ Don’t
leave me here. Take me with you!”

“Cain’t do et, Simeon. This is ther
on’y den we hev fer ye. I must go.”

“ Don’t! don’t! I can’t stay here with
them! ”
“ With whom? ”

“With Con and Darky Dan!”

“Man, you aire mad! They ain’t
hyar!

“ I saw them, I tell you! ”

“ You imagined ye did.”

“No, I saw their ghosts! They came

out of the cellar there, and pointed to
me.”

The sport gravely walked to an open
trap in the corner, and peered down. Un-
derneath the floor was a pit for storing
the blasting materials used in the mine.

“Simeon, ye’re in a bad box,” he de-
clared. “ I would advise ye ter confess.”

Paully’s teeth chattered.

“1—1 will!” he gasped.
I know.”

Redrock slowly lowered the trap-door
into place, and turned to the prisoner,
saying:

“Stick ter thet determination, Simeon
Paully, an’ et may be ther better fer
ye. We must hev a man, now, ter take
down yer confession, an’ witnesses.

“ I’ll have ther door open, an’ mebbe
ther spooks won’t bother ye, for I’ve
heer’d say they don’t love daylight.”

Leaving the door ajar, Redrock passed
out of the toolhouse in search of Jarrett.

As he walked across the enclosure 9.
complacent smile curled his bearded lips.

His cunningiy-planned ruse had been
successful! ;

CHAPTER XXXIX.
. S’I‘AMM APPEARS.

When Redrock had reached a point
near the center of the enclosure, the
stockade gate was suddenly flung open to
admit Daddy Parker, with Agatha Gray-
son upon his arm.

At Sight of the Rainbow heiress, the
sport stood quite still for a moment, and
a pained look shone from his expressive
eyes. Then he shook himself roughly
and continued toward the gate.

“ Good-morning, Mr. Redrock,” greeted
Daddy Parker, eifusively, when the sport
“ I perceive, sir, that you
are in possession, just as I assured my
niece here that you would be.

“Miss Grayson, Mr. Hercules Redrock.

“ Agatha, dear, Mr. Redrock is the
gentlemen I have placed in charge of the
Rainbow." ~

The sport acknowledged the introduc-
tion with a formal bow, then tersely ex—
plained the situation, in part.

“ I cain’t tell ye all, Jest yit." he said,
frankly. “ Thar be some things that will
surprise ye very much, Miss Grayson, but
et might spoil my leetle game ter make
them known right now.

“ Thar has bin a reg’lar hand at work,
known among themselves as ther Rain-
bow Rogues, with Stamm as ther master-
speerit. But we cain’t prove thet jest
yet, so ‘least said, soonest mended.’

“ Let be, thet we hev three 0' ther crit-
ters in hoc, an’ so aire in a, fa’r way ter
.‘git a confession thet will throw ther hull .

“I’ll tell all

 

    

  

 

 

 

Gilbert Goldspur, the Dandy Sport.

31

 

 

deal open, when I think we kin win out
with hands down.

“ Sim Paully, ther bookkeeper, was one
o‘ ther rascals we nabbed. From papers
found on him I kalkilate thar hes bin a
urg‘lar robbers‘ game goin’ on at ther
mine, an’ I'd like ter hcv ther books ex—
amined.”

Agatha assented readily.

 It is that very business that brings
me here this morning,” she averred. “I
have long suSpected Stamm and l’aully
of being in collusion, but have never been
able to discover anything from a per-
sonal inspection of the books.

“My uncle informs me that among
your men is an expert bookkeeper, and
has suggested his employment. I came
to see if I could engage him.”

Redrock at once excused himself and
hurried away in search of Jarrett, whom
he found with the men at the gate.

Explaining What was wanted, the sport
turned and retraced his steps to the
building in which Paully was confined.

The prisoner had rallied partially, but
was yet extremely nervous.

“ I’m not quite ready ter heer ye, Paul-
ly,” the sport announced. “ But ther men
will be hyar presently.” ,

“I shall be glad to have it done with.’

“Thet is right. ’Twill ease yer con-
science."

Meanwhile, Jarrett had approached
Daddy Parker. The old man greeted him
warmly, and at once presented him to
Agatha. _ ’

Then a faint flush suffused the girls
face, and she exclaimed:

“Justus Jarrett! Is it possible!”

“Assuredly, Miss Grayson,” laughed
Jarrett. “But I, too, am surprised! I had
not dreamed that you were the Rainbow
heiress.

Agatha turned to her uncle.

“Mr. Jarrett and myself were school-
mates only a few years ago," she ex-
plained. “I had lost sight of him until
now.” ,

“Well, well! How queerly things do
turn out! ”

For some little time the trio indulged
in general talk, then Agatha abruptly led
back to the main subject.

“I shall be glad to accept the posi-
tiOn,” Jarrett declared, frank .

An agreement was quickl ‘ reached,
and then Daddy Parker and Agatha de-
parted.

“By George! What a splendid girl she
has grown to be,” mused Jarrett, as he
gazed through the gate at the receding
figures. “And Stamm, the scoundrel,
was robbing her! .

“I was glad to enlist in her cause
before I knew who she was, but now——
Heaven bless Goldspur! ”

Turning reluctantly from the gate, he
started toward the toolhouse, but was
recalled by a sharp hail from one of the
men.

“Stamm is comin’ up the slope, an’
he’s in full war-paint,” the fellow sang
out.

Redrock, advancing to meet Jarrett,
heard the words, and quickened his
steps.

“We’ll meet him at ther gate,” he
said, taking Jarrett by the arm. “ Paully
has weakened,‘ an’is ready ter confess ef
we kin keep him f’m sight or hearin’ 0’
ther head-devil."

Stamm was not long in appearing. He
came up the slope with quick strides.
Acting upon Redrock’s orders, the man
at the gate promptly admitted him.

With a hasty glance around the enclos-
ure, Stamm singled out the sport and con-
fronted him.

" Your name is Redrock, I believe? " he
exclaimed, in a blustering tone.

“ Hercules Redrock, f’m Brimstone
Butte—you bet! ” was the cool response.

“Well, I am Alexander Stamm. I am
the manager here, and I understand you
have jumped this claim.”

" Yes, sir—et’s jumped. Har—har!"

“ How dared you do that?”

“I acted on Miss Grayson’s orders."

dtamm scowled‘vlciously.

 

-‘I don’t believe that,” he declared, j

l

curtly. “ Above all things, Miss Grayson
is honorable. She knows she has no right
to this mine, either morally or legally.”

“ Et was her father’s, wasn’t et? ”

“Yes: but, under a clause in his will
her share now becomes mine."

“ Umph! I hadn‘t heer’d thet," the
sport rejoined, smiling sardonically.
“But her brother owns a hate, don’t
be? ”

“No; I have more than paid for his
interest in the property in moneys ad-
vanced. He is a scapegoat—a thief!”

“ These aire hard words, pardner! "

“No matter; they are true. When I
went away, I left a thousand dollars in
the Rainbow safe. I am prepared to prove
that he robbed the safe, then burned the
office to hide his crime.”

“Ye surprise me!"

“I will do worse; I will crush you, if
you don’t immediately .withdraw with
these miserable ragamu ns.”

“Thet would be rash, pardner,” Red-
rock suggested, mildly. “Possession is
nine points in law, ye know."

“The law will suit me,” Stamm re-
torted, as he drew an official-looking doc-
ument from his pocket and held it up to
view. “I have filed a lien upon the mine.
There is a,Deputy Sheriff in Red Gulch
now, Sheriff Peterson informed me, and
I shall hunt him,up at once and proceed
to close. You fellows would better get
out, or there’ll be trouble.”

“We’ll chaince thet, Jedge Stamm, fer
I am ther Deputy ye mean—Hercules
Redrock! "

Stamm turned pale. His lips trembled,
and he was about to speak, when, with
a. quick gesture, the sport warned him
to remain silent.

“ I'll tell ye somethin’ about this busi-
ness," Redrock continued, coolly. “You
aire a miserable scoundrel, Stamm! A
thief yerself, ye aire ther ally of thieves
an’ road-agents!

“ Ye’ve sto‘len over fifty thousand dol-
lars o’ ther Graysons’ money. Ye’ve
played in with Cherokee Charlie. Ye’ve
turned ther shaft away from the richest
ore, ter depreciate ther mine, so thar’d
be no big fight when ye sprung yer leetle
grab game.

“ Ye’ve bin full 0’ pizen tricks, an’ no
deed hes bin’ too black fer ye ter plan.
But—'ye’ve danced yer jig!”

First red, then white, turned the rec-
reant manager, and his black eyes
gleamed venemously. .

“It’s all a lie, concocted by enemies to
ruin me!” he yelled, brandishing his
heavy fists savagely. “The books will
show that I have never taken a dollar of
the Graysons’ money."

“ Ther books—in ther safe—will show
—nothin’!” was the significant retort.
“They’re bogus! Under the office ye
hed a secret cellar. In the cellar wall
was a. secret safe. You know what I
mean? ”

“ Curse you! No!”

“Very good; I’ll be plain, then! In
that safe ye kept ther real books of ther
mine an’ ther money ye were steadily em-
bezzlin’. Does thet count? ”

Stamm quailed, and for a moment was
silent. Then he looked up, and in a. cool
and steady voice replied:

“You are speaking in riddles, man!
But the matter shall be sifted to the
bottom. ‘

“Where is Paully? ”

“ Don’t you know? ” laughed Redrock.

“He has fled, I suppose,” exclaimed

.Stamm, with a dramatic gesture. “ Curse

him! But—”

Breaking of! abruptly; the entrapped
rascal shook his head threateningly, and
walked through the open gate.

“ Why didn’t you arrest him?” de-
manded Jarrett, turning to Redr‘ock, in
surprise.

“ To be honest, I'm not quite sure 0’
my game,” he admitted. “I patched up
a few hints let fall by Simeon Paully,
an’-—thar ye aire!

“ But come! Git yer notebook an’ pen-
cil ready, an’ we’ll take enough of ther
confession te'r secure a. warrant.”

Then to the toolhouse the two men,

 

went, and within a half hour Paully‘s
confession, in brief, had been written,
signed, and witnessed.

“Now, we‘re fixed ter hold ther crit—
ter! ” Redrock announced, and with Jar—
rett he prepared to go down to the camp.

At the gate they were met by Gold
Dick, flushed and breathless.

“ Quick! Thar’s trouble in camp!” the
miner—detective gasped. “They’ve got
Strong!*they‘re goin’ ter hang him!"

 

CHAPTER XL.

I ITNMASKED
Orrville Dubois arose after a few hours’
restless slumber, breakfasted, and

strolled over to Sailor Jake‘s Haven,
expecting to meet his allies.

Much to his surprise, none of them
were to be seen.

“It is singular,” he mused, glancing at
his watch. “I was sure some of them
would be here by this. I will walk about
for an hour or so and familarize myself
with the camp while waiting, for such a.
knowledge may come in good play.”

In his leisurely way he returned to
the street and strolled out upon the rude
bridge, where he paused and looked up
and down Black Bear Creek uneasily.

Then he walked out upon the bank
and hurried over the course he had fol-
lowed the night before under cover of
Middleton’s revolver.

A few minutes later he was on the bor—
der of the glade. There he paused in the
shadows of the timber and glanced un-
easily across that smooth, open expanse.

“It’s not there!” breathed Dubois in
alarm, “Can it b‘e—no, my ball surely
sped true!”

Stealthily, then, he moved out into the
glade, step by step, until he stood upon
the spot where the outlaw had fallen.

“Yes, by heavens! there is a footprint,
and on the grass is a tell-tale stain!”
the lawyer muttered, excitedly, and, step
by step, he followed the faint trail into
the timber.

“He was wounded only, and has es-
caped! Those prints lead toward Red
Gulch, so I must be upon my guard.”

Greatly perturbed, Dubois turned back
to the creek, and hastened into camp,
where, to his intense surprise, he found
everything in a whirl of excitement. A‘
crowd was gathered in front of the Gold-
Bar Palace, and the greatest confusion
prevailed. i

Addressing a miner, Dubois asked:

“What is the trouble, friend? What
has happened? ” .

“ Don’t know,” was the curt reply. ,

“Ther marshal hes come in with a.
dead man,” answered another. “Ha! thar
he comes now! ”

True enough. United States Marshal
Raymond had emerged from the door-
way of the Gold-Bar Palace, and, step-
ping forward, he mounted a large box
which some one had dragged into the
street. ‘

“Men of Red Gulch,” shouted the
marshal, “I request your closest atten-
tion. As is doubtless known to you, I
have for several days past been engaged
in a hunt for the notorious outlaw,‘ Cher-
okee Charlie. Last night, through the
timely arrival and heroic efforts of your
local officer, Mr. Harper, 1, was enabled to
step out of a veritable death-trap and
raid the outlaw’s stronghold. 4

“We captured a number of the band,
but Cherokee himself was absent. From
one of his men, who was dying, we
learned that the chief was in Red Gulch
in disguise, and it is my belief that he is
here yet. \ i

“I now request that you quietly sepa-
rate and form a picket line around the
camp, while a. thorough search is made.
Let no man pass the line until he has
given an account of himself.” . - '

A hoarse yell rose from the crowd.
which then broke and began to . fall
away. , ‘

Dubois had listened attentively. He
turned away with a breath of relief as
the marshal ceased speaking, and began.
pushing through the crowd.

  

 

 

32

Gilbert Goldspur, the Dandy Sport.

 
 

 

 

“ To death alone do I surrender!

“ Gentlemen, you need look no further
for Cherokee Charlie, for I am he! ”

In another minute he fell forward. The
last spark of life had fled; the outlaw
was silent in death!

Moving forward, the men of Red Gulch
gazed at the victims of that impromptu
duel, until aroused from their semi-stu-
por by the sounds of a desperate strug-
gle close at hand.

Stamm had engaged Hercules Redrock
in combat!

Locked in a. close embrace, the foes
whirled here and there, each struggling
gamely for the mastery.

Shifting quickly, the sport secured a
favorite hold. In another breath, the
mine manager rose in the air, to fall
heavily upon his head and shoulders, and
he lay motionless, a senseless heap.

In the struggle Redrock’s long and
fiery beard and hair had been torn away,
and when he turned to the crowd a wild
cheer rang out!

The delegate from Brimstone Butte
stood revealed as——Gilbert Goldspur, the
Dandy Sport!

Suddenly, he came face to face with
Jubal Strong!

The mayor’s head was tightly band-
aged, his face haggard.

A gleam of terror flashed over the law-
yer's countenance; then a sort of des—
perate courage arose within him, and
he yelled fiercely:

“There he is! There he is!
Cherokee Charlie!”

The crowd turned and closed up quick-

That is

1y.
Strong turned quite pale and shrank
back. He well understood that he was
in deadly danger.

“You are mistaken!" he asserted, in
a voice that trembled. “ I am not Chero-
kee Charlie. I am the mayor of this
camp.”

Some one utte ‘ed a derisive yell. The
crowd became restless, and faint mur-
murings of doubt and distrust began to
be heard.

Pointing an accusing hand at the may-
or, Dubois swept the surrounding faces
with his flashing eyes.

“That is the man, gentlemen—that is
Cherokee Charlie! Don't I know? Wasn’t
I a captive in his mountain den for days?
I esoaped only yesterday, and—thcrc he
stands! ”

At that moment Raymond appeared in
the circle surrounding the two men.

“ Ydu are Orrville Dubois? ” he asked,
abruptly.

“ I am Orrville Dubois! ”

“By heavens! Strong, the testimony
of this man looks black for you, fer sure-
ly he should know!

“Surrender yourself into my
until the matter is sifted—w”

“To be lynched by a lawless mob?
No!” interrupted Jobal Strong. But a
dozen hands gripped the luckiess mayor,
and in a moment he was a prisoner.

“ A rope! A rope! We'll hang him!”

A hundred furious cries jarred the air.
Raymond, struggling desperately to
reach and protect the prisoner, was
dashed aside and left bruised and bleed-
ing in the rear.

Straight toward a number of trees on
the creek bank at the foot of the Rain-
bow Slope, surged the mob, and in an
incredibly short time they were within
the cool shadows.

CHAPTER XLI.
CONCLI’SION.

Goldspur owed his escape from the
whirlpool beneath the cliff to Dick Dodds
and Murat, the Mad Miner. Both men
had witnessed that stirring scene upon
the cliff, and at the risk of their lives
had fished the then senseless sport from
the seething waters.

Moses Lumper had died in the dug-out
during Murat‘s absence, but Marshal
Raymond succeeded in getting his ante-
mortem statement, and it, with the con-
fession of Simeon Paully and the testi-
mony of Dick Dodds, cleared away all
the mystery connected with the Rainbow
Mine, and established Murat’s identity
as Gabriel Grayson.

The Mad Miner lived but a few weeks.
The Rainbow Rogues had scarcely re-
ceived their desserts when he was laid
away in the Red Gulch cemetery.

Con Grayson had learned a life—lesson
in his brief experience with Stamm, and
developed into a steady and reliable busi-

hands

A noosed lariat was quickly thrown ness man, He became manager of the
over the branCh Of a U‘fi’ev Rainbow Mine, and among his most
“Steady, you fools! snarled Alex. trusted employees were G01d_Dick’

Stamm, springing forward. “Give me
the rope. I will place it! I am—”

A strong hand clutched his throat,
shutting off the sentence and hurling

im backward. Then, with a tigerish
leap, Hercules Redrock alighted fairly
between the prisoner and his captors!

The sport’s face was pale—his eyes
gleamed with indignant fury.

“ Are you mad—crazy? This man is no
outlaw—nor is he a dog, that the life
should be strangled out of him!” he
enunciated in a voice of almost chilling
calmness. "Why should you seek his
life? ”

“ He is Cherokee Charlie! ” yelled Du-
bois, wild with rage. “Curse you for a
meddler! Can’t you see— ”

A mocking laugh rang loudly through
the timber, checking that frantic out-
burst. The lawyer whirled around. His
face blanched, an a scream of ter- Shaking his head, he replied.

Tor burSt from his QUiV'el‘ing lipso “ No: I thank you. I was cut out for

From a Clump 0f undergI‘OWth a man , a roving blade, and a roving blade I
had stepped, and now stood feebly lean- sham ever be: u
ing against a tree, pistol in hand- And as soon as the Rainbow Rogues

In face and "1 form, he was the exaCt ‘ had been brought to justice, he departed
counterpart of Jubal Strong!  in search of u fresh diggingsy I

A murmur of profound astonishment!
ran through the throng of Gulehites, as l wished godspeed and abundant success
that strange and 'almost fatal resemb- l to the Dandy Sport ’
lance flashed upon them. Then:,

“ Draw, Nick Judd, for once again do I THE END-
give you a chance for life! ” and, before
a hand could be lifted .in intervention, a
' double report‘ rang out.

Duboi pitched forward upon his face,

Trumps, and Darky Dan, the erstwhile
miner-detectives.

Jubal Strong became silent and moody
and finally sold his business and left
Red Gulch, going none knew where. Some
said that his narrow escape from lynch-
ing had affected his brain. However that
may have been, it is certain that his de—
parture occurred just one day prior to
the marriage of Agatha Grayson to Jus-
tus Jarrett.

Mrs. Helen Middleton did not long sur-
vive her unfortunate husband. and her
,death was closely followed by that of
Daddy Parker and his estimable wife.
"01’. the other characters in our’story
little need be said, if we except Gold-
spur.

The citizens of the 'camp urged him to
make Red Gulch his abiding place, but in
vain.

 

 

NEXT DIME LIBRARY, NUMBER 923!

 

“hfizziggugs..§‘di;eaaldt...  m. _ llld Sunflower,tha Haysaad Detectiva.

smoking weapon aside, and sank to his
knees, crying:

BY ALBERT W. AIKEN.

He was given a royal send-off, for all‘

 

Beadle’s Halfilime library.

BUFFALO BILL NOVELS.
By Colonel Prentiss Ingraham.

915 Buffalo Bill and the Surgeon-Scout.
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904 Buffalo Bill’s Tangled Trail.

900 Buffalo Bill’s Rough Riders. ‘

895 Buffalo Bill's Secret Ally.

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716 Buffalo Bill‘s Scout. She owers.

710 Buffalo Bill Baffled: or. The lieSerter Desperado.

697 Buffalo Bill's Buckskin Brotherhood.

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653 Lasso Ki ’5 League: or. Buck Taylor in Texas.

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639 Buffalo Bill‘s Gold King.

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401 One-Armed Para; or, Borderland Retribution.

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894 White Beaver. the Exile of the P atte.

319 Wild Bill. the Whirlwind of the est.

304 Texas Jack. the Prairie Rattler.

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83 Gold Bullet Snort; or. Knights of the Overland.

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By Leon Lewis, Ned Buntline, etc.

773 Buffalo Bill’s Ban; or. Cody to the Rescue.

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158 Buffalo Bill, Chief of Scouts.

117 Buffalo Bill s Strange Pard: or, Dashing Dandy.
92 Buffalo Bill. the Buckskin King.

BY J w. ‘osnon.

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BY NED BUNTLINB.

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270 Andros. the Rover: or. The Pirate’s Daughter.
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111 The Smuggler-l ‘aptain: or, he Skipper’s Crime.
61 Captain Seawaif. Ihe Privateer.
23 The Red Warrior; or. The Comanche Lover.
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