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_ Copyrighted. 1895. by DEADLE AND ADAMS. ENTERED AS SECOND CLASS MATTER AT THE NEW YORK. N. Y.. l’us’r On‘xcnc.

 

 

__ - N 0 8 9 3 Published Every QBeudZa  ~fildcullo‘, {IQLLOZ LS hers, Ten Cent: a Copy.
f ' ' w°d“°'d"" us WILLIAM STREET, NE w YORK. “ “'00 " Y‘“

 

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Yellow Gid of Dark Divide.

 

 

Yellow [lid of Dark Divide;

on, THE

Miner-Banker’s Death Trump.

BY WM. H. MANNING,

AUTHOR OF "STEVE STARR, run DOCK DE-
TECTIVE,” “PLUNGER PETE," ETC.

 

 

CHAPTER I.
BEFORE THE CALAMITY.

There was an air of expectancy in the
mining town of Climax Claim. The hun-
gry tiger experiences great delight in 'the
anticipation of the feast which he thinks
he sees almost within his grasp. Man is
not wholly free from he instinct of the
tiger; too often he is u mlerfully like the
jungle. boast of prey.

Asher Bradstreet, chief clerk for David
Morrell & Uo., had just come back from
a trip on business matters. Climax Claim
was a town of constantly increasing im-
portance; it already had a generous-sized
population for a. place so young, and there

' was a fast-growing aristocracy therein,
too, but when Asher had first come to Mr.

money in Morrell‘s pocket. As a result,
he had taken Asher into his own house-
hold to live, and there the clerk had re
mained up to the time mentioned.

 

 town, and met Rosamond Morrell, daugh~
if; , ter of his employer, with no idea of what
'- I“ was to follow. _ ‘

It had been the fate of this young man
do admire Miss Momell. Some would
have said he was below her in the social
cute, and had! no right to aspire to more
than an occasional condescending word.
from her; but he was young, and at his
age men do not usually stop to consider
anything but their own feelings when they
admire or are in love.

That they often admire unwisely might
be proven in this instance.

He and Rosamond met on this present
occasion, as has been said. she was calm.
and self-contained, as usual, but in his
manner was an eagerness he could but im-
perfectly repress. Yet he tried togreet herj
without undue emotion. and. conversed

. quietly for a while. He hud'something ito
‘ say, however, and did notilong neglectithe,
chanceA ’ r ,
“Miss ‘, Morten,” he remarked; with
growing eagerness, “I Wish to announce
something to you—something I have. not
yet told to any one." ‘_,   , j.
sue looked politely interested,
u  ’ V. 1.1.-

‘ about to make a ‘

affairs.” ‘

 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
      
     
 

      

   

The ‘ matter-outset   I 1‘ life.
and thc,mter lack of hit“ 
v somewhatdnmpenedwhis ' hut he

or. U
” quickly recovered and‘mmfiohw _ .. ‘

1101' several monthrus'his ‘ ., _ _ I 7
came here I told him Ira _ . it was my
ambition to get an insightintogfthc
ins business, and through c l‘ V "and
start for myself, where-I , 
, strata my ability, :01! 
" brief, rise or'fall on my 0 
, Rosamond simplyl ‘  5w?) ;
.‘ . "And on areggo ng vev _ no. I,” :
 Hei- qgestlon was listless. ifit‘he {had
grown so much absorbed in s-sohject
that he did not heed the indications.  
i . “Yes. I have found the desh'edvnen-
ting at Castle can, and there I am going to
pitch my'tent, as I may say. It ism
' (slough from Ilene, so I shall inno way in-
terfere with Mr. Morrell’s business: in-

  
 
   

y

'.
1‘.

 

,;' Other. I have not yet spoken with him

" ', about this—I preferred to speak with you

first of all." ' f , v

v .. Stronger than ever was his show of
eagerness, but she was impasslve. ‘

. “Do you u h me-‘tO'bi-oak'lt to my

latherl. .I must.  excused, for I
or; meddle mafia, podium-9‘

    
 

 
    

)

Morrell’s service there had been less of .

Having been away, the clerk knew noth- ‘
lug of the expectancy felt by so many in '

2" h “H V"

“I have now been withébi' 

i once; f

deed, I think we maybe useful to each,

 

“No, no, Miss Morroll; that is not it. I
thought-1’

He hesitated. Il'is expression had grown
more grave, and a doubt was pictured in
his face. llc added, slowly:

"l thought you might possibly like to
learn of my prospective advance in. life."

" Why, of (-ourwl I trust you will do
quite. Well." and the young woman turned
to the window to arrange a floWer to her

her in mute dismay. Gone, was his eager-
ness, and he did not break the silence
which ensued. Either he was in error. or
he had reason to expect a different re
ception.

“Do you remain Willi us long?” serene—
ly asked Rosamond.

“ I don’t, know." he. respondwl, gloomily,
“and I judge you don’t care!"

" Of course it is a matter betwwn you
‘ and my father."

" No more?”

” What more should it. be?"

A resentful reply trmubled on his lips.
but he did not give the words breath. In-
stead, he made a final effort in another
way.

“i thought you might be intmrested,
Miss Morreli."

“ So I am.” she declared, calmly.
“Father has always spoken of you as a.
faithful cmployc, and for you, as. such,

, we shall always have a kind regard.”

Asher’s fine face flushed.

"As you would for a. bonny-servant, I
suppose?”

“Pardon me, I did not say so.”

“Miss Mort-ell, have I not a right to
expect some personal interest on your
part ’2” he asked, bluntly.

“ A right?" she repeated, frowning.

“The word was injudiciously chosen,
but you know Who-t I mean.”

“ Excuse me; I do not.” ‘

Rosamond faced. him haughtily. Her
{glen and expression were far from. amia-

e. .

“ You have called yourself my friend—”

“ We were inmates of the same house.
Would you have me quarrel with you? If
I have been civil. does that give you any
‘rights’ which the most casual acquaint-
ance does not possess?) ‘ , ,

If, the Words had {been capable of any
misconstrnction, her manner was not. He
had come back full of his new project,
,not only because :he was ambitious, but
that he had hoped-Rosamond would be
'interestedln it, and,“soovner or later, would
have more thana passing interest in what
concerned him. Nowhe had been met
with a rebuff he could not overlook.

x His desire, to pour out, his new scheme
In detail vanished. He did not yet feel
the bitterness which might come later; for

'. Ithgsimple. reason that he could not realize
i ;thewhole truth. He wanted to be alone, .
* to study upon- the situation, and reason

out the secret of achange'not to be com-
prehended at first view. " ~
There was nothing. to hinder him in.
.this. Rosamond .did' not’ask him to re»,
.maln. and he was soon in his own room.

,coloréd man of the  of Junius Green.
The hitterhad mnys’liked Asher, and he
followed “the young man to. the room at
On this occasion he was not wei-
come, for he interfered with ,Ashei’s plan
of beingnlonerbngas he would not long
.be in the way, the young clerk did [not

. send" him‘nway‘. '

“ :0! course you want to know the news.

delay. _ “’1‘. ,herels a pile of it new“ sah.
We’ve got a real live count here, sahl"
yqubiat?!’ ‘ - V‘  . ‘  -.
"A.  nah—a  count, sch."
5“Whm'els i", W I ,
“Ifreckon is outgtor a walkfnow.
though it's powerful odd that Miss Rosa-

mond let himvgo alone."  I

"How‘so?’ ,, I  /" 
‘ “Wal, sinoelhe’s ' .n' here they've been
together most of tho"-time,.sah——generany
' take their walks together, you see.” ‘
~ “ h’!” Asher began to suspect hedld

a jgood deal: of light, on any change in

 

Rosamond's manner ~ Junius‘rcsumed
I do ' lbut‘

liking, while Asher Bradstreet regarle-

Among. the household-servants was oi

as usual,” remarked Juulus, without much.

    

see. Mention of the count seemed-to shed]

pears to me we may get, the count for
good—or bad. If Miss Rosamond is as
much mashed on him as she seems to be,
I reckon she’ll land her iishi”

Aslier’s back was toward the servant,
and he kept it there as he inquired in a.
low voice:

“ Do you really mean this, J unius‘!"

“ iertain, sah! You see, this man come
to town, and somehow he got a grip outfit
my master and mistress—it. was her he
met first, and she who Iirst brought him
to the house—and since then he's had
pretty smooth sailing. Miss Rosamond is
all gone on him, and the. old master isn’t
saying a. word against it all.”

" Who is the noble gentleman?"

“His name is Louis Level-c, Count of
Something-i>1'-other, I forget what. He's
a guest of the house here now, you see.”

Yes, Asher saw. Through all his love for
Rosamond he had btt‘ll aware that she
was weak, selfish and uncertain. At times
his better judgment had told him to ferget
her, but he had not. been able to resist.
the charm of her presence.

Now, what Junius had told him. to-
gether with what he had seen in ltosa-
moud herself, revealed the truth as plain-
ly as he could wish.

The title of the foreigner had carried

‘ the girl’s wits away, as many a girl had
i been bewitched before.
, Junius had more to tell, but at that
'moment there was a knock at the door
. and another servant appeared. She bore,
ja note which she proceeded to hand to
,Asher. He received it quickly. and as
quickly opened the envelope. The con-
tents were a surprise. Only a few lines
- of writng wereflhere, and that little was
i in. these words:

“ Mr. Asher Bradstreet—You will please
pardon me-vfor addressing you, since you

best of reasons why I should write this.
Further than this I cannot say, but 11'
you. will come immediately to the,house
where I live-Mr. Mowbmy’s—I will prove
to you. that I am not talking idly. If you
value your future happiness, do not neg-
lect to answer the call. Come. and I
will prove all I assert. -

“ HELEX CHESTER."

Asher remained looking at the note in
wonder. He had no acquaintance with
the writer, although he knew of her as a.
young lady who resided in the town. ,

What she could have to tell him he,
could not imagine. ' .

¢ hewas not one to ‘refuse notice tosuch‘ a.

thing. He put the note sorely away in

his pocket. i ~
"‘I’m going out now.’ Juuius,” he re-

' marked. “I’ll see you later on,”

“But I've got more tor tell you, 83h: I

'wnntto say that—3'  ,

.“YOu. cw_gaw'jt-fimen we meet again.”
Asher,;mfl;ed* out of the room without
information, untold. Straight to Mow-
bray's house the young man went, and
‘was gratified to catch sight of Helen at
the window. He was not to be kept wait-
ing. it deemed. He applied at the door,
and was soon in the arlor. There he
was speedily joined by' elen Chester.

She was a girl or about twenty years

now. She had a fine form and face, and
[her expression bespokfei a clear conscience.
and. honest, . straigh‘ orward nature.
 m r
m . .

 

CHAPTER II.
Asher‘rwns not kept ‘iu suspense. ‘When

a partof her nature.
“I need not ask >
my note,” she began. “forthe fact that
you are here prayes you have it:
course it is a great surprisegto'you. but I
think \I can so explaindt that y will not

    

 

‘ objectto t’he ca1.'- ,\ ..

“f‘Ia are  yell

are a stranger to me. but there are the»

more ceremony, leaving Junius with .his,

run wAnme. _' .‘ ' .,

if you have received.
,, of,

The call was imperative, however, and V '

and decidedly pretty. He never had been ’
given the, chance to notice this; fully in g _
. the past, but, the fact, dawned upon him 

what could she Wan? 0f_,_

Helen had formally greeted him she came ,_ V
i to the point-with.o,'frsnkness which was 

2.2%?“

an 0*

 

stavgk“  ~‘: ‘

 

      
     
     
       
       
     
         
     
       
     
     
   
     
       
         
         
       
       
     
       
       
    
  
   

 

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Mathew" "~ I W'Wl’t‘m'tmh

 

 
   

 

‘ do not know who did the deed, really, or
V'where Harmer Gath was when it was

‘ ested in this matter?” he asked. .

, ,- Asher started

 

 

'ing objection," he replied, promptly. “An
attractive lady—"

“ \Vait," she interrupted, gravely. "I
do not refuse to give a man his privilege
of saying rallault things, but to you this
is not the time for the saying. it is a time.
of grave concern, since I unwillingly, but
with the best of intentions, bring you ill
tidings.”

“ Of what nature

“Have you heard the news since you
came home?”

Asher thought of Rosamond, but could
see no reason why a stranger should call
him to reveal what concerned only him.
self, and especially since he was not aware
that his fancy for Morrell’s daughter was
public property. So he answered readily:

“ I have heard no news."

“Do you remember that an atrocious
murder was done on the mountain side
just before you left town?"

“ Yes."

“ Has it not been mentioned to you since.
you arrived home?"

“No. I have not had opportunity to
converse with any one to any extent.
Has the murderer been discovered?"

A cloud passed over Helen’s face, a look

something like pity, too.
f “ If you had talked with the people
here you would have learned that they
think they have the clew—onc but; just
discovered—and that immediate measures
.are to be taken to find and arrest him.
All this you would have learned from the
common folk of the town, for it is gen-
erally known, and upon every one rests
that air of nervous suspense which goes
with a great step not yet taken. I did not
call you here to tell you of this, foraany
one would have told you. I have more to
make known-something which but few
know, and something you ought to know
at once.”

Asher had grown anxious. Vague as
the warning yet was, he had conceived a
fear which rested heavily upon him.

“What is it?" hedemanded, quickly

“ Not overten persons in all the town of
Climax Claim know who is to be sought
for as the possible assassin. I am one of
the few. The lea ers of the town have
tried to keep ther movements and sus-
picions secret, but the facts came to me,
nevertheless. I know whom they seek
to arrest." ' ,

“Who is it?” almost imperiously.

“Harmer Goth.”

She looked at 'him pltyingly as she
spoke, and that she had not miscalculuted
the force of the revelation was quickly
seen. His face paled, and over it came
a startled expression.

“ Harmer Gath,” he repeated, in a wills.
per, “he judged as the assassin?” '

“That is what they will try to prove."

“‘ But he is not guilty.” ‘

“ If you can prove that, the sooner you
do it the better. "The searchers are not
going with any good will in their hearts,
and as they expect Harmer to resist ar-
rest, your time to save him is before they
find him.” .

The intimation was plain to Asher. The
warning meant that Gath was expected
to resist amt, and. might be killed in the
fight which was certain to follow.

“How can I prove it?" he replied. “I

g"

done. I cannot prove it." I ,

“Well, I thought you might like to
know of the matter before it. was too late.
'1‘1e leaders are going to kce 'their plans

. and suspicions sscre't from al . “They will

go with their party, and no one will be
aware of their destination—not even the
men who follow their lead. When. they
start it will, perhaps, be too late for you
to do any good.” I v -
'Asher appeared ,duzed for a time, but
suddenly he turned to Helen: ‘ '
“Why should you suppose I am inter-

' “ Because,” she steadily replied, “I kn

you!” \ i

" Know me? What do you mean i”

" “ Simply that you are, Gideon Goth!”

‘ . His gaze upon his com-

m ntgnee, and he was slow in
“ Atlafithe united: ;,'

    

Yellow Grid of Dark Divide.

“ Who is Gideon Goth?"

“ The son of llarmer Gath."

“ And you say I am that. son?"
“Yes; i know it to be so."

“ Who has been telling that story
abroa (l 2’"
“ No one. I think I may safely say that

I am the only person but. yourself in all
Climax Claim who is aware of the fact.
I I'Naognized you as Soon as you came.
The yellow-hairixl son of Hunter Gath is
well known, or was, in a certain way.
Nobody could claim actual acipiainltance
with him, but his fame was widespread.
You came here with black hair. I had
seen you once before, and I knew you at
once. No one else did, It seems. All the
while you have been in town 1 have seen
you daily, yet we never have been intro
duced, nor have we spoken until tonight.
Your secret was mine, and l reveahxl it
to nobody. Now, you will see why I slun-
moned you hero. 1 could tell you what no
one else Would who could: I could tell you
it‘hat Harmer lath has bmn-suspectml of
the murder, simply on general principles."

“He is not guilty." exclaimed Asher“

“You say you cannot prove it.’ ' ‘

“ I cannot.”

“Then the best thing you can do is to
warn him and get him out of the reach of
danger."

“I know not where to find him."

“Your chances are as good as those of
the other searchers.”

“True, true!"

The speaker's face lighted up somewhat,
and he manifestly grew more hopeful.
Then he looked fixedly at Helen once
more.

i “I do not admit that I am Gideon
Gath,” he. remarked. "but if you believed
me to be him, why have you never told the
people? They would be glad to know
that one of the family of the man they
see. fit to call the Vandal was among
them, so they could drive him out of the

' company of those he might contaminate.”

“The people can- form their own Judg-
ments and make their own discoveries. I
am not their spy, nor do I see fit to con-
demn any one unless I know he is de-
serving of condemnation. I see no rea-
son why a man earning an honest living
isth’ould not be permitted to go on and earn
h Aslher impulsively took the speaker’s

ant.

“Miss Chester, your sentiments do you
great honor. and in the name of Gideon
Gath, dishonored, condemned unheard,

, and marked for sacrifice without cause, I
thank you.”

She did not reply, but smiled into his
face in a friendly way which might have
aroused his thoughts at another time. ‘

Now he had something else to occupy
his attention, and when he had assured
himself that Helenhad told all she knew,
he did not linger at the house. Thanking
her appropriately, he departed, heavily
burdened with anxiety.

one of the minor employes of the
lug firm of David Mom-ell & Co.

“Mr. Moi-rail would like to see. you at
once." the employe announced. “He
heard you were back, and Sent Inc-to find
you.”

The messenger passed on. Asher mediv
tnted for a moment. He was at a loss, to
know what could he wanted of him. but he
had no notion of avoiding the meeting. He
proceeded to Morrell's ofllce, and found
that gentleman at the desk. ,

David Mort-ell had been a lucky miner.
and when be accumulated wealth he had
branched out in his present line with equal
,su ,ess. By command of his daughter he
mover referred to the time when he had
wielded pick and spade himself. That
life he had left behind. , . , -'

Certain other things he could not leave.

bank-

.the skin on his face. , ‘ ,

“Hullo, Brad! So you’ve shown up?"
was his greeting. “What in thunder have
you been doing all this while‘L What do I
pay you for? Never mind, though, as long
as you're here now.; (.1

 

 

    
   

 

 

While yet deep in meditation, he met‘

He had been ignorant, grasping, low and ‘
. mean, and those qualities clung to him like -

  
     
  
  
  
  
   
    
  
   
 
   
   
   
   
  
  
   
    
   
 
  
    
 
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
  
   
    
  
  
   
     
    
   
  
    
  
  
    
  
   
  
   
    
         
       
     
         
       
       
     
     
     
     
     
         
    
   
         
  
 

3

 

Asher managed to smile.

"What. kind of fun?"

“Man—huntin', by thunder!“
blunt explanation.

Asher clinched his hands tightly.

" Do you mean you are going to hunt. a
man 1'"

" What else should I mean? Yes; that’s
it, my boy! Times have changed at Cli—
max Claim. They've, changed twice since
I tirst. struck here. At first, a illtlll-llLlll‘.
was no novelty, for we had the rmkiest
gang around us that ever man did see.
Now, we're back to original principles. A
man-hunt is on again, an’ old times are at:
the fore. Sit down, and I'll tell you a lit-
tle story.

“ We‘ve had road-agents of the good, old,
genuine sort in our day,11u' the Worst we
ever had was one Harmer (lath. He was
a corker! 1 don’t mean he was especially
bloodthirsty, for he didn’t kill so many as
some men that we allowed to be on. earth
much less time; but Harmer proved to be
the most slippery customer we ever ran
up ag'in‘.

" We set traps fer him same as we. did
for others of his sort, but I‘ll be hanged
of he would run into them. in a word, he
was so devilish cunnin' we could never
trap him.

“ Time rolled on; we grew in numbers
here, an' road—agent work was not what it
was of old. We hung so many of them up
by the neckthat we dazed them a bit.

“ Candor compels me to say I don‘t sup-
pose we dazed old Gath a fraction. but he
tinally ceased to operate. It was long be—
fore we knew the reason, but it seems one
of the tenderfeet really got in his work"
an' put a bullet into Harmer which laid
him up in his den fer a few months.

“ When he got about he. withdrew from
active life. He was about sixty-five years
old, and probably he laid up enough by his
honest toil-un’ toll—~to live in comfort. ..
Anyhow, for the last five years we have '
never had trouble with Goth.

“ He did not desert us in the meanwhile.
Oh. no! He stuck to his mountain home,
1111', though he did no robbin’, we used to
see him an’ his brood at intervals. We
made several etforts to find him after he
let up on robbin’, but he was the same
wily old Goth and nothin' come of it. ' '

“I have mentioned his brood.’ This
means he had a family. There was a wife '
at one time, but she got out of sight in
some way. and we suppose she died; and
there were two children, a. boy and a girl. ‘

“ These kids grow up in the. mountains.
Nothing in particular is known of them.
except that the boy's name is Gideon, and.
that bothEWere as wild as the mountain.
eagles. ‘ r

“ Travelers-in the hills of Dark Divide
used to see the two children dangling
from the face of steep cliffs like mountain
sheep, swinging from places none 0’ us
would dare- venture into, but apparently
aistosafe for them as any spot in the Ter-

was the

“ We used to call old Harmer the Van-
dal, and the'youngsters were worthy of
such parentage. ,I could go on. for an our
about them, but it is not with them that I
have to deal: enough that they were the
wonder of the town with their reckless
disregard of life, in which they never had‘
the least. mishap, as for as we know. '

"That's been the situation for some "
years. durin' which the children lievf
growed u or died, ,We don’t know which.
We-see t em no more, an’ only an occa‘.
signal glimpse has let us know 01d Harmer '
is still on deck. He keeps at the old stand.
but doesblz in unimproved way. I can’t,
say of it's a way more calculated to keep .,
up public morals an? honesty. “ i‘ _ l .

“Jest. where his den is nobody knows, .
;but we’re goin’ tel-make a strong brace .
a ter‘nnd out. We: want (lath for murder!" 5

. CHAPTER III.
YELLow GID'S MISSION. ,
'Ash‘or Bradstreet had not been called.
upon to say any-thing, thus far, and though
what he had, heard had been painful to» ‘
listen to, he had also been given time to

 his composure. * .

  

 

  
   
   

  
      

 

   

 

 

fie'wn'preparod to not his pal- witho
s. -~ ’ V A

 
   

   

4

Yellow Gid of Dark Divide.

 

 

“Whom has Garth murdered?” he in-
quired, can-elossly.

“You know the man who was killed a
few days before you went off on your
business trip? Well, we think old (lath
did it."

“ What is the proof '2"

“ None. We’re goin’ ter seize Goth on
suspicion an' look fer proof afterward.”

“Suppose the people should rise, once
you get him here, and lynch him?"

“ ’lhat Would mean no more sutferin’ fer
Banner Gatli."

“ But, if he is innocent?"

“Then the lynchin’ will pay off old
scores. Mind you, I’m not goin' for ad-
vise lynchin’, but of it goes that way, why.
I am’t goin‘ ter be ter blame, am I? I
rmncmber the many thle Gath has emp—
tied my own pockets by stealin’ my gold
on its way East.”

“ You say that Gath has been living a
quiet life for some time—~"

” Yes, but it's the same old Gath. We‘re
goin’ ter gobble him, anyhow. It will be
worth the plunder to parade him. an’. his
tribe on exhibition. Thunder! but them
two children were oorkers to look, at!
Both had hair as yellow as gold, long an’
wild. Yellow Gid, We called the boy, an’
the name titted ,well. They ought to bring
a fancy price if on exhibition.”

“ Suppose the old man resists '1"

“ We go to get him, dead or alive!” re-
turned Mort-ell, closing his teeth after the
remark with mastit'f-like determination.

“And the girl? What will become of
her?"

“Oh, we won’t let such a beauty suf-
fer," and the banker grinned broadly.
"She’ll find admirers enough in the town”

Asher’s eyes glittered with sudden fire,
but he was saved the trouble of reply.
Morrell had become lost in reminiscences,
and suddenly remembered he had business
to transact. ‘

'.‘ Brad, you know something of mount-
ain life. Suppose you take charge of one
of the three search divisions 'we propose
to form?" ,

“ I don’t fancy man—hunting,” promptly
returned the clerk.

“ Pshaw! these Gath barbarians are only,
animals anyhow!" '

“ They are human beings.”

“I doubt it. Ef they be, they won’t
remain so long. Your notion of the lynch-
ors is about correct. Once let the people
suspect the old road-agent. is. on deck in
this toWn. an’ I wouldn’t give a rap for
his life. That’s straight!"

“But his daughter—”

“A Vandal‘s child! Let her take her
chances with her kind!”

Asher longed to take David Morrell by
the throat and seek vengeance on him
then and there, but he conquered the im-
pulse and managed to reply coolly:

, ‘,‘ I shall have to ask to be counted out.
I am tired and weary, and a tramp over
I yonder mountain would be more than I
,am willing to undertake. Frankly, my
conscience is not bigger than a barn, but
I am not a man-hunter for fun or profit.”

The speaker expected Morrell to resent
the refusal, but such was not the case.
The latter was not, disposed to add an un-

~ willing member, and. he accepted the re-
fusal in a matter-of-fact way, only re
questing that Asher should not spread the
V fact of the contemplated movement.

“ I don't suppose any one in town is a
friend of the Vandal,” he’ explained, “but
we can’t be too cautious.” v

 Asher promised. and then went‘ away.
 ,He met, men on the street with whom he
" hag become friendly since he located in
« ax Claim, but now did not allow them
.v to delay him. As soon as possible he got
to hisown‘ room and lock the door.
This did not mean he was, going to stay
. there. under such circumstances. all night.
, for there was work ahead of him. Mon-ell
had explained that the party. to arrest
or Gath was to start some time be-
fore daybreak, in order to be well up on
.the mountain side before light would ens
_‘abie the Vandal to see their advance.
 This made it necessary for Asher‘to
start ahead of them. especially, as he had
 definite idea of whore “Harmer Goth
 his daughtw were-gobs? found. 

 

.a deep igh.

‘ range

 

When old Harmer ceased to operate on
the read he had not deceived himself with
the notion that he was to be free from,
danger, :md though he led a law-abiding
existence, he made it a point to shift his
quarters frequently to avoid all possibility
of surprise and capture.

Since his coming to the town. Asher had
not seen his kinspeople often, and when he
did see them it was by means of a regular
system. He would leave a note at a point
where he knew his father or sister—for he
was, in truth, Gideon (lath—Would find it
in a few (lays at the most, and by this
scheme of giving them due warning, he
could be informed just where they were
to be found when, wanted.

, Now he did not know, and it was a mat-
ter of doubt whether his acquaintance with
their habits would aid him at all in the
effort to reach and warn them before their
enemies reached them.

He did not start at once. He had much
to think of. and was at that time thor-
oughly wretched. He had returned to
Climax Claim with high hopes in his
heart. His mind had dWclt chiefly upon
Rosamond Morreli. After a hard struggle
he had seen his busineSs plans in a way
of being crowned with success; where-
upon all his thoughts had turned to Rosa-
mond and the hope that she would share
his fortunes. There had been nothing to
show that trouble menaeed his relatives.

\V'hat a'cllange a few hours had made!

Not yet could he fully realize the extent
of the double calamity.

“My father was right,” he exclaimed.
“ It was useless for one with my blood to
dream of honorable life! Why didn’t I
take his sarcastic advice and adopt the
calling of stage-robber?"

It was the outburst of a moment of bit—
terness, for it was not meant, but in that
period of sorrow he felt, as many lmd

done before him, how futile human effort

was when all fate and the world were
working on the other side.

"“Good-by, Rosamond,” he murmured,
presently. “Now that I know you as you
are, I would not rob your count of you,
but the wounds of pride do not yield so
quickly to reason as they might. Good-by
forever! Yet, there is no good-by to the
sting! It remains! it hovers near to mock
and jibe! But you and I are done. After

a while the sting will go, too. 1 believe‘I .

shal'l’then—mate you; despise and spam
you.‘

Half-musingly, yet with a measure of
passion, was the prophecy made. It was
the last time in his eventful career that
Asher Bradstreet put evidence of weak-
ness in words for Rosamond Morrell.

Quickly his thoughts turned to more
ominous matters.

“ My father and sister,” he added, with
“My wayward, erring father!
—my pure, innocent and loving sister! In
his old age and bodily weakness the one
is to be hunted like a dog for a crime I’ll

swear he never did; in that era of her life

when womanhood is opening before her
like a vast plain, when the things that
wounded in childhood will wound the
deeper, my poor Bianca must suffer—
what.? I, dare not imagine. Imagine?
No! This is a time for action. not for
idle dreaming! To work, to, work!” .
From his trunk he took a suit of clothes
such as he never had worn openl in Oil-
max Claim. Plain and coarse wa the ma-
terial, and fitted for the plan. he had in
mind—for roughlabor on the Dark Divide

He made the change, and then from this
trunk he took a pair of handsome revolv-
ers and a bright knife. The latter he ran
down his back with the skill of one tic--
customed to the weapon’s use. Something
of this occurred to himself, then, and he
smiled bitterly.‘ - .

“ Yellow (lid is still capable of exhi it-
ing his skill as a climber of cliffs. ‘ e
may prove what he nevor has shown these
accumed. townspeople—that he can use
weapons as well as play the gymnast of
the face of the cragsi, Heaven alone
knows what the coming menty7four hours

‘will bring forth!” ‘ .
,  Bgthis time the hour was past nine. and
' if

no‘more to do there, and no

   

reason for delaying, he left the house at
once. On the way he had a glimpse of
Rosamond, but did not attempt to speak
to her.

Since he was dressed as he was, he so
governed his movements as to avoid all
observation. He was not even sure that
caution. was any longer necessary. for the
next few hours might make all the town
aware of his identity—that he was the Yel-
low (lid of the Gath family, and would
stand no higher in consideration than old
Harmer himself, but due care must not be
neglected now.

Asher was not long in passing the town's
limits. After that the wild mountain lay
before him.

The history of that mountain might well
be said to be that of Harmer (lath. He
had been 'on the scene almost as soon as
the gold diggers, and none of the latter
had acquired the renown of the outlaw.

Not onee had he been captured. Some

there were who really believed that he
was under the protection of an evil spirit
that cared for him at all seasons; but, be
that as it might, he had been a sort of
uncanny mystery to all. As the eagle is
seen going to its eyrie, so was the Vandal
seen on Dark Divide, but, unlike the
winged king. no one could find the eyric of
the lawless man. ‘
i Into this region, where rocks, erratic bits
of timber and chasms of all sizes held
wild carnival, hastened the son of Humor
Gath this night.

He went up the ascent with the old free-

dom and agility of movement. and though
he did not dangle from the cliffs, as he had
been seen to do in boyhood, it Would have
troubled the men of the town to keep any-
where in sight of him had they been along.

First of all, he made for the spot where
he and his sister, Bian -' , hadvbeen in the
habit of leaving letters for each other
since he took up his abode in town. He
did not expect any there, for he had re-
turned from his trip sooner than he had
planned, but he still hoped to find some-
thing.

There was nothing, and he was left
wholly in the dark as to where he should
look for theta. There were many caves
and valleys in the range, but, though he
knew them all, he could not even surmise
where Harmer Goth might then be living.

'He might be twenty miles to the east,
or the same distance to the west; or to the
north, or anywhere within the limits of
the wide and wild area thus indicated.

Asher was a man of undaunted courage,
but the prospect worried him. Could. he
hope to save his father and sister?

Then he grew more hopeful. Harmer
Gath had evaded the enemy for many
years; perhaps he could still' evade-«hem
even if he had no warning of their'com-
ring. though several years of peace had,
perhaps, put him off his guard.

Asher sighed.

“I fear it all depends upon me. My
father is old and feeble, now. He hasno
reason- to expect this attack. May fortune
bless my efforts in the case! If it does
not, where is there one grain of hope?”

 

CHAPTER IV. ’ ‘
CONCERNING THE OUTLAW’S DAUGHTER.

" One of the leading young men of Cli-
max was Allen Graham. Ten years he

schoolmaster of the town. .‘The professor,
as he was called, had always been the
educational center from that time. As
his son Allenvhad grown up unusual re-
spect attached to his name, and he was
deservedly popular, for his own merits.

As he was but little older than she, they

‘ had been. companions from theirchild—

hood, but not especiallly intimate.
Long acquaintance had made Allen

had never been the least trouble' between
ing much at theMorrell house. ‘ " ,

They always met in v a friendly way,
however. After some trivial talk he came

 

to the subject of his visit
. , . ,

fore, his father had come there as the. '

On this evening Rosamond Morrcll was"
surprised to receive a visit from Allen. .

aware that Rosamond was not the kind of - LY
a‘person he could admire, and while there'

them, he had not been in the habit of call~‘ ._

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   
 

“Si-h
__ rm.» m.’

é‘d‘r'fl was: '

 

 

. we, 9,1; -'

 

 

  

 

 

 

,‘ter? No; most'decidedly, not

Yellow Gid of Dark Divide. ‘  x

5

 

 

“ Do you know of the work planned for
this night. Rosamond?"

"i know the men are going in search of
the slayer of the last man killed in town."

“Do you know whom they are going
after?"

"Not more definitely than I have said."

“The man is old ilarmer (lath!"

“ Ah! It's just like him to have lllili‘-
dered somebody. I suppose. you are going
along?"

“I suppose I'm not!" Allen
“Do you know there isn’t an
proof against Goth?"

" Well. he‘s got a bad name.”

“Should he be condemned on
Count?"

“ I suppose not."

Rosamond was indifferent, but Allen i‘e
vealed in various ways that lie was very
much interested.

“Miss Mort-ell. it was your father who
first suggested the advisability of taking
old Harmer in on suspicion. Now, as i
said before, there isn‘t an atom of prooi'
against him; the ex—rmid-ageut has lived
a peaceful and retired life for six or eight
years, and I regard it as unjust to dis-
turb him for what he did not do."

“ What of it? Such low wretches ueVer
reform. Why not send him to the lynch-
ers, where he ought to have been long
ago?"

She spoke impatiently, and was evident—
ly tired of the subject, but Allen remained
devoted to his idea.

" Would you have him suffer for an-
other‘s crime?" '

“ What have i to do with it, anyhow?"

“Just this: Your father is the moving
spirit in the plan. You have great influ-
ence with him. and can save Gath. if you
will. Now. i ask you to remember that
whatever wer) once Gath’s shortcomings,
he has reformed, and that he is not alone
in the mountains. He has a daughter.
Think of her. and act for the sake of a.
sister woman. if not for any other object.”

“ If you're in love with Guth‘s girl, look
after her yourself!" retorted Rosamond,
sharply.

“It so happens that she has not made
acquaintance in this town. She lives
only at Dark Divide. You and I have not
had that region on our visiting lists, so
we can know but little about it. Let us
remember. though, that she is a woman,
and, unlike Harmer Goth, is young. 1
fancy her father a grim old man, who
would care but little whether he ever saw
another sun rise. She is young—” '

“And an outlaw’s daughter!”

“ Did you ever hear ill of her?”

"I am not her biographer.”

“So you refuse your aid?"

“ What do you want?”

“ Induce your father to change his pur-

59—”

“ And all for a wretched outlaw's daugh-
I don’t
think you know what you are talking
about. If you don’t, I do! I positively re:
fuse to do anything of the sort.”

There was no mistaking the decision,
and Allen felt that it would be a waste
of words’to try and change her verdict.
He was disappointed, but not surprised.
Knowing her as he did, he had expected
such a result when he came.

'Ilie young woman made a faint effort

retorted.
atom of

that no

, to smooth over her refusal, but coupled

it with the declaration that she was sur-
prised at his assurance at asking any-
thing of the sort of her. ,

He did not care whether she was or
not, and left the house in a mood for from
amiable. He walked thought‘ully down the
street, and was thus progressing when he
was accosted by a stout, rough-looking

. rum, who might have been a member of

any of the rude trades of the West, or n.1-
most anything else.
If he had been carved out of a knot, or

some uch material, he would have looked

pretty much ashe did now. His face was,
rough and coarse, and seamed by scars
which might have 'cau‘sed prejudice
against him in the East, but which
passed without particultir comment in the
egion about Dark Divide.

, ,  ’seen him around the ‘town,
but neverhad spawn with him, or, in

v

  

 

deed, known anything in particular about
him. lie now opened conversation at
t)ll(‘t‘.

“ Young feller, be you in it?“ was his
abrupt question. '

“ in it?" Allen repeated, somewhat
blankly. " I fail to understand you."

“ Easy as t’allin’ oil a log. You an‘ me
ain‘t in the same class. but. that" are some
things we hev’ a common interest in. Eh?"

“ if you have a meaning you'll have to
make it clearer. I fail to catch on. Come
to the point!"

“ (ioin‘ up on Dark Divide?" asked the
rough citizen, with a. twinkle in his eyes.

Allen made a guilty start; then tried to
bluff the matter ofi’.

“Why in the world should i go there?"

“Young feller, you an’ me ought it 1' 11M"
a bit 0' a talk. i'll give my atliilavy \\ e
kin make it interestin’ fer each other, an’
of you don't take no stock in my says),
jest you give me ten minutes ter whisper
to ye. l‘il convince you. or forfeit the
high reputation possessed by old Peter
Potts, I'm him!"

" (to on!"

“ You don‘t look like a man who would
do much work as a nat'ralist, 21‘ some
folks call them who dig among rocks an‘
plants for what they kin iind, but: you
may hev’ done a bit at it. Did ye ever
iind any nice specimens up on the mount-
ain, thar?"

Peter Potts extended his hand and in-
dicated the highest peaks of Dark Divide,
one would say. Allen could not avoid an-
other slight start. He answered coolly
enough, however. -

“I know nothing about the region you
refer to, my good man."

Peter's grim face did not change.

"If I’d been a Sunday school boy I
know I should not lie as you do; it would
be ag‘in’ my principles. Never found no
nice specimen up there, did ye?—~no spec-
imen with yeller hair an’ blue. eyes. eh?
Oh, no! You never found nothin’ o' the
sort!‘

Pete.— Potts did not laugh, but he made
a certain kind of a. sound which. mys-
terious in itself, seemed to the listener
like a grim and not unfriendly chuckle.

“Tell me plainly what you mean!” A].
len requested.

“1 menu that you kin tell more about
Harmer Gath’s daughter, of not about
Harmer, than most men in town would
suppose!" ‘

The answer was plain enough, and Allen
felt his face flush. He was not ashamed
of anything he had done, but it was not
pleasant to see that what he had supposed
was his own secret had, at least one out-
sider as a possessor.

"I asked you to talk plainly," he re-
monstrated. v I '

“Bless you, of I ain’t done so I will.
I happen ter know you hev' put in ye‘r
time ter profit, this season. I can’t say
how you got startcd,‘but you did get a
move on, somehow. an’ the result of it all
was you hev’ seen Harmer Ga‘th’s girl
right along regular.

f‘ Now, hold on, young teller; I don‘t
know ez thnr’ is anything out o’ the way
in that. She’s ez pretty :1 a peach, the
gal is; an’ I allow you’d be a fool of you
didn’t improve ye’r chances. ~I wouldn’t
say that ef I didn’t think you meant her
right straight and well. _Thar' is some
men who' don’t care a rap! fer the feelinfs
0‘ those who hev' been placed below them
in the social scale,.an’ they only think '0’
their own selfish ends. , I

“I don‘t know whether you are. a saint
or a sinner, an' I confess I don‘t mm a

rap, except ez concerns Bianca Gath; but

she’s a good one, she is; and I wouldn’t
look on her on your, friend of i didn‘t “think
yen was all right, just as they make
’em. ‘
“Now, don’t think I’m no tell-tale or
spy. for I ain’t. I ain't even a friend 0’
Harmer Gath‘s, for I ain‘t never had no
dealln’ with him; but I'm a man, who in:
his eyes open an’ seesa good many thi gs
others don’t see. ‘
, “I’ve seen you an’ Bianca wolkin’ to-
gether, an’ seen that you an’ her walked

‘ with yefr whoielives in the work. .I guess

I donft hit wide '0’, theva when-I

  

 

you an' she is dead in low» with ealzh
otihei'.

“ Hold on, young teller, hear me out!

“Now. you're interested in her. an' 1'“
say ter you that she an’ her whole t‘am’ly
is in big danger. Mighty few friends
hev‘ they t'er save them from what: others
may mark out t'er them; an' it behooves
them t’ew tot“ be up an' doin‘. Re. you
one o' them, or is the interest you've prov
fessed in her only a blinding?”

l’eter Potts came to the. point not only
with words, but his manner had a direct-
ness not to be iiiisuiulerstomi. Whether
he was sincere was a. ditferent thing. and
one which was of more than passing in-
terest to the object of his address.

All he had said about Allen and Bianca.
was true, but not for a good deal would
the young man have it made public.
'l‘roubled and uncertain, he resorted to de-
lay.

 Yon have asserted certain things. How
do you know anything of the sort ever
occurred '3"

“ Seed it with my own eyes!" placidly
replied Peter. 1

" Are. you sure it was 1—"

“Now, say, don't!" Potts earnestly re-
quested. “Ef you won’t hev' no part 0'
me. say so an' e done with it: but don't.
make a. fool 0' me an' ye‘rselt’. both. I
know what I say, an' I ain't tryin' ter put
you in no trap. I ain’t ye’r enemy, young
feller.” ‘ -

“I’ll trust you, Mr. Potts." Allen de-
cided. “ The time is one when the friends
of H:u‘mer Gath 811011111 rally to hi..- sup
port, and if we are such, We have a call
in the case which We cannot overlook. I
suppose you know him well?"

“ Not an atom. I don’t know him 110':
Bianca, but I hev' seen her, and it suits
my fancy ter save her of I kin. I think I
kin tell a pretty girl when I see one."

“Is that why you wish to aid her?"

Peter made an impatient gesture.

“Don’t be foolish!"

“ Or is ther some truth in the old story
which some one once whispered to me
that you have seen a. 'bit of' road-agent
life yourself?”

“Ef anybody told you that,” retorted.
Potts, coolly, "he could hev’ made a good '
liviu’ by mindin' his own business."

“ We will not quarrel over small things,
sir. How can we save Bianca Gnth from
her danger?"

“ By fludi'n’ her! Ef you know Dark Di-
vidc, an’ the habits of old Harmer,‘as you
ought, you are doubtless aware it is no
easy thing ter say where father an’ daught-
ter are in camp. Gath is‘wary, of he has
been out o’ sight as a ' road-agent fer
many years, an’ he has made his home in
one place this week, an’ another the next
week. Whar’s his den just at this Junct—
m.e?n l _ : .

Allen looked up toward the long, som-
ber line which marked the area of Dark '
Divide. ,
‘ Truly, it was a tangled land, and it
would he no simple task to locate the. Ia-
thor and daughter. ‘

" Perhaps you are able to help me out 1'" .
he suggested. ,

“Thor’s only one way, The mingled ’
by Dave Morrell’s men will hunt. an'
while they‘re dein’ it-we kin do the same
thing. Ef we find first we kin save the
Goths—unless that’s a fight; in which
case et might be, a. matter of bullets.
Still, you‘re with me?" .

Alien took his companion by the hand.

“Bo you saint, road-agent or Satan’s

‘own, I‘m with you in thisl”, he declared.

“Come! We may be needed up yonder. I,
will go with you to victory or to destruc.
tion—to death, if need ’he, to save Bianca!"

CHAPTER V.

2 THE LIFE HUNTERS.

" This sight makes me feel like a mau—~
slayer myself!" . ..

Asher Bradstreet stood on a high point: ,
of land-rock in the heart of the Divide. ‘
Far below he. could, see the lights of 011-. " ‘
max "Cl-aim.
show there at that hour, but this was a
special occasion.‘ The fighting men ofl'the __
town had gone out to hunt for a. murderer;
and the non-combatants were so Merv;

i

 

 

 

It was rare for lights to -, -.

     

    

6,.

  

. 'YéllOW Gid of Dark Divide.

    

 

 

ested in the outcome. that few thought of

putting out their lights until they saw it

news was to come in a reasonable time.
But, Asher saw more. Between the

town and himself other lights wore visi:

ble, on the slope of the mountain, and far

from stationary. They moved aboutin a.

course. which the roughness of the way

rendered erratic, but rose slowly and
steadily.

1" “One wrong never made amends for

another,” murmured Asher. “If a man:

'was done to death at Climax Claim, it

. does not wipe out the enormity of the

J (lewd for the chief men of the place to

“ seek the life of one who had no part: in
the crime. If my father is captured, the
man-hunters will show no mercy.”

His indignation at sight of the man-
hunters almost overniastercd him, and
there was a mighty struggle in his mind.

“ It maddens me!" he huskily whispered.
“I‘ have tried to live an holiest life; to
enjoy a reputation free from all blem—
ish; to prove by daily work that there is
some good in the despised family of Dark
Divide, and this is the result! My un—
fortunate father never did a thing as vilcr
1y mean as this. These men would bring

v my innocent sister to the worst of calam-

. itics, and without any, evidence that they
Should blame our father. Is this the way
the men of so-called civilization are con-
stituted?"

He then paused there no longer, and for
another hour was very busy on the search,
but he found no sign of his kindred. Then

. he moved back to where he could see the
.hcarchcrs again. ‘ ' .
'V'Th‘éy had. pregressed far more rapidly
than he. had reason to expect, and were
thew so close at hand that the light of
the torches enabled him to recognize many
,1», the party. All were armed, and ready
for serious work, V

They Were halted. and the sheriff oi.’ the
town proceeded to make a speech. Asher

‘ went forward, and was soon near enough
to hear the closing words.

. " “Remember,” directed the orator, “that
David Morrell expects you to succeed at
all hazards. This is his hunt in the full
sense of the word, and his money will

‘ repay you for your trouble. You are to

“take Harmer Gath alive if you can, and

peacefully, but Morch has plainly stated

that he must be taken at all hazards. Thy,
reward has been made for him, dead ' (

'alivci“ ,

« “ It’ll save a pile o’ trouble cf we don’t-
hev’ ter take him back with us!” shouted at

'7 miner," “an’ dead men sleep as wal in,

' mountains as in valley!" ,

, ,‘A remark that made further impression

bn Yellow Gid Gath.- His breath was

drawn as if;with an effort, and his hands
moved nervously on the barrel of his rifle.

.» “Away, now!” added the sheriff.

. f‘Search every crack andcorner, and re-
member the reward.” ’ '

1y’l‘hey hustled away in groups to, begin

.the work, but none of them,saw the man

" With the rifle who hovered near; incase

v 1 they were successful, he would be on

' hand to save his father and sister. , ’

:‘ Two hours passed. One of the detach-

'mehts was near a region. where Gideon

knew his father was in the habit of lin-

gering much, and though the son‘- had
iylooked there earlier‘in the evening, he was
trollowing close after. A dozen men were

near, all hurrying about. . . ' ‘ , ,

,th Suddenly a shout arose from one of

went. .' I

j ' A revolver shot ,came like an echo. ,

p‘f‘ Here they are!” cried a, hunter. . “In

tthat tunnelrthar’ I seen a man; an’:ef it

.wa’n‘t old: Harmer Gath I’m a ‘ liar.

ring ye’r torches, an’ we’ll see what sort

I v . come on. on”, I'll
My“. . I . ;

11¢ku a narrow passage between two.
walls or rock—a place which madam.

started in.

 

  

     

 

  

  
 
  
  
    
 

  

   
  

      

  

erer had/Well termed a tunnel.

The speaker,th a. torch and

     
    

and twenty high; note plug-WINK
where one coulddo much dodging“ when:
.me' looked, for. and whoever {was
'merewbalde faingbow {thirdi  » ’
_ ~91" mover. d no ,  ohm
 a. ..weak-kneed. fellows:-

 
  
  
  
  
 

 

The tunnel» was some forty ,feet wide}

crannies enough in here for an. army ter
hide. an‘ of it was Harmer Gath you
seen——"

“ lliilain’t that. him?”

Only a few yards in front of them stood
ll. IllllIl.

lie was by a cliff, and one of his hands
rested upon it. He. was 01’ large figure and
impressive appearance, much of the latter
element. arising from the fact that 'he. had
a big. white beard. So alight the old pa-
triarchs have looked, but. his age aroused
no sympathy from the hunters.

" Harmer Goth!” cried one of them,
eagerly.

“Shoot him it' he don’t hold up!” en'-
ciai med another.

It was, indeed, the old road-agent who
stood there facing them calmly, it seemed,
but when a line of rifles were brought to
bear upon him he naturally drew back.

"Shoot him!" advised a reckless search-
or.
He set the example himself, and the re-
volver sounded with a. roar in the close
quarters. He of the white beard turned
to flee, and with his back thus presented,
the balance of the party took the advice
so heedlcssly given and a volley was sent
in his direction.

He had turned to go up a slight rise, but
the discharge took him before he had gone
far. He hesitated, lost his hold on a point
of r0ck he chanced to be grasping, reeled——
then came down with a crash and rolled
to the bottom of the ascont.

The marksmcn sprang forward with
eagerness, and half a dozen of them were
upon him before he could make any effort
to rise. Many hands clasped and held him
fast.

“ Don't let him use his knife!” cautioned
one of the men. '

“ Get in the first blow yourself!”

“Remember? the: reward says dead or
alivei”. ,

All were ready with advice, and equally
ready to act, now the onee-famo'us road-
agent was in the toils, but there was no
occasion for an exhibition of their superi-
ority of numbers and strength. Old Har-
mer Gath did not even struggle.

" Say! I believe we’ve done for him!”
added a hunter. ,

There was a remiation of muscles, and
more room was made around'the fallen
tax—robber. He did not improve the chance
to resist, but lay with closed eyes and an
air of general collapse. '

“- Done fer, by mighty

Slowly Gath opened his eyes. There
were‘those in "the party who had seen
much of wild life, and had seen men die.
They said no more about hostilities, then,
for they believed they saw in his clouded
eyes the sure sign of the. death angel’s
near approach. , -

He looked around with an uncertain
stare, as if not ’conScious Where he was.
Then a tremor passed over his frame, he
sighed, moved, feebly, and closed his eyes
with a. deep breath. , '

“Dead!” muttered one of the searchers,
half in awe. ‘ .

There were but few there who had the.
disposition to waste any time or pity on
an outlaw who‘lmd ceased to be a, scourge,

'n

pressed the sentiments of all: ‘ , -
masts the best Job "the old cuss ever
 a Good riddance is bad rubbish!” added
another. ' '
Yet
outlaw“ .
, “Dead. sure ' enough!» ‘« No heart. no
pulse. Harmer Goth will take tollt no
moreonthe trail." ' ' . ‘ " I x .
v The speaker seemed as much pleasod as
if. many yearshad not elapsed since Goth

[had done any work of the sort, and ap-

peared to forget that time- ‘had turned the
road-agent’s hair and heard snowy white.
That, whiteness would 3 live appealed to
many men, .eyenif they had no love for

 

 

 

'fortzet‘ thht he had been thc,worst' enemy

  
  

 

. Divide

 

 can;

t: rummage

real or imaginary, and one hearty voice .exf~_

another'man bent over Ithe‘fallen I
' been shot downwithout’pr
lifeless remins left

him Who catried’the‘ signs; but it did not
«111th [the routhminers‘. ,They did r not .

sot thieirgc‘raft that ever  seen at, Dark;
. _ , ,

head of violence, had bee , as peaceful in
one sense as his past life ad been rough.
He had died without taking any part in
the tight; he had died with his back peace-
ably to the foe; and died ,without sutl’er-
ing, as far as could be seen.

" Whar’s the gall” was the sudden do‘  I
inand. "

 

CHAPTER VI. . ':

THE VANDAL’S DAUGHTER. "

The person who uttered the last words
was no longer young, and was not ac—
tuated by any motive. of gallantry or our-

iosity in calling for the road-agent‘s.
daughter,

“When 'Wc take the wolf doii’t let us.
forget the wolf‘s young!" he added. “ We
don‘t want to leave Gath’s gal to wander
at her will. She has the family blood,
and might do us some harm, later on.
19f we take her when we kin get her that"
won’t be danger on that. head, au’ of all”.
accounts are true, we kin hev’ the trim-
mest maid in all these parts simply by
gobblin’ her. What say ?”

All had something to say, and they
spoke as with one voice. '

“ Give us the gal, for you bet she’s not
far away. Scatter out among the rocks,
boys!"

There was a general arousing, when,
suddenly there was a halt.

“ Look!" almost whispered one, in awe.

Another figure had appeared on the
ledge. Somewhat above them, and near
where Harmer Gath had been when he re.--
ceived his fatal hurt, was seen a person
Who had not the rugged form of the old
road-agent, but whose presence for a mo~
mcnt checked even ‘he r‘ugh imn-lnmters,

“Gath's girl!“ added another.

It could be no other. It was a woman:
it must be the Vandals duaghter, for no
other Woman was to be looked for there.

No word came from her, and she gave
no sign of having soon them at all. She
did, however, gaze at the dead road-agent
intently. Then she took a step down the
ledge—a second step—a third. '

Still she looked only at. the fallen man.
and her whole manner was like that of
one who moved in a. dream. ,

The hush among ‘thosc who had made
her an orphan was not broken;.in almost;
breathless silence they watched her come
toward them. ‘

As she. came nearer it. was seen that:- '
she bad hair of golden hue; beautiful hair
they might well have admired at another
time. More than this, she looked wonder-
fully charming then, and they grew un-,
easy. What had they done? w .

 

    
   
   
       
       
       
     
       
       
   
   
        
       
         
       
     
         
 

 

        
    

 

 
         
         
       
     
       
     
       
       
       
       
       
         
     
        
 

\

She reached the fallen road-agent and 
slowlytknelt by his side. She put out. her .  ’
hand and touched his face. She seemed~ ‘-.
to expect his eyes to open, butithey did 2 9
not. Then the half-dreamy expression.
which had been on her face gave place to ‘
a sudden look of fear;

“ Father 1” snowhispered.

The death-stifled lips did not move.-

“ Father, why don’t you speak to me?" 5‘
she asked, tremulously. ’ I. t
I The beautiful face was no longer, com-
posed, but the Weight of a great sorrow
was settling there. ‘ ' t - x .
- She saw then, for the first time. a little 1,
stream of red whiph had gathered on the,’
rock, and with a sudden, sharp cry, she ‘
flung herself upon the body. . . . 1:

“Dead!” she walled; “dead, and lost to . v
me forever!” ’ « . '

Then she broke into a. torrent of sobs
which shook her whole form. i ,
> Some of. the men moved away, noto' lite
tie upset by the sight. Har ‘er Goth  .p
ocati and  i
this was the result. There he iay,ja‘nd' 
his‘now'orphaned daughter had only his
whathe had been
to her. To some the deed seemed far.
from manly,'and they forgot what ‘he had
been in the past. An‘i ensiVe man-he
certainly .had' been through, manywa I
"but. he had been shot like a reverting wolf

And the weight  sorrowtwas no
falling on ~his,ishoulders‘, but on
Vonfifsainst whom they knowwno ,

  
    
     
    
     
     
     
     
       
    
     
        
  

  
      
     
   
 
     
       
     
       
   
   
     
  
  

       
      

   
    
   
    
  

 
   

  

 

Marika-It‘d >
- M}

    

 

Yell

 

5 .
 She *alled the dead man by many names
of affection, and her tears and kisses were
rained upon his face like a flood. Could
it be he was all bad when such love was
‘ vouchsat'ed him?

After a while she grew calmer, and her
subs were less frequent. Her face was
cont-(riled in the wealth of her loosrstlow-

1 ing golden hair, as she buried that face

i ‘ in his bosom, and no more could be told.

It was at this stage of affairs that an-
other man entered the tunnel. Ills arrival
was unnoticed by anybody tmtil his voice
rang out in tones of authority:

“ What is going on here's"

And a searcher who had only the re-
ward in mind, quickly replied:

“ We‘ve done the job well, Mr. Morrell.
Harmer Gath is dead, and hyar's his gal."

“ Dead? By thunder! that's better news
than I dared ter hope fer. Whar’ is the
old varmint?"

4, David Morrell pnessed forward until he
:3"! " saw the group by the ledge. The sight
; sobered him for a. moment. He had no
if good in his nature, and pity did not make
‘ itself felt, but the sight was certainly one
calculated to make an impression on the
most stupid being. He gazed in silence,
fa. marking the dead man and the girl with
Y the golden hair who lay on his still form.
g, At last he spoke:

; “It's them, sure enough. You’ve done
‘, wai, boys! The reward‘s yours, by thun—
“ der!"

’ “ Don’t talk of the reward now," urged
n disgusted hunter. “Don’t you see that
girl is sufferin’ because she’s lost a fa~
titer?" ‘

It was a cutting reproof, but Morrcll un—
feclingly answered:

“Nobody need wast-e no sympathy on
the Gath gang. 1 gave my orders, an’, I
reckon by the looks 0‘ things there was
somebody hyar who just about understood
them. ‘Dead 0' aIiVe,’ said .1, an’ the
work has been done to the letter. It’s a
good job!" v ‘

 the murder of tho tenderfoot, for
whose slayer you've been huntin’ so long,
avenged now ‘3”

“ Oertaini”

“ Where’s the proof that Gath had any
hand in it?”

“Now, don’t you get funny!" ordered
Morrell, roughly, “I don’t care a rap
whether Gath was guilty or not; it was'a
good job to get him out o' the way. see-2'!

The citizen with the conscience said no
more. He saw he had the crowd against
him, and the will of David Morrell was
supreme, so he relapsed into silence.

The banker suddenly advanced, and tak-
ing Bianca's hand, lifted her roughly to a
sitting position.

_ “ Get up!” he ordered.

She aroused, and, for the first time,
seemed to realize a part of her surround-
ing. She put the hair back from her
face with an abrupt gesture, and looked
into Morrell’s face. There was a wild
gleam in her eyes, and an expressibn of
halfcrazed grief, which ought to have
moved the man, though he remained in-
different to it. ‘

“Don’t you hear?" he demanded. “Get
up, I say! You are our prisoner. We
shall take you to Climax ,when we are
ready to go in to be dealt with accor -
ing to law. Take her away!" and the

 

 

 

 

 

 

est man, She suddenly seemed to realize
what that all meant for her. ‘ She stretched
out. her hand toward her dead father.

“ My father!" she exclaimed. “ Oh, no,
no; do not take me away from 'him. Let
me stay; let me stayi"/

        
     
         

3 “Take care of the mlnx,” he ordered,
,“ Get her for enough away so she will
make no‘racket, .and some 0’ you see to
this outlaw. Deadfis he? Wol, it’s a
" »  good :iob an’ good riddunce. The reward
. .mall be as promised.” ‘ » ‘ , ,~

‘ Bianca‘Gath, though reared in a school

  
       

row “of the moment. Shofaintedns she
. was dragged away, and no further atten-

‘ rtion Was given her by those whotremaincd
behind.
an! the two Who I!

   

   

      

‘banker pushed her rudely toward his near- ,

 Morrell tore her roughly from the body. '

summed to harden one’snerves and sex».
‘ sibllities, was not proof against the sor-Ifl

in a recess Just outside. the turn.
ad been selected to onto

 

   

  

for her laid her down, and stoieally waited
for her to recover—voi- die! They did not
care which.

The banker examined
closely.

“ So this is the sort of a critter he was!
Why, he looks like one o‘ the old pairi-
archs I Used ter sec pictured out in a book
when l was a child. Mild o‘ face as a
parson, by thunder! llow did he ever
manage to make [error so long along the
trail?"

Ho looked dead llarmer (lath over fully,
and then turned again to his men and or-
tiered:

“ Take. the body out. and hang it up by
the heels! We must make an exaanple o‘
him ter keep other vermin within due
bounds.”

The idea met with approval, for the
hunters had boon tiring of inactivity, and
they started to obey. Before they had
borne the body far, however, those near
the front became aware that some one
who had taken no part in the affair was
approaching, and as they emerged from
the tunnel they were confronted.

There the light was strong, and as it
fell on the scene around, they saw a man
of line figure, armed fully, and resembling
a true mountaineer, while under his hat
was hair which was liko‘gold in color.

This person stood in their path, and ad-
vance was out of the question.

His manner was strange and striking.
lIe gazed at the burden they bore with di-
lated eyes, and his whole aspect was wild
and unnatural. He put forth his hand
and spoke in a husky voice.

the dead man

 

CHAPTER 'vu.
YELLOW on) COMES.

“ What have you there?”

He of the yellow hair asked the question,
and one of the bearers ot‘ the burden coolly
replied: ,

“\Val, it’s a dead corpus now. A bit
ago it was old Harmer Goth!"

Under the yellow hair the race of its
owner looked strangely pale,

“What has happened?” he inquired, al-

most inaudihly.
' “ Only a shootin’. We come out ter hunt
for game, an’ we found it. ~We met the
road-agent, an’ you see the result. We
give him enough load to settle the matter
forever.” . ' .

David Morrcli had grown impatient, “.7.
he pushed to the front.

“ Who are you who are so much intcr‘

cstcd in this matter? You don‘t belong '

at Climax Camp, as far as I can tell ?”
“Oh! he only wants tcr help, us“ hang
the dead man up, accordin’ to your or-
ders!” laughed a‘miner'. , , .
“Hang him?” echoed the'yellow-haired
stranger. ‘ . ‘
“Yes,” retOrted Mort-e11. “We couldn’t
do it while, he was alive, for the bullets
got in their work first. but We can now.”

“ Not while I live!” declared he ofthe‘ .

yellow hair, and his eyes blazed with sud-
den fire. "Surely, you are not so brutal
as to wish to vent your spite on the
dead?” , , ‘

“My orders go!” snapped Morrell, "an"

of you don't like the style you kin go to

thunder! Do you hear me?" ,.

The ordershe referred to had been given
without particular thought, and any little
impulse of his own mind would, have
caused him to drop the whole notion, but
the opposition made him determined in his
course. ' 9 had been a species of king at
Climax lalm since' he became its rich
man, and had grown arrogant and‘stub—
born. He glared at his new adversary,
and sharply added: ‘ ,.
, “ I say, who are you?" ,

“A man who has not left all, human
feeling behind.” ~ ‘ ‘ * .

“Blame me cf 1 don't believe you are old
Harmer Guth’s son!" declared the banker.
“I’ve‘heard. of that yellow hair before;
or I'm a liar!" « ' ~ " T

Suspicion, once started, travels, fast, and
there was a general centering of attention
upou the supposed stranger; Most of those

"present had seen the road~tlgenfls 30min.

the past, more or loss clearly, and, the,

w Gid 'of'a‘rk Divide.  "

‘. gleamed like the flashing of two torches.

'Want him '2”

 

  

u? M

banker’sywords had distinct meant“
‘1 "x; ‘5'?" r

 

101“;

 
    
    
   
   
    
  
  
  
  
    
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
    
  
  
    
  
   
   
   
  
  
  
   
   
  
   
  
        
     
      
      
       
       
     
   
     
     
     
     
      
         
     
     

..  "W" ‘ 1.12::1
them. All looked, and one abruptly cried}
out:

" Right, you are! 'l‘hai's Yellow tiid!" Y

“ Fact, old man!" corroboran-d a second:
searcher. '

Conviction came upon all. They saw the
stranger clearly. and his resemblance to
the boy of old was too strong to admit of

 

 

doubt. The «lisetwery was astonishing to
them. it was long since the junior tiath‘

had been seen in Dark Divide, and they,
had not been sure whether he was tiliVe,
but illere he certainly was.

Oddly enough, none of them saw the'
likeness- to Asher Bradstreet.

All that was low and vicious in Davldi "
Mort-ell‘s nature came. to the front. ~ "

“ We're glad to see you, Mr. Gideom
Oath!" he declarml. ,iubilantly. “Some
men stand higher in life than you, but. I
don’t know of one who is so welcome hyar..

We have a fancy for the company offlihe
‘ra‘th family tonight. Yes, we’re glad to ,—_
see you, by thunder!” a

Ominous was the. manner of the speaker,' 37»;
but nobody felt any sympathy for the yelw ‘ - 2
low-haired son of the Vandal. Some
smiled scornfully as they noted how pale
he was, and heard his low-spoken inquiry:

“ Men, have. you seen a young girl hero?" ,

“ Seen her '3" cried Morrell. "You bet we
haVe; a damsel we all admire, it she has
got the blood of the Gaths in her veins.
Oh! we won‘t let the lynehers have her!
She's too pretty for that. We have other
uses for her!"

Yellow Gid was the young tiger now.

“Dog!” he shouted, “if you lay one
hand upon her I will have your worthless
life for the deed! Keep off, or you 'shnll.
pay for it in a way which shall leave no
room for another debt!"

All of Morn-11’s temper flashed up, and
turning to his men: "Cover that fellow!"
he shouted. ‘

A dozen rifles wore brought to bear upon
the single man.

"Shoot him like the dog he is if! he.
makes one attempt to do harm to any one
hyar!" the banker added. “We. don’t fool .
around with no such cattle. Now, What. -
are you going ter do about it?" -

Gideon Gath was not there to wage in—
discriminate war; he had no disposition to
do violence to any one but Morrcllpbui:
now, in the figurative language of the‘
West, “the drop was on him, and. he was
out of the game.” i 1' ~ '

“Now what?” inquired the banker,‘
grimly. . w -
. Yellow Gid stood in silence. ' ' ’

“Do you want fight?” v * ‘

There was a sneer in the words, but it!
did not move Gid to make reply. Re
gazed at Morrell fixedly, as if: undecided
what,to do. . , . ; .‘

F‘Disarm and bind him!" now ordered;
the banker. ' ’

Gideon began to move backward, still
facing the slayers of his father. His eyes "

    
     
      
       
        
      
       
      
      
          
      
       
      
       
     
      
      
  

f‘I’ll kill the first man who puts-hands
on me!” he cried, bringing his; rifle to a
ready. . ’ . . ' ' i

.But, unknown to the man at buy, a stal-
wart man of the gang was in the rear-:-
right in the'path of retreat, and almost:
before Gideon was aware he was enclosed,
in the enfolding arms, and, instantly, .
down upon him rushed those in front. ' ‘

The struggle was brief.‘ Yellow Gid wool
overcome and as promptly bound witiri
r which he could not break. " ‘

'Fiaicn the men stood back and looked on».
their work. i  t'

“ A good job, by J ovo l" Morrell declared,»
“and I'll remember it when figuring up the ,,
cost. He‘s a prisoner; old Goth is dead;
an’ thexgirl is ours too. Ef that don't:
about clear out the Gath gang, I’m no-
judgc'. Thunderlhut ain‘t we in lucki"- 3' _

“But, I ‘sayfhow. about the main” 

bee?” asked one of the miners.

.Morrell seemed struck by the suggestion
and rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ‘  1w, 7
, ,“Jtseems a pity to rob you of all yonn ‘
fun. I admit. That is a pile 0’ fun in web:
matters, sure en you live. Doryou're'all

vahemaJorltyof‘the men did sonnet,
as usual, themoderate element kept quie

 
     
       
          
 
    

   
         
     
  
 
   

    

 

 

      
         
    
     
 

  

     

  
 
   
    
  

and thorougher part spoke quickly“

 
    
 
 
   
 

     

   

8‘.

' _ Yellow Gid of Dark Divide.

 

a..-“ .. .. new...“ .- ..  ,

“We do! Ain’t We to have no sport?
Give us Gid (lath, an’ let’s show all evil.
doors how we manage things in this sec-
tion! Up with the last of the Goths, we
says!“ and the speaker advanced to lay
ltold upon the bound man.

The end seemed near, and (lid Gath
broke his silence.

“Stop! I ask no favors of you for my-
self, but one i do ask, and it' there is a
lil:lll here who has a spark of human feel-
ing, 1 request him not to turn a deaf car.
My sistei'——”

But his speech was cut short, for many
hands were on him and he was hustled
away. ._.__._._

   

CHAPTER VIII.

A DEED \VIIlCll MAY MAKE TROUBLE.

The, men of Climax Claim had simply
allowed their passions to run away with
them. They had tasted blood, and, tiger-
like, Were hungry for more. [Thus it was
that they stooped to work they might rc-
4; pent later on.
 Not faraway a scraggy tree thrust itself
.5, out beyond the face of the cliff, and this
 Seemed just what they wanted. Ropes
were not lacking, and one of the proper
length was thrown over the most available
limb and all made ready for the execution;

Yellow (lid saw no hope, but his pride.
led him to face them with unwavering
from. It was no etfort on his part, for his
courage. was of the best, and some there
were more influenced by this magnificent

  
   
   
  
   
 

have admitted.

There was no delay in the horrible .work.
Morten himself gave the word:

“Up with him!" .

The rope tightened, and Yellow Grid was
partially raised, when there was an unex-
pected diversion. In front of the lynchers
sprang a person who evinced no desire to
take hold of the rope. Instead, he held a
bright knife, and with one sweep. of the
blade he cut the rope in twain.

Dumfounded at the: interruption, the
lynchers seemed to have no power of mo-
tion. Even Morrell was stupid ,twith
amazement. ‘ .

With another sweep of his knife the
stranger severed the bonds which con-

. fined Gideon’s hands, and then began

‘pnshing him away.

Then the spell was broken. and! the
gang sprang forward to grasp their victim

again.
But they suddenly stopped, for in each of
the‘strnnge rescuer’s hands was a revolver,
,-aud the firing was not delayed. Each
Weapon spoke hot defiance to the lynchers,
 and at each shot the man retreated further
' tap the ascent.
Morrell, now furious in his anger, and
1 ‘. hot in his desire for vengeance, waved his
hands wildly as he shouted:
‘ , “ Fire! Shoot~them down! Don’t let
them escape! Fire! I tell you—tire!”
' The fugitives were then on the rising
land just above, and the~response to Mor-
rell's order was a llt'eral roar of the guns
of those below. i . '
i 4 ‘The stranger was unstricken, apparently,
for he bounded away, but Gideon was
'_ seen to stagger. and then to pitch head-
long to the ground. ,
“Up: an‘ get him!” shouted Mort-ell. “I
reckon the Goth brood is about played out
now! Don’t fear the other cuss, boys, but
go up and bring the yellow hair down.”
, The men advanced hesitatingly, and
when, at length, they reached the . spot
H where Gideon had apparently fallen, / he
had disappeared. and they discovered at
that point a mere- gap in the rocks-a very
,narrow canyon, into which he must have
-, " crawled. , - '
, “ That's the last of him!" declared an old
' resldmtt. “I know that hole. We can’t
get ht him, but I'll swear he never’ll get

  

  

av Streamer Walter runs at the bottom like
. a. race’horse‘. The strongest man among
an couldn’t live in the stream. and a
.‘ wounded man would have nochance at
all. It‘s good-by to the last male Goth!"

, orreli expressed his dissatisfaction and
" belief. ’_ ' -«

7 “He may have caughtsomewhere near
the top," neonatal. ,. . \

 
  

    

have one thing more to do.

exhibition on his part than they would

It's a hundred feet deep, and.

 

  

 

 

“Lower a torch and see What you can
sew," suwrested the other.

The luea pleased Mort-ell, and, by the
:lid 01' the light, it NOW was had of the
chasm. it showed a wall of rock, and the
sharpest scrutiny failed to discover ledge
or point to which the falling man could
catch, or on which he could lodge.

The rush of the water came to their ears,
and Well Mort-ell could not. doubt.

“It‘s all right, i reckon," he admitted.
“We will look into it a bit to—mot‘row, hilt
it hardly seems llN‘t‘Ss‘dl‘y. Still." he
hesitatingly added, "the fellow may be
harder to kill titan we think."

“ He was a dead man when he went over
the edge. 1‘ve,seen enough of shooting to
know the signs," afiirmed the previous
speaker. “That reel of his was that of a
dying man: as stn'e as you live. 0h! he‘s
gone up, and don‘t you doubt it 1"

“Exit Yellow Glti!" yet another hunter
was moved to say, with a laugh. “The
curtain goes dowui".

There. was no one to mourn for the son
of the Vandal. ’

“Let him rest,” directed Morrell. “\Ve
We must look
after the, girl—the, last of the Goths, and
I’ll attend to her!” with a meaning grin.

Her thereupon IH'OCOOd‘Gd to the recess
where Bianca had been borne, beyond the
tunnel.

Reaching the spot, he looked for the
guards set over her, but saw them not.
Only one still forth lay in the recess near
the mouth of it.

He bent over this figure on the earth;
then he made a start; it was one of the
guards!

“Hi, there! This way! this way!" he
shouted to his men Without.

The light of the torches made all things
plain.

Both of the men selected to care for the
Vandal’s daughter lay there in the silence
of death, but Bianca was not visible.

Mort-ell was dazed for a moment, then
he cried out:‘

“Who has done it? Who has darcd—"

“ The teller who took Yaller Gid out 0’
our Clutches didn’t feel bashful ter dare
an’ shoot at us, cf he did miss us all. Wal,
I reckon he could pluck up courage ter do
this job. See?" ‘ t
‘ The banker saw fully, and the thought
of it caused him to express his feelings in
most emphatic terms. ,

“ Away an’ look fer the girl, an’ whoever
has taken her!” he ordered. “There’s a
good reward fer the man who finds them.
Some 0’ yousee ter gettin’ the senses back
inter the heads 0’ these men, if so bevthéy
are net done for.”

CHAPTER IX.
ANOTHER REWARD IS OFFERED.

The efforts to revive the ,unconseious
men Were soon succassful. They were
hard-headed fellows, and when they did
return to consciousness an explanation
was given. 1'

“Mike an? me was hya’r in the recess,"
one of the guards stated, “when some cuss
crept up an’ give et to us in the neck, an’
he soon had us foul.”

“He?” sharply repeated Morrell. “Do
you mean that one man did you both up '2”

“ Why not? I tell you We got no show.
We. never was in it for a minute. After
he’d got in a few cracks we was rapped
silly.” ‘ y
‘ “Who was this, wonderful person?
What did he look like?”

The answer wash description by which
the stranger who had rescued Gideon was
decided to be the man. ' ,

“ The same teller who rescued Yaller Gid
from us, by. thunder!” excl-aimed the
banker. “Say, men, I'll give a cool two.
hundred dollars for that teller, dead or
alive!” ’ r

The hunters were on the make, and the
new.‘ offer --Was so encouraging that they
greeted it with cheers. Nearly all rushed
away after the, banker had added a like
reward for the recapture of Bianca Goth,
but. Mot-tell remained standing there. in
thoughtnt silence.l . ,

“.Who can thisj man be?".he wondered.
“E9 Seems .ter'have the faculty of doln’

   

 

 

about 'what he wishes, in spite o‘ the odds
against him. Who is he that he cares so
much t‘er Harmer Gath’s tribe? He may
make more trouble for me. There was no
warrant for this bloody campaign against, /
(lath! But, why do I argue against my’ 5 
own cause? I'll stand by what l‘ve done!" " ' i
\Vhile all this was occurring, two mm: 1‘ j l

  
 

stood where they could look down and see. i r
the moving lights of the party. Close 4
scrutiny Would have revealed these per- ' .
sons to be Allent lraha'm and Peter Potts! -' l

“ Blaine me!" exclaimed Peter, “but. ' 4
wouldn't i like ter go down an’ make my
mark on the critters! You knocked me all
oft‘ my base when you insisted I should ' ’ V
not do murder—that‘s what you called it— 
if I could help it. Wal. 'when I tired at: ‘ . , 1
them I didn‘t shoot ter kill, but I feel ' ‘
sorry of it, now. Why. man, 1 could liev’
winged about a dozen 0’ them as pretty
as you ever did see!"

“I advised that the shedding of blood
should be avoided, and I‘m glad we did
our work without breaking the rule. You
did nobly, Mr. Potts."

Peter grimaced skeptically.

“Don’t the murder 0’ the Gaths, father
and son, deserve something in the way 0’
revenge?” he demanded.

“This night‘s work fills me with hor-
ror," confessed Allen, in a subdued Voice.
“There was absolutely no excuse for the \
deeds of bloodshed we have seen done,
here. Harmer G-ath was no angel, certain-
1y, but even his Worst foes admitted there
was no evidence to connect him with the
murder of the man slain some time ago.
Yet Harmer was hunted like a wolf, and.
slain accordingly.” »

“An’ Yaller Grid?” 1

‘f Worse yet.” 1

“They would hev’ taken the gal hadn’t
we saved her.”

“ Poor Bianca!
of her?”

Peter Potts rolled a quid of tobacco in.
his mouth.

“I know one man who is willin’ ter
resk his life for her again as he has done
before,” he opined. r

Allen clasped the rough hand’ of the
sturdy speaker.

“Here is another, comrade! We cannot
fill the place of those who have to-night
lost their lives, but we can. at least, act a.
humane part. While we live Bianca shall
not want for friends.” ‘

“Al, you‘re a daisy!” ‘ * I ’5'

Peter shook the other‘s hand with zeal,
and from his throat, there came a queer,
guttural sound whichcould not well be I
classed under any head. It seemed, how;
ever, that the rude man was moved more
than he would have admitted, and that un-
der his rough exterior there beat a heart
which many persons of more outward re-
finement might have envied. -

“ We seem to have shaken the enemy off » .
permanently,” remarked Allen, presently. ‘
“Shall we rest confident in that opinion
and go to Bianca ‘3”

“You don’t want ter rest confident in
nothin’,” bluntly declared Potts.’ “Still, I
reckon we may safely take a little time
off, ez I don’t see none 0’ the critters nigh
us. Yes, let’s go ter the gal an’ see how.
she is comin’ on.” A ' _, . ~

“ Poor Bianca!” sighed Allen, uncona
sclously. 1

They went some rods away, and to, a
recess among the rocks where they had
left the rescued girl. Bianca had been
nervous when they last saw her, and
drowned in tea-rs of woe for the loss of
her father, but they hoped the lull had
given her time to recover her Sl‘lf-MSSGS‘
sion in a measure. -

In this they were not disappointed.

When they roentere’d the recess she
arose and met them two: a compoa'ure V
which spoke well for her nerves. '

, Allen spoke kindly to hen, ’ .

“I trust, Miss Gath. you are more. com-'1 _ '
posed. and will bear up bravely under I I
this terrible ocourrencc.” ‘ r '

“.Whnt have I to live for? Deprived of}
all my kindred by the remorseless manor - '
Climax Camp. where is there anniche ‘lna‘ \
life into which, I may sink and hide‘my '
self and my sorrow?” ‘ ’ 
“We'll find the lilting”, declared,

 

 

    
 

 

    
       
     
 

 

    
 

 

      
     
 

What now will become

      
     
     
       
         
   
       
     
     
     
           
     
      
   
   
       
     
     
       
      

 gang's. . .

 
   
     
     
     
         
         
     
     
     
      
       
       
       
     
           
       
   
 

    

      
    
 
          
   

   
 

  

 

 

 

 

hastily. “Say it quick, Al; say it, an’
don‘t keep her an’ me, in suspense!”

His zeal was amusing, but young
bani scarcely heard his words.

“Miss Gath, Mr. Potts and [ fully real-
ize your situation. The peculiar life you
have led has kept you from making many
acquaintances. and. as you have told me
you have no other relatives, it is neomsary
that those who are your friends should,
any to your aid. This is just what we
crave the privilege of doing.”

“ You are very kind, but all I ask is the
privilege of (lying as my kindred have
died!"

“No. no; do not say that! You must
limb-live for yourself and for your friends.
; Live to see a happier future!"

, Bianca runembered the past. They had
" been friends—perhaps more than that.
She had dreamed by night of their ae—
quaintance, and dreamed of it by day.

- “You are kind—you are more than
t v, kind,” she exclaimed. “I thank you for
3 rwhat you say, and feel i have 110 Fit-{hi it)
1 . speak as I do, but i cannot fully control
myself now. My heart is heavy, it is very
heavy!”

She broke down and her tears flowed
afresh.

ira-

 

 

CIIAP'I‘ER X.
i r DESOLATION.

v .1,"

Harmer (“Path was dead, and it was- clear
'that Bianca could no longertind a home on
the Dark Divide range. It was equally clear
she could not go to Climax Claim, for even
if the people came to their Senses, and
saw the enormity of their course in perse-
cuting a. helpless girl, she could not: on-
dure existence there.

» “Have you any place where you can
1 find friends?” Allen at. length asked.

“I had none except what you know of,
and you know how it is now,” she rc-
plied, with a sigh.

“And you, Mr. Potts?"

Peter rubbed his chin doubtfuliy.

“ I‘m a trifle afcerd my friends wouldn‘t
suit her,” he confessed. “You see, my
friends ain’t very high up in modern im-
provoments.” Then to Allen he added, in
an aside, “Don’t give it away, but my
friends would scare her inter tits. They
might steal the last cent she had ter her
name, b’gosh! They are corkers, they be!"

Graham thought he understood.

“If you will rely upon me; Miss Gath,

' I will promise to find a refuge where you
will be an honored guest, and all will be
done that is possible to help you rally
from the bereavement you have suffered.”

“I thank you, and shall be glad to rely
upon your kindness. I am“, in truth, wholly
without those to whom I would naturally
apply for aid, and I could not refuse your.
offer if I would. But I have no desire to.
I appreciate your goodness, andwill ac-
cept with gratitude.” - ‘ .t

3 Young Graham felt that he had been
.,' well repaid for all. he had‘done. Com-
 mendation from Bianca. ‘and her gratitude

» j, ‘ were all any one could desire, he thought,
L t g" f and he proceeded to outline his plan more
. . in detail and tell of the other camp. not

, .3 too near in point of safety, nor yet sofar
 away that he could not. watch over her,
~ until she had outgrown the strangeness of"
 the new life. i , .

‘ - Peter saw all these details manual with
much satisfaction, though he was wise

_ enough to say but little, When there was

I  no more to do, he abruptly asked:

., r “ What about the time an’ place? When
 is it ter be done?" ‘
 Alien hesitated. , ,

‘. “ We kin easily avoid the p’izen enemy,"
pursued Peter. “ We don’t need ter tour
our shirts off ter do things ez we want:
We don’t; need ‘tcr leave the mountainsio'
Dark Divide oz of we was in trainin’ tor
beat a jack-rabbit inn race. ~ Wait a hit,"
an’ let us settle all‘preliminaries. .hyur.

 

 

 

 

  
 
 

isf ’goin' on among the skunks we. know.
.0 .’ i ,» ' m
‘ There ' was no objection to. this, but
Allen delayed. him until he had drawn
"from the eccentric man a promise that

 
  
  
 
   

 

 First of all, let me go doWn an’ see what .

and Bianca. was'euabled to see her dead; ,

 

.wifiuld do no not of, violence. H
“‘1’ W ~ orders? assuredngth

 
 

   

 

[Yellow Grid of Dark Divide. ' V ‘

 

_‘

 

"but. it. would do me good to kill about
twenty-seven o‘ them, b‘gosh!"

Without explaining why his soul ihirsted
for the particular number he had named,
l‘eter went down the slope.

not long in getting into their immediate
yicinity.

Peter had reported the death of Gideon
(lath to those he had just left, but. without
any more evidence than the decision of
the hunters, that he could not have sur-
vived the fall into the chasm. Peter
wanted to know more about that matter.
however, and luck favored him, for David
Morrell was just having another Search of
the chasm made. if, by any possible
chance, Yellow (lid had escaped, he was
bound to know it.

The plan was not generally well thought
of by the hunters.

“The canyon is bottomless,” affirmed
one. “You might as well try ter see, the
top-knots o’ the Chinamcn.”

David did not. take the opinion, but
\vent ahead in his course. lie had had
torches tied together in a way to suit. him-
self. and proposed to lower them so ef-
fectually that. they would reveal any hu-
man being who might be in the region be,-
iow. ()f'all this Peter also approved. He
wanted light on the subject himself. and
if Gideon was found, he stood ready to
tight for him as st’outly as he had (lone
before. .

There was no necessity for it. The
torches were loworeil and an examination
made which t'Vi‘leOl‘l‘Q‘ll’ was satisfied
with, for he remarked:

“ No human being could survive that
fall. Cid Gatb is dead, an' we needn't.
bother about him any more.”

So they Went to their beds of earth at a.
late hour, weary, but with the conscious-
ness of having done a good night‘s Work.

Luck had favored Peter. He had min-
gled with the. gang in the dark, and he had
been recognized by' no one, and went
back up the slope with slow steps.

"Yes, he’s dead,” muttered the mount-
aineer. “ Et. ain't no use ter think other-
wise, an’ the gal is all that’s left 0’ the

family. We must gmu'd her well, me an! 1

A1. She’s left .alone— Say, though, I
almost wish I had lived a life so I could

take her in my charge, an’ find. her a,

home, an’ not hev' the ghost 0‘ my past
rise up ter spiic it all. But We never
think 0’ these things when we hev’ a
chance.
won't try.” , ‘

He returned to where Allen and Blanca
were awaiting him, and the two men held
a consultation. Bianca's future was dis-
cussed lu all its bearings, and arranged
as far as they could do that among them-
selves. They w’ould take her to her new
home and try -to make her happy there!
How far the plan would succeedihey could
not tell. * _

The dawn of day brought no change to
them, but looking down the, mountain
they saw the crowd which had come from

‘Glimax Claim winding slowly down the

range. The man-hunt was over; and «they

could now not as they saw fit, unembar-

rasscd by the searchers. ‘ 5
Bianca soon made her appearance from

two men kept guard. She showed Races
of a sleepless night, but a certain kiud'of
calmness was upon her. She had ac-
cepted the‘inevitable, as well as
and was ready. for the future,

friendly way, [and advised prompt de-

~ parture from Dark Divide;

“ There is a. duty to be done before
then,” she replied! firmly. ' t ‘

“Yourefcr to‘ the finding of‘your ta-
ther’s body?’_' , :I ‘ ‘ r .‘ v *

“Yes, and my brother’s.” _

Peter shook his head. He' was sure the
chasm would keep its prey. , '

They proceeded down the hill.-
kuew vev'cry ,foot of 'the way, " and‘they
were soon at thescehe of the tragedy.
Somewhat to the surprise of all, the: ‘
was found imdisturbed and unguard .

 

    
  

She bent 'ovor.
dal und‘kissed‘hi

  

The lights i
of the limiters Were a guide, and he was

The past can’t be turned back: I,

v what he was, but all had gone; and. with:
,the past hadgonc the lives of all her kin- ,
where she had retired for rest while‘ the dred '

possible" the i l in '
‘ ‘ . .- re 3 may sorrow a r on ‘these '
Both men greeted her in (their most“. 3 m ‘

; Bianca
and most kindly heart.”

. real selfishness in my course.
would'do as much tor any oue‘.in need

 

the roughipr . an t

    
   
  
   
   
    
    
  
 
 
  
 
   
  
 
   
   
  
    
   
 
    
     
  
  
  
    
  
    
    
   
     
  
    
 
   
  
    
    
 
   
      
  
   
   
  
    
 
    
    
   
  
   
  
   
  
  
 
  
     
      
   
     
 

“They did not know you as you Were,
father mine,” she murnmred, in a pathet-
ic voice, which made the tears spring
to Peter Potts‘s eyes. "In you they saw
only the man who had robbed them of
their gold in days gone past. 'i‘hcy knewr
not what a. good heart. beat under your
rough exterior. They saw not the loving
father that was mine. 'l‘hey hunted y .u/
like a wild beast, and this is the end."

l'eter touched Allen‘s arm. ‘ l
, “Say. this breaks me all up!” be de- 
clarcd, husklly. '

But young Graham did not answer. His
heart bled so for the bereaved girl that 2.
Words failed him. '

The 'men withdrew and left her alone
for a time. Then she came to them with
the old composure.

“ Some one is liable to interrupt us if we
delay, is there. not 1'" she, asked.

'l‘llO suggestion was enough, and they went
about the last services tliey,could perform
for dead llarmer Hath. The body was
conveyed some distance away to a place .
which had been a favorite with him in
the days gone by, and there a grave was
hollowed in the earth and‘the old road-
agent laid away in his last resting place.

"Next, let us think of my brother."
then said the girl. “i have no hope of
recovering the body. I know the chasm
well-that is. as well as any one—and
my father always represented it as one
where sure death awaited us if We fell
in by any niischanee; and he said, “too,
that. there was no end to the passage. I
expect nothing from the. search, but. I can -
neglect no chance. Poor Gideon! Poor
Gideon!" ‘

" I have. an idee that of be had lived et
would hev‘ been poor somebody else!" dc—
clared Peter. “ I don't know "the buy my-
self, but he was a. lad o’ 'ilel've, an' ._I f
reckon he. would hev‘ made at hot for the
p’izen skunks at. Climax Claim of he hadn‘t
been tooken off ez he was. Yes, I reckon
Yallcr (lid would hev’ gone in fer rey
Yengc.”

Nobody answered the speaker, and his
prophecy was left unnoted, but to be re '
called later on.

The new search for'Gideon‘s body suc-
ceeded no better than thc'iirst. Nothing"
was seen or ascertained to. tell even of
the whereabouts of the ’brothfér‘s body.

At noon the trio stood on an elevated
poing where they could look down-and .
see he town in 'the valley. Under his, .r‘
arm I'eter carried a large package. It;  .
contained all of the worldly goods Bianca “ ‘3
had to take with her. .With this poor out- _
tit she was going out to face the world of , ‘
which she know so little. , ‘

Each of the little party realized the so!
lemuity of the hour, and, for once ,Betor.
had nothing to say. ,‘ {

Bianca leoked down the valley and
across the range where her 'whole life,
since she was old enough to remember?
anything, had been passed, and the flood
of recollections which rushed upon her
for‘the time being destroyed pie campus-“1,
ure she had forced upon heme. .l . Oncesho, '
had had a mother there,'and all the ties“
of home, even if Harmer Gathhad been-

What wonder that she felt the. bitterness.
and desolation of the hour!  i
“Let us go!” she said,. at last. “There”
is no more to do here, and. at present, '

scenes. I place. myself \wholly in your.
charge, and trust I may not. be a burden -
upon you. It seems much to ask of you, ‘
womb." I ‘ . I ‘ .‘

“Miss Goth,” Allen quickly rcpliedfi'I
have known you for some time. and our ,
acquaintance has been Without questioner _
deceit. To me it'wili be a privilege tom: ' ‘
pol-ed only with regret for your misfor-
tunes that I can aid you in this.” 1-, ' s.

“It 'is like you; you are of noble soul

    

 
  
      
   
      
 
 

  

 
      
 
    
 
 
   
  
   

.“I will not deny that there is much ” 

1  "2“

    
  
  
   
 

hunter you’I do it
that? Pr mm? as,

hie-1 all.

most gladly.’ t
and friendship w

  

   

'10

Yellow did of Dark Divide.

 

 

She placed her hand in his.

" You are all i have left, now. But for
you 1' should be alone. I thank you, I
’bless you for your kindness. BelieVe me,
1 will try not to prove inigravtei'ul. I can
say no «more. Now, let us go on our way."

 

 

CHAPTER XI.
THE CALL or ALARM.

Six months after the scenes already de
scribed, David Mom-ell sat in his oilice en-
gaged in business affairs. He had made
same changes in his office arrangements.

. Asher Bradstreet was no longer with him.
‘V Much to his surprise that useful employe

had suddenly disappeared, and gone at it

~ time most inconvenient to Mr. Moi-roll.
’ The disappearance had come immediately
after the expedition to Dark Divide, and

Bradstreet never had been seen since that

night.

Morrell had been surprised, at first, for
(he had not anticipated anything of the
sort, but his daughter Rosamond had en—
lightened him, as he thought.

That young lady, not being overbur-
dened with conscience, had deliberately
stated -..iat Asher had proposed to her and
been rejected, and the lie seemed to show
the cause of the clerk‘s disappearance.
David set his man down as a fool, and
went to work to get other help. This was
not easy, for Asher had been a wonder-
fully clever and shrewd assistant, but the
vacancy had been filled after a fashion,
and business went on in' the banking of-
fice.’

On this particular day Mr. Morrell was
very busy figuring up certain matters.
The result did not seem to please him, and
he went over the fing again and again,
hoping to discover that he had made a
mistake. 1
.He could find none, and betrayed his

V, anxiety. ’ ’

j . “‘I don’t like it!” he confessed, aloud.

i He was not so rich a man as he had
i been six months before. . 

» There had been losses—losses due to bus‘
iness rivalry and ventures, or which more
will be said presently. and, also to causes
rWhich he could not understand. Matters
Mere in a muddle, ‘uud he could not get
them straight.

' r ‘He had taken in a partner, but that per-

son had not thus far been of any especial
 ‘Passers—by noticed an addition to
we sign-We: the door, and saw that it
read Morrell & Levere. The vanity of

Rosamond, and the vanity of her sire, :had
led to the French count being taken in as
a partner. , .

’ It was generallyan that the man
"was to marry. Miss Morrell, but Morten,
 having. found Levere lacking not only in
experience, but in common shrewdness,
was aware, that his aid was not,and never
would be, of any account. ‘

This afternoon David 'was troubled-'~
very much troubled in mind, as his de-
meanor and muttered lanathenms proved.

, Presently he took out his watch and
," lookedax‘the time. ' " ' 'H ‘ ,

_ f“ They are nearly-here,” he remarked.

The junior partner entered the oiilce. ,

   
  
   
  
    
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
    
  
   
  
   
    
      
   
 
 
    
     
      
          
     
     
    
        
    
         
  
    

  
  

looking man, if he did rejoice in being the
.Count of Somerhlng—or—other.

Janything, not large of intellect. His face
was that of a. man incapable of, heroic or
striking deeds of any kind. Practical men
1 fat Climax Claim had decided that he [had
Lnothlng to lift him above mediocrity. ..

  

; he remarkedgapologetically. ’
’ , "“Wal, how much of it have you done?
 Morrell, somewhat curtly, , r
-" ' ‘ Nothing, I‘ confess, but I am all ready
now." _‘ i ,
“ 'A’t four o'clock!”
f‘, I didn't feel like work.
haven’t done any damage.”

' «. He might. be a count, but he was very

  

    
   
 

  

  

1n-lnw—so meek as to suggest the possi-
bility that he was willing to put up with
some hard usage“ for file'sake of getting
’. . fthe.'orre money. a .,
w 8332‘; partner added
- ‘ 1 g behcrc

  
 
  
 
    
   

 

pinched like thunder, but it’ll save us from

;" Louis Levere was not an extraordinary. ‘

' He was,
i not large of stature; and, if looks went for ‘

~‘" I hope. I‘ haven't neglected business”.

'I hopé I ‘

check in the presence of iris future father- '

“ So she wil,” Morrell agreed. “ I had
forgotten it.”

" Do you so easily forget your dangli-
ter?" asked Levere, trying to be playful.

David leaned back in his chair and re-
garded his companion with gravity.

“1 am thinking of the twenty thousand
dollars that are (mnln' by the same stage,"
he explained. “ Levere, we need that
money the worst way. If thnr’ should be
any slip-111), 1 don‘t know what we should
do."

"' You don’t anticipate any, do you?”
“i don‘t see how any can occur, now

unless the disappearance of his body, that
night, means that. he came to life.”

"‘ He couldn’t do that, of course, so I
think We may reckon on the money get~
ting here, sure."

" We need it; we need it bad. It beats
thunder, Levore, how that fellow Gird-
wood has been cuttin’ inter our profits. 1
can’t understand it at all; I can't, by thun-
der! He seems tor see the turn of all
'money matters in advance, and the way
he gets to business is a sort of David Mor—
rell way improved and burnished up with
tricks I ain’t deep enough t‘el' match, by
thunder!"

The. banker pulled viciously at his beard
and looked very much demoralized.

“ We ought to beat him, somehow!”

“ Go ahead and do it! It’s the methods
of young blood that are workin' the mis-
chief. Lasco Girdwood‘s way is much
like Asher Bradstreet’s, only more dashin"
and bold. Thunder! but don’t I wish i
had Bradstreet with me, now!"

manded the “Count.”

“Bent Girdv‘vood,,xmebbe. Anyhow, he
was a shrewd critter, an' that is just What
we need now."

All this was not consoling to Mr. Levere.
He walked to the window andiooked‘ out
in evident illotemper. Almost opposite. to
their own place he saw a Sign which read:

“LASCO GIRD WOOD,
“BANKER. "

And on the window was information
Which told'oi' connection with big city
banking hwses, and with one each in Lon—
don vand Paris. ‘

Levere returned to his desk and tried to
forget all other matters than the arrival

‘of Miss Morreil. She had gone away to

secure wedding finely, and he and the
finely were due on the stage which- was
to secular-rive. '
,Levere was an impatient lover, and
hailed the home-coming with eager in-
terest. ‘ ‘ ,
Morrell looked up from his papers,
“I’m redhot to get that tWenty thou-
sand dollars?“ he declared. “ We are

he blow that might come without it. I
wonder if Girdwood is responsible for all
our troubles? Anyhow, the money will
save usfrom any crash, now. Is the stage
in sightlf’ ‘ '

.Levere arose and looked out. I -

“Nothing in sightbut a horseman, who
is tearing down Ithe'hill like mad.”

The, banker "went on figuring, while his
partner remained by the window and me-
chanically kept watch 01' the horseman.

The latter tore through the town at
headlong speed and rapidly neared the"
office. Finally, he drew up before the door

and sent forth a shout which was as plain

fit) Morrell as if he had been prepared for

i‘Turn out, there! This way! News for
you'v’an’ the hottest kind 0’ news. Turn
011 .”' I I */

.,Hz

j'CHAPTER XII. I
WILD WORK ON THE TRAIL.
i Morrell started‘up nervously and sprang
to his feet with a celerity iwhich surprised
the slow'witted count. 
I “Ho, Morrell!" called the horseman,
“what are you dreamin’about? This way,
an' hour the news!" ‘ v ‘ i
The banker wasnt the door before the
'last’vgords were tairly out or the speaker’s
t . , » .v ~ 1 . '~ v

 

  
 
  
 

 

  

Harmer (lath is dead and out of the way-—,

" What could he do?" almost snlkily de-
=by Jim Joyce in tryin’ ter resist, an’ he
I can’t get down.
1 Jim‘s request.
" about it 't”

' speech alike to the‘driver of the stage. .

voice showed his mood. It served to

thing before.

'nianded.

. small bills, or the road-agent, ez we used

 

“A road~agent on the trail, by mighty!
That‘s what! The stage has been held up
an‘ robbed jest accordln’ ter the old—time
plan, an' whoever has got-"

Morrell was very pale, and his face was
convulsed with more than passing emo—
tion.

"But the attempt was not a success?
Tell me quick! Tell me it wasn't a suc-
cessl“

“th wa‘n‘t for us, but the other teller
certainly thinks et was. He does, you bet,
fer he's cleaned out the whole biz, in-
clud-in’ your gal's weddin’ finery. I head
her say so."

“ All? Not the valuables——"

“Wal, I thought 1 made myself plain, , '
but of I didn‘t 1’11 say he did get the valua-  4, »
bios, the mall, an’ all the things which - I;
Jim Joyce had with him. Yes, siree, the ‘
stage is gutted in jest the good old
style!"

David Moi-roll was a strong man usually,
but he was weak then. He leaned against
the door, and things seemed to swim
around him. The stage robbed, and—the
twenty thousand dollars! Where was
that?

Levcre came to his side and looked sym-
pathetic. ,

“ By Jove! this is hardi'.’ he declared.

Morrell did not hear him. 'He was think-
ing of the lost nioney and the effect it
would have on the business of the firm.
He had relied upon it to help him out of
his embarrassment, and now it was gone
at one sweep.

The messenger resumed.

" The stage is at a stand-still in the hills.
One 0' the bosses wasl‘accidentally shot

 

 

 

 

I’ve come ter you at
What be you goin’ 'ter do

 

The. messenger was impatient, and his

awaken Mort-ell from his lethargy.

“My horse!" he exclaimed. “Ride for

it, and have it brought vhyar without delay.
I‘ll go to the hills myself!”
*' He spoke as one accustomed to prompt
action, and the words were scarcely ut-
tered before the messenger was galloping
away down. the street.

Lever-e saw the pale face of ‘his partner
and thought he ought to say something.

f‘ This is tough!” he remarked, weakly. .

"‘Toughi” shouted Morrell. "Do you
realize what you are sayln’? Do you real:
ize what it means to us? I told you we
were at low ebb, financially, an’ that we
needed that money as I never needed nuyi
Now, where is it? Gone,
that man says; gone, ran’ how do we
stand? So you think it's tough! By thun-
der! I don’t know but what it,means finan-
cial ruin ter us!” V , ’ 

The violence of his emotion awed the 7' j 
weakervman, and he had nothing to say. '
The banker began to walk the room with “ ; _
quick and nervous steps. Delay was pain- -‘
ful, and he longed for the coming or the
horse. ‘

He had not long to wait. ' His servant
drove up with the turnout all rea , and'
David quickly entered. Levere f0 Owed, '
and the carriage Whirled away toWard the
hills. 9 messenger gailoped ahead. . 

The journey to the place of robbery *
was made in utter silenc . ' v v T

The stage was at a standstill, and one 1
of the horses lay dead in the dust. The . ., "
passengers were grouped around, looking,
angry and shocked. and among them was‘_ 5
Rosamond: , , ' ' , *'

Levers thought he knew his duty, and
went to her side at once, but the- senior
partner had- thought only of the lost ,
treasure. He directed his, gaze and his‘

 

(an... _  .  , ,1,

 

 
          
       
       
     
      
  
     
       
       
      
        
        
    
     
    
      
    

‘5

Joyce, what has happened?" he de-

The driver «made a sweeping motion tb-
ward the scene around them ‘
“‘Old times come ag’in,’.’
ters‘eiy.; j I ' ’
“Was that's mail package directedto
me?” , . ' '

“ Thar' was.-

he explained, .

‘ For further ,pertic’lers’hee, I

 

'ter say when this ,thingiwas 
1 “, Was it registered?  —

 

   
 

a...“ .u

arm‘s” v'“ ' ‘

 

 

 1‘7: ."< '

 

 

    

Yellow Gid of Dark,

 

“Sure, or I wouldn't hev’ known et was
for you.”

“ Couldn’t you have saved it?" de-
manded the banker, with a tremor in his
voice.

“ I took one shot, an’ missed him by a
hair. Hit the boss, instead, ez you kin
see. After that I \va’n’t in it.”

“What was the road-robber like?"

“ Like? Well, it's curious!" he declared.
“Ef a certain chap wa‘n’t dead 1 should
think mebbe it was him, fer, you see, this
feller had hair ez yeller cz gold, an’ ’it
floated over his shoulders like a mantle.”
hlglorrell was startled. “He had yeller

a 1‘?"

David seemed almost afraid of the an-
swer, but it came promptly.

“Like Yeller Grid’s.”

The banker felt as if his heart were play-
ing him false and turning into lead.

“ But Yeller Gid is dead!”

“ So you fellers who went outer the
mountain said, but I notice you never per-
dooced the body. Say, though, I s’pose
I‘ve seen Gid (lath more than any honest
man in Climax Claim, an’ I ought ter know
him. Many’s the time when I‘ve been
drivin’ my old stage along hyar I’ve seen
the boy swingi‘n’ from the face 0’ the clifl
or prowlin’ along the trail, or up iter some
game or other. Wal, et‘ that robber wa‘n’t
Gid Gath he looked enough like him ter be
his double!"

But Gid is dead."

“ Ef you know that, it settles it.”

“I don’t know it. I wish I did.” .

David’s mind went back to the time
when the son of the Vandal had gone into
the chasm. or was supposed to have done
so. Could it be he had escaped death
them? All of the old doubts returned to
Mom-ell. He had been convinced against
his will, then, and the fact that no posi-
tive proof of the yellow-haired man’s
death ever had been found looked ominous
now. ~

“ It’s always been common talk that of

chller Gid had lived ihar' would hev’

  

been hot times at Climax Claim," added
Joyce, “an’ it hez the look now that the
prophecy is ter come true. Yes, I do
reckonit was Yelier Gid who did it.
Thar’s a new Vandal in Dark Divide!”

“Describe the man in detail," cried the
banker. -

“He’s a dashin'-lookln' chap, I do do-
clare. He was dressed like a king. None
.0’ the old, shabby clothes that Harmer
Gaith wore was 'on this lad. I can‘t tell
the stuff they was made of, but he just
,glittered with gorgeousness. Then he had
a boss that was a jim-dandy, and rode
him like a master. An’ his yeller hair was.
jest great! Oh! it was Gid Gath, sure!”

“ It don’t seem possible!”

“Et is possible, an’ of Idon't mistake
the run 0’ the Goth blood, the new Vim-
dal will prove his speed inside a month.”

Morrell moved uneasily. He had his

share of sand, but new he shivered as

with dread .or actual terror.

“Right hyar he met as.” explained
Joyce. “ Thar" was no 'warnin’.l I wa’n’t
prepared fer sech a thing, an’ hadn‘t my
gun where I could use it quick.“ , ,

“ He pounced on us at this point. com-
in’ out with a rush, ’his boss right on edge,
an’ his own yelier hair streaminl out be
Ihindi him like a pennant, ,

“ I ain’t no sassiety belle, but I do ever
an’ assevemte he looked fit for an Apol-
ler.

“He was likewise some on the Ajax
line. He jest held as up where We was,
gun inhand, an’ ordered as ter fork over.
I got one shot an? missed; then he knocked
the revolver out o’ my hand an‘ had it all
his own way. Them other chaps hadn’t
sand enough ter put in their oar, an’ I
reckon they was dazed. .

“ That’s the way Yeller Gid did us up!”

CHAPTER XIII.
ANOTHER, VANDAL HUNT.

The banker said nothing. He ‘was star-
ing at vacancy in a way which showed
how hard he was hit. His money was
gone. What next? How was he to get
out of dilemma which menacedl him?

be

*met or succumbed to?
r ’ ‘ v‘ . '

 

  

'I—‘Iow meet the indebtedness which must

Rosamond approached, with Levere
clinging to her arm. She was pale and
tear-stainml.

"0h, father!" she exclaimed, “all the
things 1 had bought are gone!"

"Let them go to thunder!”
David, fiercely.

“ But all my troublt~”

“ Hang you an’ your trouble!” ,

“Sir!” warned Mr. Levere, “please re-
member this lady is'your daughter and
my promised wife!"

' "I'ahl Get out‘of my sight. or keep
your mouth shut! I have no time for non-
sense!”

The irate man seemed about as danger-
ous then as the road-agent.

“ I‘ut my horse in the team and get back
to the town,” the ordered. “You, Dan
Stcbbins, ride back an’ arouse the people.
We must have a search party out as soon
as possible. Tell them there is to be a
reward. Away, man!"

Without question Dan went galloping
down the hill.

Joyce did not delay about getting the
new horse into use, and soon had the
stage ready to move on again.

All entered except a single passenger
who had remained wholly in the back-
ground during this interview. He got up
on the box with the driver, so the banker’s
attention was not called to hhnfi

All was excitement at Climax Claim.
The news had spread fast. The first feel<
ing was one of surprise that such a bold
deed had been committed, but the people
Were ready for action when the stage
rolled in. ,

They remembered how often the com-
ment had been made that if the old Van-
dal’s sonhad not died on the same night
with his father there would have been
wild scones along the Dark Divide range.

And he lived, after all! '

There was not much for Morrell to do
after he arrived. Mention of a reward had

growled

been enough to arouse the cupidity of all,

and he had but to give some system to

their work.

In a short time the party moved on its
way—moved to find Yellow Gid. Good
horses were at a premium, andthey bade
fair to be ridden hotly.

Among those who did not ‘go was the
passenger on the driver’s box. He watched
the man-hunters depart with a sneer on
his face. » -

This was of middle age, and a
tall and slenderly. fornied individual,
though he seemed to have in enough.
He was of dark complexion, and» is. black
hair was long and wild, like that of an In-
dian. His face was thin and hawk-like,
while his dark eyes were strangely sharp
and penetrating. ,

He watched the riders wind up the hill
and disappear, and then walked slowly
away in the town. He seemed to be look-
ing for something, and finally accosted
gnedof the citizens who had remained be-

m .

“ yhose house is that over. yonder?"
“David Morrell's." o
“ I‘thought so. All right!” _

And he walked toward the house.-

CHAPTER XIV.
GAD. . ~ ,1.

The dark-faced man proceeded direct to
David lilorrell’s‘ house, a nd, walking calm-
ly up on the piazza, sat . down there.
Then he lighted a cigar and proceeded to
make himself comfortable“

Junius Green. ,the servant, saw him.
Junius was nothing if not polite and hos-
pitable, and thoughdie did not know the
person, he took it for granted the stranger
had a right to be there, and went out
and accosted him. ' ‘ .

" Mr. Morrell is away. jest now, sah.
Can I do anything fer you?"

“ Well, yes: you might get an ottoman
for my feet,” calmly replied the, gentle-
manp - ,

“Beg pardon, sah, but we don’t keep
them things.” .. u

“Don’teh? Well. .he will, or my
ain’t Gad Jackling.” ,,

“Yes, Mist duckling}? was
tonished Junii 'could say. a

name

all the 933
i

Divide.

 

       

“Dave sent for me." Went on“. like

i

11

stranger, and l have come to the divine
town of Climax Claim to see the beauties
of the place, human and otherwise, and
Dave. will be my guide, friend, monitor
and com-her, as 1 may say. See?"

Junius replied that he did. though he
was by no means sure of What he said.
Mr. (lad Jaekling impressed him as being
a walkini.r sneer. The man had a way of
looking at him which confusmi and wor-
ried Junius. ’I‘he stranger‘s piercing eyes
were not the kind Junius cared to meet.

“I have come on here to rest while he
goes out. to catch the bold and wicked
road-agent,” pursued Mr. Jackllag. “How
you any idea what the average time is for
the catching of a mad-agent?"

Junius was positively bewildered.

“ l‘ll bet Dave beats the record. What
that chap can’t do isn‘t worth doing. A
rare old bird is Dave Morrell. Don't you
think so?"

“ He’s a very smart. Iman, sah.”

“Bless you, yes. A holy terror is David
when it comes to smartness.”

Mr. Jackling’s thin, long mustache
seemed to rise with the force of his en-
thusiasm. He looked so queer and uncan-
ny that Junius grew more than ever un-
favorably impressed. '

“ Can I do any-thing for you?" he asked,
faintly.

“ Nothing, my dear frient .”

Junius retreated to the interior.

“He gives me the nightmare," muttered
the servitor. “ Never did see a teller like
i m.
of to have such a friend?"

Gad Jackling kept his seat on the piazza.
No one disturbed his solitude, and he sat.
and smoked until, as night drew near,
the hunters of the road-agent began) to ar-
rive in small groups from the hills of
Dark Divide.

 

What can the master be thinking '

“No signs of the bold and audacious '

robber!” murmured Mr. Jackling.‘ “Sin-
gular! I did imagine Dave would get him,
at first pop.”

The old smile. was visible then, and it
seemed to have come to stay. One of the
latest hunters to arrive was Morrell him-

self. It was fully dark when he put 11 an I ‘

appearance. For a while he delayed the
center of the town, but finally approached
his own home. "
He had never been in worse humor.
To all the troubles he had taken away
with him was added that of failure and

utter mental weariness, and he had been,

so ugly to even his own helpers that they
had not found life pleasant with him. I "'
In the semi-darkness he did not see

Jackling, and that person made no‘haste '

to accost him. Thus the banker entered
the house and received his first news
from Junius. The latter looked once on
his employer, and decided it would not be

wise to ask how the search had resulted, _

but he thought‘he could say something
more agreeable. . . ~ f
" The gentleman is still on the piazza.
sah. He did not accept my invitation to
come in.” , >
.“Eh? What gentleman?"
“I think he said his
ling. or somethinglike it." .i
“ Never heard 0' the man in‘ my life." w

name. was. Jacky, .

“He‘s been waiting, a longtime, and '"
he’s there now,” explained Juniushin mash . ‘

bewilderment. ,
“ He is, eh? Wal, I’ll see that chap!” 

. He found Jaeklina lazily smoking on the"

piazza. andpounced on him‘ at once, fla-
uratively. ' I

- “What are you doin’ hyar‘l’t '- ‘ . I

Gad Jackling looked up calmly. . .
“I was tryinng think of the name

l

that group of stars over in the nasty My-

‘astronomical lore has about gone back on

me. ,Is the group Aries or Capricornus, .61"
I are both of them somewhere else '2". '

“ Devil take you andyour infernal Cap.
ricornus!" almost shouted Morre‘ll. “I
say, who are you, and why are you lmngin'
around hyar ‘2" v ‘

He was still more angry. but the
stranger very placidly answered: . .

“I was waiting for you.
came in on the stage. and-4’ . .

,“I don’t care whether you did or not
you can't stay hyar, an’ the sooner you.
get out o‘ hyar the better it will bets ‘

You seer! ‘

€

*1

339‘

 

 

 

 

 

  

12

’ «yellow Grid of bark Divide.

 

 

 

 

 

n O
you. Get, or I’ll call a servant and have
him set tlle~dog on you!"

.lunius, listening near at hand. was sur—
prised at the violence of his master’s pas—
sion, but. what Gad Jackling then did
double discounted the outburst.

rl‘hat person drew from his pocket :1 roll
of money.

“ Dave,” said he, calmly, "I’ll bet you to
the extent of my pile that you don’t set
the dog on me, or make me unnwclcome.
I'll bet you again that you will ask me
to stay in your house as your guest if I
ask for the chance. is it a go?"

The reply was slow in coming. Some-

thing about the. stranger‘s manner gave
David an unpleasant feeling, as if he was
not quite sure of his own position. Was
this person only blufling. or did he have

' some secret power which made him feel
all he claimed?

“ I am not here to bet," the
 finally replied. “I am a business man.
 , want an answer to my question."

“ “ l have forgotten what the question

, was, if you asked any. but if you will in-

f, . (slide your left car this way i will whisper
' ‘ the magic password into it. Thus!”

Jackling leaned forward a little, and did
Whisper something. What it was Junius
did not. hear, but Morrell at once, he-
came a different man. His tongue did not
voice any ready and abusive retort. and
he, remained staring at Gad, in shown.
The darkness hid whatever was expressed
in his face.

“Suppose.” calmly suggested Jackling,
_ “that we. gojn and have supper, and then
,‘ I talk this over. We may do a good bit of
business. If'onc of us is willing to sell
and the other to buy, I don't, see why we
should not be mutually interested in the
conversation. What do you say—are we
to talk ‘3” , /

. Jackling arose languidly, as if he had no
especial interest in the matter, and his
companion'turned toward the door. In-
nius. thought there was no call for him
/to be visible, and he wisely retreated to a
prudent distance. Thus there was nothing
to show that the preliminary skirmish had
been overheard: i .

Morrcll's steps were slow and. heavy as
he led the way in, while the unwelcome
caller. developed a buoyancy‘of motion
quite the reverse. It seemed as it, Whats.
"  evéi' might be done later on, they already
realized, that one was master and theother
the mastered. ,.

Junius was found; the order for supper.
duly given. and then the men went. on to
the room the host‘ had selected. ‘

Morten himself struck the light in the
. room. Not much behind them was the
.serving of the meal, for all had been in
’fwniting, but when it was there the banker
did not otter to begin. He sat, looking‘at
A Jackllng with a troubled expression.

‘.‘ I never saw you before," he remarked,
almost unconsciously. ' '

3"mvs right.” ‘ , I
. “Am I known to you?” i i x v,
‘ ~ “ You shall hear when I get. to work."
“ I don’t see what you can know-”'

‘ ,“I’ am here to tell you.” declared Gad,
calmly. .J‘F’irst,” let us get to work On the

,“ I depot care to eat.” ' i

 

banker
I

 

   
     
   
   
 
    
   
  
  
   
  
  
    
    
   
  
 
  
  
      
     
      
       
   
    

.i

  

  

  
  

of us; Sit down, David, and
.-- I not I will do the remainder of it.v You
 must-be all ragged out chasing that road-.
t. ;.Where did you catch him?’_’ .

-' «"Hels not caught.” , . '- .

. “ No? I thought you went. out for that
.. ea in! purpose.” '5  ’v I ‘
r ‘We saw no signs of the man". i

3 “That’s bad; I came. in on the stage,
.. and was robbed of a pellet collar. a tooth-
‘brush; a Walla“ cleaner, and all my.
» other baggage. It in tough. on a fellow,
and I hope you'll catch the audacious rob-
inndvatring him up to the nearest

  

  

    

   
 

in- before .thezrumor came that, Gideon

   
 
   

.mpperwus good”. it
aims. and he. gav_olt‘the

 I Jackling: was catini‘ygith relish,

‘ y“ I do, and I think I can work”??? both '
e you

 

He continued to talk while Morrell as
attentivoly watched him. The latter was
still in the. dark. He did not know his
'man. and the visitor .had unfolded only
enough of the secret at which he had
hinted to make the banker uncertain as to
the extent of his power. So David
waited.

When his visitor had finished he calmly
lighted another cigar and leaned back in
his chair with an air of comfort.

“You live in clover here, Dave," he re-
marked.

“ You had something to say to due, sir,”
suggested the banker. “I am all atten-
tion.”

Gad, for a while, Seemed to deliberate;
then he slowly produced from his pocket :1
package, small and compact. What it was
could not be told; it was covm‘etl with
oiled silk.

Quietly undoing the wrapper. he re-
vealed a rope, slender and fine of texture.

With a cast as skillful as that of a
practiced lassoer he flung the rope out So
it made a long. crooked line on the floor.

“Understand?” questioned Jackliug,
with a smile.

" I do not."

“ This is. the identical rope that hanged
Stephen Darrow!" ‘

With a cry Morrell started up from his
chair. To some the remark might have
had no especial meaning; to him it had
much. This was evident in. every way.
Alarm was expressed in every feature of
his course face, and the pallor had grown
distinct and impressive.

“He was hanged until dead!" calmly
added Gad Jackling.

Still the banker said nothing. The rope.
seemed to fascinate him, and he looked?
at it instead of at its owner. Gad, how-
ever, saw only him, and the smile on his
face spread and grew to a magnified
sneer.

“ How do youlike it ?" he flnally- asked.
“Does the memory of old times seem
pleasant to you? Do you read the story
of the rope '1’? __

CHAPTER XV.
, THE FATAL ROPE.
David Mom-ell began to have some idea

of what he had to expect, but his ugliness:

of nature asserted itself. at'once.

“I do not read the story of the rope,"
he answered. “ I haven’t the slightest
idea of what you are drivin' at, and unless
you can make yourself plain you can. get
away as soon as you, Wis .” .I »

“I think I can make myself plain. I
will try, anyhow.

row. You certainly remember Stephenl‘f
“I do not!” ’averred the banker.

“ Badly answered. By denying too much

' you hurt your cause, or would, if there

was any doubt. There is none. ‘I have it

- all down fine, and will prove what I say.

The case. was not one like the delightful

«story ,I heard coming in on ,the stage,

which: told 'how you sent the lynchers

after a family here and wiped them out '

of existencenwhat weather name? Was
it Goth? I think so. This case was dif-
ferent." , ;

The speaker gathered up the rope, and.
with a sudden cast, ,flung it out again so
deftly that it coiled around David’s‘neck
like ‘p. serpent. " '

Mon-ell uttered , a cry of ‘real terror,

whereupon Jack’lin-g smiled his old, smile. ‘
,and waited patiently until David recov-’

cred enough to throw the thing om; :

Gad, showing no surprises gathered up
the rope again, and went on talking" with
his cool utterance. ‘ ' ,v ‘ "

“Stephen Darrow,” you and I well
know. wasra man of more than ordinary
impo cexin your life. He had associa-
tions‘with you'which women to your

:good. He had but little. he. could gain
, 'thorefrom;»you' could, and'did. gain much,
, l ' , «how much I will not pause to recount.

some ammunition for Judge Lynch methods 

‘ “Leaving all other things, for qunow
,the'otory so well it need not be repeated,

 how Stephen Darrow die'd,

   
   
 

not,  you are ignorant of. the facts,
btlt ' must leti‘yoq‘seogl all

  Darroij were; in”,

I told you I had pro- -
.duced the rope which hanged Stephen Dar-

been born!

 

room with nobody near to see or watch—so
you thought, and so We will imagine. for
the. time being. it my story develops an—
other state of affairs, it is but a passing
event.

" You and he were in ‘he room. He was
an honest man, and knew no reason why
you should not feel as much good-will
toward him as he. did toward you.

“ You were there with a certain thought,
a certain ambition, in your mind, and cir—
cumstances made it possible for you to
carry your plans out to the letter.

“ You crept up to Darrow as ‘he sat look-
ing at other things, and in your hand you
held a rope. It was no new implement
with you, for you had roughed it the
world over and done your share of work
with all the IOols which bring a living to
men of your caliber.

“I imagine you held the rope sinne—
thing like this!"

Gad Jackling had deftly coiled nearly
all of the thing with which he. illustrated,
and made a noose in the free end. Now he
held it to suit himself and revealed his
idea.

Morrell watched in a mood like the, fas—
cination thrown upon one by a snake.
His parted lips were expressive of his
breathless, though painful interest.

His companion crept toward the table.
rope. in hand, and seemed to be looking at
some one seated there. His advance was
impressive, and he did not. spoil it by car—
rying the pantomime too far.

Suddenly he stopped.

“ Thus you did the 'work. Darrow saw
you not, and the result was easy.

“You cast the. cord over his head; you
drew it tight; you baffled his every at—
tempt to escape. It. was seen over. You I
had muscle enough to keep your hold.
Stephen Darrow died!

“ When it was over you saw there must
be some artifice to avert suspicion—not
that you would naturally be suspected.
but‘somebody would be if things were left
to themselves, and there were weak points
in your armor which investigation might
develop. . r

“The free end of the rope you flung
over the “rafter of the unfinished room and
hauled away. StephenDarrow rose and
was suspended by the neck. When found
it was said he had committed suicide. You
knew how true that was, but you gave no
Sign. .

“ He was buried as a suicide, and so the
world has believed thus far. What would
ilti 3qu if it was known you had murdered

m .

Gad Jackling'ceased. The importance
of prompt action was so apparent to Mor-
refi that, he made a desperate emorti to
1'3 y. i .' a . .

“ If you expect to gain anything by this
outrageous lie you willget badly lefti’bhe
declared. “You have yourself admitted
that the verdict was that he died by sui-
cide. Wal, even of} was guilty, which I
am not, where would you get the proof
against me? . ‘

“You hev' come. hyar an’ Charged me

with crime," pursued Morrell, with an.in— .

crease of‘ courage. “You hey’gcome ’ter
the wrong shop. Who are you that you
can come inter Climax Claim an" swear
my good name away? Ef‘you try it, by
thunder. I’ll make you wish you’d never

all“:_l’

Gad, with a sneer, and a flirt‘ot the rope.
“Perhaps I will!” retorted David, hotly.

',‘.‘I doubt it. Such tithing might be,

possibly, but you would not live to see ~it. .

It you move you-certainly seal your ovVn
doom, whether you do mine or not.” I
I “I'll show you! , I'll hev’ you know I

word, things go my way. I tell the pea;
pie. tor go, an? they go. ,I, tell them to:-

.,.come, an’ they,.comei-"1‘hatis the style at”:
I any to: them, ‘Hnng .
this man? theywillido'itzun' I swear tor 1, ..
you I’ll say 'it' etyoum'eddle‘hynr. :By‘ , ‘

cumx Claim. ’ Ef

 

 

thunder! I'll do .et anyhow. ef *‘you'donit.
get. out 0" town i deromornln‘i”  .
i The, banks, ha ,, seemingly 
wry-but thesioW om " his new
panion'nev  U: 

 

    

1

Yes, I'll hov’ you arrested ' U
( nge‘d with this. ropeyi‘i' questioned ‘ i

s. ' I
run this town. myself; that'whenl say the ‘

 

f V
t

 

 

 

 

 
       
         
       
   
 
    
    
      
   
      
      
     
           
    
 
 
   

\

  

  
  
   
    
  

Y .

  
  
 



 

 

‘ yawn-g, . p .,

 

 

 

 

Ami»  ‘ g.-

 v ‘  h, v .

.r ‘

 

Yellow Grid of Dark Divide.

13

 

 

“ \Vrong. DaVe! You will do nothing of
the sort, for it would be rank suicide it
you did."

” By thunder! I‘ll show you; I’ll~"

" You‘ll do nothing!" repeated Gad Jack-
iing, unmoved. “ Even if you should have.
me assassinated during the night—a deed
of which you are quite capablt—you would
gain nothing thereby. I have left certain
papers with friends of mine. They are
sealiid papers, and will not be opened it
all goes well with me; but let me disap-
pear and there will be music along Dark
Divide! The. papers will be opened, and
you will go out like -1 iallow candle. Not
only will your scheme to suppress the old
evidence have failed, but you‘ll have a.
more modern murder to answer for. On
the whole, you had better go light!"

Gad flung several documean upon the
table.

“ Duplicates!" he remarked. “ Read
them, and see what the originals will do
if used.”

His manner crushed down David’s re
bellion, and the latter’s air was again
that of a man on the. defensive tamed as
he took up the package.

Whatever was in the papers it seemed
conclusive. His face visibly paled as he
read, and Jackling, watching slyly, knew
what the result would be before Mot-rel]
ceased his investigation. ‘

“ Where did you get these?" he asked.

“ No matter. I have them, and that’s
enough. How do they please you? How
do they fit in with this?"

Jackling again t-wirled the rope, almost
catching the other in the coils, and then
smiled at the manifest start.

“The rope which hanged Stephen Dar-
row i" he suggested. -

“ What do you want '3" , Morrell de-
manded, sullenly, yet coworlngly.

“Now you talk business, and I will be
frank. I am going to stay a while in this
town. Were I a, man of check I might
demand quarters at your house, but I am
not: constructed on that plan. I' shall go
to the hotel and be a private citizen,
though I may occasionally mention that I
am a friend of yours. I won‘t embarrass
you, however.”

A furtive light came into David’s eyes.
This reprieve might be the 'means of his
taming the tables upon :his enemy!

A smile stole over Gad’s facet Herwell
enough knew that mischief was being
plotted.

Jackling arose, flirted the rope about a.
little more, and then coiled it up. --

“A memento of the way Stephen Dar-
row was hanged!" he observed, as he, pro-
ceeded to put it in the bag again!

This done, he delayed no longer. His
manner was matter-of-fact as ‘he left the
house. -

Left alone, the banker suddenly became
the man of tire. , ‘

“He shall die!” was the decision.

CHAPTER XVI.
TROUBLESOME GID GATE. 0 .

Nee}; the western side of the town was
theresiden-ce of Allen Grahamls rather,
in which the young man made his own
home. To this house, late at night, and
shortly other Gad Jackling had left David
Morten, came a man. He walked boldly,
yet with evident caution. A solitary light
burned in the house, and be advanced

 

' and knocked at the door. ,

,It so happened that Allen himselx. was
up. and he answered theknock.

“Peter “Potts!” he exclaimed, cordially.

“ Et ain’t nobody else," , agreed the
caller. “The same old ‘Potts you’ve seed
ai'ore.” ‘

“You are welcome, Come in! ‘You‘hare’

the» man of all men I‘ wanted to see”:
‘ “Wat. I want ter see you, too, or some-
bod who kin give mevthe cash tor replen-
ish y wardrobe. It's o; trifle out o’ kil-
ter,” and Peter looked down at? a. very
ragged suit of 'clothes, whereupon Allen
smiled quietly. ~ , ‘ . ,. 1
“ You do seem in hard. luck, but ’I will

   

. ' remedy that. First of all, though, letus
- speakot‘another matter. . Come in!" ‘
but Allen,

,Th .‘ coreolready in'the’imll,
noggin ‘mmerom i; he had

  

 

been sitting. There he placed :1 chair for
Peter.

The latter was more rough and gnarled
of appearance than he had been six months
before. ills clothes Were. in rags, and his
boots worn so they barely covered his
feet. This surprised Allen, for Peter had
had both decent clothes and money when
they Weret together before.

“Peter, where‘ve you been?" the young
man demanded, abruptly.

“All over the lots, old man," was the
calm answer.

“How long have you been in Climax
Claim?"

" Two hours, mebbe.”

“Have you heard the news of the rob-
bery of the snige, and the report that it
was Yellow Gid who did it?"

Peter nodded, and the two looked at
each other in silence for several seconds.
Then Potts replied:

“ I hev‘ heard that little story, my frien',
an‘ I must say it‘s amazin‘. I arrived at
town scnce et all happened, but 'I dropped
inter a place for supper an’ got the story
with my grub, two men bein' talkin’ or
over. Al, you’re right on the ground, an'
I ain‘t been. What do ye think ot'it?"

“We once decided that Gideon Goth
must be dead, but now, Peter, I want your
opinion. Ever since this ail'alr happened
I have been wrestling with the conun-
drum, Can it be that Gideon escaped
death?" I

“ One 0’ two things is correct; he did so
escape, or somebody is usin‘ a disguise ter
work up an cxoitemcnt on’ get more glory
by makin‘ folks think he’s really Yeller
Gid." - i

“it it is Gid, why has he not made
himself known '3”

" To whom?”

“ Sure enough! Bianca. was his last rel-
ative, and we took be away. He had no.
means of knowing w ere she was. He
had no friends, as far as we know, here.

so to whom should he reveal the fact that ,

he was alive? But it seems impossible
that he should be alive! But if it really,
is be, it can mean but one thing—~that We
are about to enter upon a new reign of
outlawry, so the most important question
to us now is, can we restore him to his

sister and save him from the mad sic 
' p asserted Allen.

he seems bound to take? You and I,
Peter, are. interested in the future of Bi-
anca Gath, and it.‘ her brother is 'aliVe
and madly bent on following such small
course we must; save him from his in-
sanity. Road-robbery is a great crime!"

“ Al, read that!" and Peter handed over
a. newspaperclipping, as it he had re-
calig‘ed some shock in what his companion
s , .

Allen took the article and read as fol-
lows: ,

\“ ESCAPED.

“When Jail'er, Kennedy went to. the
lock-up yesterday morning, with ‘break-
fast for the, supposed madngent, Ben Brett,

who has been lathe place for a mouth, 7

waiting for somebody who could positiVely
identify him, he found 'no prisoner to feed.
During the night the fellow had succeeded
in making good his escape. .

“ Whether the man really was Ben Brett
remains‘ an open question. He has all
along denied his identity, eaten Well of the
good things set before him, and seemed
perfectly happy. M, J t . .

“Numberless persons have seen him,
but the Morence of ,opinion has pre-
vented any one from deciding whether he
was the road-agent or not. « i

“ Ben ,. Brett’s career . been one of
note. He got away wt {1' good deal or
gold, and, on the whole, had a pile or fun.

“ He was. a. happydispositioned chap. -

and always left some good Joke to make
up for the nuggets and coin ‘he took. He
ran his race will Chipper Run got too
much populated to make his calling and
election sure; then he dusted Just, as We
were thinking to gobble the scamp and
string him up too tree. He was gone.
but not forgotten-Asa weathought, then:
but when we got this late urrtvalin all:
the editorrhereor will be dosezoncd l
coxtnd, tell whether we had the old Ben
now,  _. 

  

   

we , 1 tree!
'or

 

 

“ if this Ben was not. the real Ben, will
the real Ben please forward wli‘at he stolu
from the editor hereof, live years ago? lt
will till a long-felt waut, which is near
where our pocketbook ought to be."

Allen looked 11p. “What do you think
ot‘ this, Peter—~anythlng?”

“A gmd deal. They did lmve good
grub in the jail.“

“Do you mean that
coniined there?"

“ I was, for a dead-sure fact."

“ I trust you were not Ben Brett?"

“ I was just that individual."

Peter, nonehalant as ever, broke into a
hearty laugh.

" 1‘“ call at that editor‘s ottico, some
day, and have a talk with him. He seems
ter be a right decent teller. Now. you’ll
see why I ain’t been around ter see you
an' our joint ward. It wasn’t neglect, but
the pressure of business au’ ropes. man-
acles, an.’ sech. I tell all this ter you
frankly. for I know you’re an old flicnd.
I like, you, too. Blame ct, but you ought
ter hov’ been with one when l was on the
trail as a bold road-agent!"

Peter laughed again, but quickly became
serious and dropped himself as a subject
of conversation.

“ What be we tor do about Yeller Gid?"
he added.

Allen arose and began walking across
the floor in a nervous and excited way.
Yellow Gid was Bianca's lumber, and if
he lived he was her last relative. It
would be a terrible, blow to her it harm
came to him. Again, what would it be to
Allen (.‘rraham. with his spotless record
and good family, and his high hopes
for the future, it the woman he loved had
a brother, who, perhaps, was yet to be
lynched as an outlaw? *

Actual horror was in the young man's
mind. '

Stopping after a. troubled promenade, he
sat down nmrcr yet to his companion.
, “Peter,” he said, “you are skillful in the
ways of the mountain. There is work for
you to do now!"

CHAPTER XVII.
THE MYSTERIOUS BOX.

“ Gideon (lath must be foundi" earnestly
“ You are the. man of all
men to do the Work. Experienced in the
details of trail-followingiand the like, you
can succeed where I should ran utterly.
Will you find him?" ‘ '

“I reckon you're speakin' ,a couple. 0’

you were the man

words for ye melt!” drny suggested Min,
‘ is: y ' I .

Port
“ l am—and for Bianca. Grid Goth I
don’t know, but he must not be allowed to

disgrace his sister and—her friends. Xou ”

see I am frank." . .
“ I’m with ye, but not wholly for the rea-
sons you give. The boy is likely to come

,ter’griet of he keeps this thing up. > He

must be saved, an’ we are the only ones
,ter do it." ' ‘ ‘
"‘ Can you find him?”

“Do it, then, and without delay. {Take
to the range, and let not your zeal flag, an,-

, til you have found him. You are in poor7

financial circumstances. I will clothe you;
I with furnish money and all else you
nee .
do it soon; do it before the mad boy has.
done further deeds of madness!" . 2
Allen spoke with cousidembldteeling,
and Peter took his hand and shook- it: ‘
warmly. ' ‘ l

“ I'm with you, Al; I’m with you, an; I’ll ; '

do my duty. I’ll find him,‘ an' you shall,
instill burnin' words 0’ wisdom inter his
benightcd brain-pan.” '

There was reason to doubt that! tho'
speaker was in full earnest, for. he could
not look upon road-agency. «as sudhoyut

crime when he had himself followed. it V

for so long, but he was sincere in 
sire'and promise to ald'Allen fully.  ' i,
,3 They convened for some time 111111118.“
Peter had no fear. he declared, of being
.found there by those. who were looking L
“for Ben Brett, sohe couldg'move about
y. ‘ , I,  ,
i  seemed tovorable for

. - in.- near
Graham-nave him mo y.f;and. utter

» “ I reckon I kin." ‘ 5 ‘ "

Your only work is to find ’him, but» '.

    
 

    

14

 

Yeuow Gid of Dark Divide.

 

long talk, he left the house. That night
he would sleep, he declared, in a recess
among the rocks The next, respectany
dressed, he could go to the hotel and
make no comments possible by the change
in his appearance.
When again alone, Alien walked the,
floor for a time and meditated deeply.
The pity he had felt for Gideon Gath
had grown subordinate to other things.
Matters had put him in a very painful
, . Situation, and he was trying desperately to
. work his way out. Darkness was around
' him, and he was not sure of his ability to
get out of it. The acquaintance with the
Gath family might. yet prove a serious
blow to ’him and his happiness.

Suddenly he stopped In his walk.

“What’s that?” he muttered.

It had been a. rap at the door, and he
knew it, but it had been, so unexpected,
and the hour was so late, that he did not
take it with the calmness of such a. thing
occurring earlier in the evening.

The knock was repeated, and Allen did

iv; - not delay. He opened the door, to be
 astonished and alarmed, for before him
1n" . stood a man whose whole face was con-
cealed by a mask—not the caricature of a
mask seen in stage—plays, but a concern
, which covered all of its owner’s face and
 - . made him unrecognizablc even to his best
it friend.

j . i This midnight caller at once spoke.

 “ Do not be alarmed. I am not here as
’ an‘ enemy. Can I come in and have a

talk with you, Mr, Graham?”

“ What's your business?” Allen sharply
asked. “Honest men are not in the habit
of going around this town equipped as
you are. You may mean well, and you
may not." I

“ My busian I cannot explain here. It
must be done within, or not at all. Fur-

, thcr, I’ll swear to you that I intend no
= . harm!” ,
' “ You interest me with your strange tog-
, gory, and I’ll hear you. Come in!”
’ They entered, and the Man—in-the-Mask
sat down in the chair vacated by Peter
. Potts. i
f “ Mr. Graham," he began at once, ‘jyou
’ areqcurious to know who I am, are you
not H '

‘ I r “I certainly arm.”
‘ , “You must remain in doubt!”
“ Why? A man who comes to’see me at
,3 .. such an hour should give good reasons for
it in order to establish his claints to be
heard." .

“ Granted! (Yet I am here to ask a favor
of you, and to ask you to remain blind-
folded, as it were. Be patient, sir, for I
assure you the cause is a good one. Now,
listen to me carefully.

‘to do a good act in a good cause?”
There was a persuasive something in the

 

 

 

voice of the unknown 'which was not with-.

out eflect upon the young man. He began
to be curious to learn what was wanted,
his permission followed as a result.
' _ . Graham,” pursued the visitor, “you
. are an honest man. Common rumor says
‘ su,_and I 'know it to be true. Such being
fit, them”. I wish to make you the cus-
" ‘todinn of another matter of honor."
J‘rOm his coat the stranger brought out
a’ small box and held it up to view.
-‘  you receive and keep this?” he

“ What is in it?”
“I know, but I cannot he ” ‘
- Hepassedtheboxova-toAlien, who
_» was surprised to find it very heavy. It
seemed nearly solid. It was not a showy
article, except with its; suggestion of being
'madé‘of silver. A line line marked where
‘»,. ,the‘lid" closed down, out no key-hole was
' visible, and no my to open it.
i “Will you keep it?" asked the visitor.
"Fol-how long?" . V ‘

 

' 7 “Until called for. Itmayflbe a week, '

. nr,it‘mny‘be a month or more. When I
_callfor it you are locum-ends: it, and not

. \

   

   

.  thing of me?? Why sho Icem-
y- ' your request u , V i
“Because the honor of manna is at

Are you willing '

you know’you are asking an extra: '

chair, and there was anxiety in his here-
tofore even voic ».

“ Do I know this man?" Allen asked.

to Noun

“Then why am I selected as the custo-
dian of his ‘honor,' as you term it?"

“Because you are honest, too”,

“Has he no ’friends who are honest?
Surely they should be the ones to rally to
his aid, not i. if this thing is important,
you are doing wrong to hand it over to an
entire stranger.”

“ All that has been carefully considered,
and you have been selected as the cus.
‘todian of the box."

"' I object to doing anything blindfolded.
In the present case there. is much of
doubt and uncertainty. How can I to
know the box does not contain something
which, it I once got it into my possession,
would do me harm? In brief, how do I
know your request does not hide some at-
tempt to get me into trouble?”

“You have. my word of honor such is
not the case.” ‘

“ And you are—who ?”

“ I cannot tell you who I am, nor can I
give you any light as to the matters at
stake. If you believe me you will take
my Word that it is as I say. I swear to
you that the honor of a man. is at stake,
and you can‘save him from possible great
harm by complying with my request.
There is nothing in the box, or in the mat-
ter, as a. whole, which need give you one
moment of uneasiness. It you take it, you
do a good deed you never will regret. I
avow that to be true."

He took it from Allen’s hand, and im-
pressively added:

“ The honor of a man. You can save it
without risk to yourself. Will you do it?”

The idea began to grow upon Allen. The
fast—closed box was a curiosity of no com—
mon kind. ' What was in it? What did all
this secrecy mean? Was the affair-worth
following?

Allen obeyed the sudden prompting;

“I will shoulder the mystery and the
trust. I will take the box!” -

 

CHAPTER XVIII.
A GIRL IN THE WAY.
The masked man grasped Allen’s hand.
, “ You have done something for. which
you will one day be glad !” he exclaimed.
“lflIt cannot explain now, it is not be-
cause of a guilty secret to hide. , Speaking.
for the man whose honor is at stake, I

tives, and you will have charge of the vital
part of his secret.” ‘ i

“ And you are to call for it?”

“ It may be a month; it may be six
months. I may call occasionally, add to
what is in it, or take away from it. All is
uncertainty. Again, you may be called
upon to. open l‘t‘under circumstances I
(will now mention—open it yourself, you
understand.” ' ' '

“But you say I can’t do it?” 1 ,

“ You can by breakin it open. Now, lis-
ten-attentively: Once 11 every week you
will see me or receive by walls note
signed ‘Moloch.’ If over ten days passes
without some sign from me‘—from Moloch
—you are to break the box, anyhow. Un-
derstand?” , ‘

’ “I do, but why break it?” .

“ To get at its contents. .Once seen, you
will make use of the information seen
within, according to directions.” ’

The mystery was deepening, and Allen
was not pleased. ‘ ~ '

“I don't like the'job.”

“ Remember your promise i”,

“ I forget nothing. If you say the word,
I hold to your property." “ : ‘

Once more the man leaned forward and
shook Allen’s hand.

“Friend!” he exclaimed, “you shall
neVer regret this, if I am control future
events. I am grateful; I am’very grate

'10
.

He seemed about to say more, but sud-
denly arose ‘ ’ '
by his manly appearance. Himself of mus-

.er mum. Add to this that his man-

 

  41,51)»  been'grave.._disnlfled

 

will say he is actuated by the best of mm

As he stood there Allen was impressed ,

   

cui'm‘ and: powerful build, the, stranger tow-,.

 

and firm, and he could but command re
spect.

At the door he paused once more.

“ I have given unto you a sacred trust,”.
he remarked, his voice wavering a trifle;
“and may your every effort be directed to
keeping it as such. I have the fullest
trust that you will do so.”

“You do me no more than justice," se-
riously answered Allen. “ Having ace
eepted it, ~I should be despicable if I
proved false to the confidence.”

“ I thank you, Mr. Graham; I thank
you.”

impulsively the stranger again shook
Allen’s hand, and. passing quickly out, dis.
appeared in the darkness.

The box stood on the table. Allen
picked it up and examined it carefully,
but no more was to be learned. What did
it. contain ?

“This ‘Moloch,’ whoever he is, is not a.
man to deal in things nonsensical. His
nature is stern and practical. He knows
what he is about. He has a. strong motive
in his course. What is it? To whom and
to what have I linked myself?"

That night he slept but little, and in the
morning went down to the breakfast table
with a heavy heart. His father was there,
looking cheerful and happy.

“ I thought you were going to be late,"
the elder man observed. “ You see, thee
is no relying upon a. lover.”

Allen forced a smile, but it was not a.
radiant one.

“I, at least, am on. time, sir."

“ True, and all ready for our journey, I
dare say.“

“ Ytfi, sir.”

"I shall be glad to receive and know
your chosen lady. The occasion is one al-
ways of interest. Well do I remember my
own youth, when your saluted mother was
the star of my life. Most men grow cal-
ions to the aims, hopes and ambitions of
the young as soon. as their own youth fades
away, but it is not so with me. i You have
my sincere sympathy, my son?“ I

Mr. Graham reached out and shook AI-
len’s thand cordially, and the latter was
much moved.

“ You are very kind, sirl” he replied.

"That’s because I have faith in your
judgment. I am sure you would select no
one who would discredit our name. . I am
not given to undue pride, but honor is
something I highly prize. I have been in
this town many years now, and nobody
can say ought against me. The same ap-
plies to you, my boy. Honor is the pearl
above price, and I feel sure your bride-
elect will uphold all our endeavors. But
let us to breakfast, and then prepare for
the journey.” ‘

‘ Allen was glad to have, the subject
dropped. ,

They'wte in a thoughtful mood, and I-then
the younger man went to his own room
again. , ‘ I

“How will it end i” he exclaimed, fever-
ishly. “ How will it end?”

The question was a. momentous one with
him. That day they were going away to
call upon Bianca. Garth—«or Alice .Mnyton,
as she had been known of late. Alfalrs
had progressed so rapidly between her
and Allen that they were engaged, and
the latter’s father had been informed of
the fact. ,

, Not yet had Alien dared to inform his

father who she was, and, being well aware

that there would be strong opposition, he
had laid a plan by which she was to‘win
her way in the elder man’s‘good graces
before anythingnwas said.

This day they were to go to wh’ere she
wds staying, and bring her to the Graham
home. By the time she had been there a
few days Allen believed" she would have
alstanding with Horace Graham so that it
'would no longer be risky to reveal her
identity. . ‘ . ,

“He must lcv‘e her; he cannot help it!”
the lover,had always assured himself; but

the events of the previous day had'upsct _r
‘all his plans. , ' , , - , . .
It Bianca came she would hear the 1
,story that Yellow Gid was sliverand, cer-
tainly. she Would‘notlbe willing 
was

easy under such circumstances, '
probdbledhat 1’ she

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

M was.  3‘.

 

  

Yellow GM of Dark Divide.

    

D15

 

 

 

 

main in the house to keep up the show of
inditference. So the case grew dark, and
Allen wished the proposed visit to Climax
Claim well out. of the way.

How could he keep both Bianca. and his
father ignorant of the facts?

The journey must be taken, and be pre-
pared for it. Before leaving the town they
paused at the post~otiicc, for Mr. Graham
wished to learn if there was any further
news of Yellow Gid. There was none.

" That fellow 'must be squelched," re-
marked Graham, as they drove on. “It
is too late in the history of our town to
have a road-agent lord it over us. I fancy
‘he will get tlle"sanic usage his father had,
when he's caught."

“Would you approve of that?” asked
Allen, in a low voice.

“ Decldedly not. I am not of that build.
Still, you 'must remember where we live,
the temper of the men, and the. record of
the pas .”

“As for me, I consider lynching the
.most barbarous act of the century!" de-
clared Allen, warmly. “ Let a man be evor
so guilty, he is entitled to trial by law,
and those who take his life without giving
him such a. trial are more deeply dyed in
evil and brutality than ‘he can be!"

“Your sentiments do you honor,“ re
turned Mr. Graham, sincerely, but rather
carelessly. “We are about to pass the
scene of the robbery."

They did pass it, but Yellow Gid did not
leap out to molest them, and no more was
said about the holding up of the stage. It
was a sore subjc ‘t with Allen.

It was an all-day journey to the town
where Bianca was to be found, and the
sun had set 'when they reached the place.
Allen wished it would stand still, if by
that means their journey would be in-
definitely prolonged. Nothing of the sort
occurred, and in due time they reached
the town.

Bianca. had been put to live with an
honest family, who, Albeit -well knew,
would prove faithful to the trust, and to
that place the travelers went at once.

News awaited them which both pained
and pleased Allen, paradoxical as the
statement might be under some circum-
stances. Bianca was ill; so ill that, though
in no danger, she was in bed.

“And she won’t be able to go on a. jour-
ney for some days,” added the mistress of
the house. V

Horace Graham looked grave, but Allen
saw the way of danger blocked for a.
while. If she could not go to Climax
Claim, there was no perceptible reason.
why the dreaded revelation should come

'at once. ‘

She was able to receive them, and they

went in without delay. It was an eventful
occasion, for then thclelder Graham was
to get his [first impressions of his son’s se-
lected wife, and, deny it as one will, first
impressions go a. long way. ,
, No one could complain of the way in
which Horace began, and with Blanca
and Allen both on their guard, affairs
started off twelli

Mr. Graham noted the beauty, the refine-

ment, the almost a pealing look of the girl, ‘

and his heart real went out to her. Well,
indeed; was the interview begun, and well
was it elm-led on.

. An hour later, when the visitors Were
alone in their room, the father gave the
son his hand and warme said:

“ My boy, you'd do famously in business
if you acted as well, as in selecting a wife.
I approve “of your choice‘to the letter, as
far as I have seen. An excellent girl, I do
believe." ‘

Allen shook his father's hand and he
was duly happy, but the next words were
not so pleasant. ,, . ‘
.n “91 think you said she was of good ram-
y .n ' I v V

Allen tried to hide his embarrassment. ‘

,“As I know none of them I Can‘t say
' "th the positiveness I could under other
circumstances, but I think her own nature

well for others.” v ,

“So it does, Allen; so it does. But is
there any hope that we can take her home
with us?”,,

“ I’m afraid not.
no her to any risk.” ‘ ,

,2 3, ~‘ . ..

R

  

 

I am very reluctant

 

“Perfectly right, but I am in hopes she
will be much better in the morning."

Allen did not. join in the dwiaration.
and though it. seemed cruel, be felt. no
great desire to see her recovor so spemlily.

His love affair was on a. tangled basis.

 

CHAPTER XIX.
YELLOW 0'1le NIGIl'l‘ VISIT.

Another day had been spent. at Climax
Claim in trying to Iind the bold road-agent.
but without succms. From the time
when he spurred his gallant home and rode
away from the scene of the roblau'y. the
robber appeared to 1have vanished and left
no sign.

So the hunters came home. tired and
weary, and with the firm belief that. they
had better wait until Yellow (lid, if the
troublesome person really was he, broke
loose again.

()no man did not share in that opinion.
David Morrell went home, sore at heart
and ugly, troubled in unany ways, and won-
dering how he was going to meet the var-
ious storms which were rising ‘around
him.

He sat down in his room and meditated.

He thought of Laseo Girdwood.

When the latter came to Climax Claim
and set up business in the same line as
David, the latter had sneer-ed at his efforts
to rival him. In time he found. he had
misjudged his man. After a few months
Glrdwood had more than a half of the bus-
iness.

Now Morrell wished he hadnot been so
hasty, and——stran,«.,“e. that for one so hot—
headed—he was actually considering
whether Girdwood would loan him money
if he went to his rival.

Man, driven to the wall, sometimes puts
his pride away.

This night Morrell sat up until twelve
o’clock. Then he went to bed weary and
(llsconsolatw—to fall asleep, and then—4.0
start up with a nervous feeling that all
was not well. He was right. '

A light was burning in the room, and a
man was there.

A tall man, finely clad in a suit of pe~
culiar make, but not recognizable on ac-
count of the fact. that he had a vuil droop-
ing from his fancy hat. ,T'hisperson stood
within a few feet of the bed, looking
stmdily at Morrell, and as the banker
half sprang up he revealed a revolver and
givored him with a quick, graceful 1110-

on. '

“ Sit there!” he ordered, calmly. “ Your
life depends upon your keeping quiet!”
added the. intruder, impressively. _

“ Who in thunder are you?" demanded
the banker. -

“ Your enemy!” -

Q'Show your face, if you are not a cow-
ar In ; /. ~

“Let my work answer for me.”

The wind sifted in through the window
and blew the vail a little aside. It re.
vealed the fact that the unknown had hair
of golden hue, and the contrast was so
great to the black of his attire that it
could not escape notice.

To David Morrell it came with the force
of a blow. 1

“Yellow Gld;” he gasped. . =

“ You say so. If you believe it you
must be aware that you see here‘your most
deadly rechflm man you have so hideous-
ly wronged!” » ‘ . ’

“ What do you mean by COXth' inter my
room in this way '3” demanded Morten,
blusterlngly.

“I am Gideon Gathl’i ‘

“ Ah, you own up, do ye? wal,xby thun-
der! you’re a rookie“ cuss!" ' .

“ I am here,” went on the night visitor,
impressively. “to give you some idea of

what you have to expect in. the.future.,

I took from. the custody of the stage-
driver a. trifle of money belonging to you
~something like twenty thousand dollars
——I forget the exact sum. This was only
an earnest of what I am going to do. Be-
fore I finish with you I shall beggar you
financially. Even that will be
beginning of my vengeance!”

“ What more do ye want?” - ,

In a hard voice came the reply: , ’ ‘
“Do you, remember, in W my kindred

w -. . l w .

      
  
  

but are,

 

died? Do you remember the fate of lIar—
mer Hath?"

Moi-roll moved uneasily. He wanted to
avoid facing the facts, but did not see how
it was to be,

“I remember,” he.
pause.

“ Find your answwr tllel'e!"

" i couldn't help that. affair.”

" 011! couldn‘t you? Who urged the
lyncbers on? Who gave them a reward
to do the murder? Who fed their pas-
sions when they would have cooled ‘! You.
and you alone—monstrous as the act was.
On your head, Dave Morrell, is my poor
father's blood.

" Andi your crime,” pursued Gideon,
"deserves no name except that of delib-
erate, cold-blooded murder; it deserves no
punishment exeep-t that accorded to mur-
der, and it will get precisely the punish-
ment due it!"

   
   
  
 
 
 
   
   
  
   
  
   
   
     
  
 
 
   
  
   
 
  
 
    
   
   
  
  
    
  
  
     
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
  
   
   
   
   
  
  
   
  
    
   
  
   
   
 
   
   
  
      

admitted, after a.

“Do you threaten me?” demanded
David:
“1 do! Still further, what I threaten 1'.

shall do.” ""1;

The banker wiped the sweat of fear.
away from his brow, and was speechless
for the moment. ‘
t The terrible intruder spoke further:

“ A new order of things has begun all
Climax Claim. From this time on, I, the
avenger, am to be counted in the daily life
of those who live here. 1 defy you to
catch me until I see tit to end my labor of.
vengeance. Before then you will have
cause to repent most bitterly that you
ever engaged in any undertaking, good or.
bad, near Climax Claim. Beggared, har-
assed, hunted and broken in spirit, you;
will be ready to welcome death!"

Once more the strong temper of the
banker flamed up in defiance of the re-
volver. ‘

“ By thunder! i shall have somethln’ tor.
say about all this!" he dwlared. and on.
the instant he determined to end matters.
then and there by overcoming his visitor, a
if it could be done.

He flung the pillow aside, grasped the l
revolver beneath'it and turned to use it,
but there was a single swift. dett'blow,
and the gun went flying away, leaving
him again disanned» and helpless, while.
Yellow Grid coolly exclaimed:

“ You lose, as usual! Why do you fight
against fate? I am your master. and 3
your master I will remain!" ,‘ Q»

Morrell knew it at. last. He was~hclp-‘ .
less: the Vandal was, indeed, hismaster! '

“We will part for now," Yellow Grid:
added. “I go, but you shall hear from me
again, and‘when you the least desire it?“

Backing toward the window, he pick
up the revolver on the way: then
sprang nimbly out on the piazza; From
there his retreat was quick and safe. ‘

CHAPTER  v 9
A HUMBLE!) DESPOT. ‘ v -

The following morning Morrell went to‘
his ofllce and devoted considerable time to
the study of certain'ngures. Then he'
called to his partner, and Level-e came '
like the awkward schoolboy he practically
was in the alfairs of the firm. ' ’

“Have you been in the habit of ob-’
serving Lasco Girdwood?" Mei-roll. spoka
abruptly. I

“Yes,” Levere replied. l -

“What. do you think of his feeling to-g
ward us? ‘You’ve seen him when I a-ln’t.'
Do you think he has got a deep grudge ,
against us or not?” _ , '-

. “He always looks pleasant mougn
uhe? I soc him," the Junior partner res
e1 . ‘ ‘

Morrcll looked across the way to. where
Laseo Glrdwood‘s sign swung la in.‘
the breeze.

.“ Would he when us money?" mug. , '
the banker. -“He can, an’ nevcr'm it. ‘-
But willhe? Or will he hold spite? : I’m
on‘the breakers 1111' must miss no c . '
I inced that money bad, an’ Lam.
wood is the only one who can give it to
me. I‘ll beard him in his den. I’m goin' ‘
ter can on him and ask him to loan'us
man enough in make up for what. I last
by the stagerobbery." ;
r The words and the tone of the b ,

 
   
 

       
  

  

        
     
  

  

       
   
   
  
  

     
     
 
   

   

   

‘ ' Yellow Gin of Dark Divide.‘

 

 

so dazed tho weak-mindwl junior that he
could only state in amazement.

Moi-roll was silent for n time; then
the abruptly arose. and putting on his hat
he went out, crossld the street and en-
rtered the otiice of his rival.

How much it cost him in the way of

. humiliation only he could tell.

llasco (‘rll'dW‘UOd was there and doing
business with a crowd of men. Business
never seemed to flag at his place. He
did not look up as David appeared, so the
latter had a chance to wait and watch.

, Easily and well he disposed of his other

i : callers. As good luck Would have it no-
body came in after Mort-oil, and when the
way was finally cleared, and David failed
to step forward, Girdwood looked up in-
qulrlngly.

He saw his rival, pale and uneasy.

“Goodmrorning, Mr. Mot-roll. A warm
morning, sir!" lie enmumgingly greeted.

“ Yes, it is," agreed David, awkwardly.
stepping forward. “ Can I see. youlin your
private oflice?“

“Certainly!” and he arose and led the
wway to the other room. '

“You’ve heard ofmy loss by the stage
robbery?" David begun abruptly, as the
door closed.

"‘ Yes, it is common talk!’ .

“That atfair hit me hard," confessed
Morrell. “I relied upon that money to
relieve certain ttanporary canbrari'assments.
You know how the money went, an’ 'meb—
be you kin see what it meant to a man
hard pressed."

- " Why, yes; I see. But why don’t you
get a loan to tide you ever?” asked his
rival, as if in some surprise.

" It would be hard fer one ter raise twen-
ty thousand dollars, because—”

Mot-roll hesitated, but finally answered:

“ Because I’ve been raisin' that way for
some time, already, an‘ I’m about atthe

,end 0' my rope.”

‘ " Indeed? I don’t see how you got in

,, this way," replied Girdwood, with more
show of interest. “Business has been good
With. me.”

 

   
  
   
 
  
 
 
 
 
     
   
  
   
    
   
    
  
   
   
  
   
   
   
  
   
 
   
       
       
     
      
    
   
     
    
    
  

and then made the dreaded plunge.
» “ You, say you are prosperous," he added,
, abruptly. ‘f Wal, what are you willin', ter
do f r a man when he’s down?” he

, ‘ Girdwood’s face - betrayed no motion.
 “Can I really be of assistance to you?"
' , Masked. : I
.' ., a“ Can you? Wal, I should say so, et you
 loan me the twenty thousand dollars.”
,“Thnt’s a pretty stiff loan.” ;
 “I’ll give the best’of security,” ’,urge‘d
Morrell, growing more eager and hopeful.
-“ And do business in opposition tome on
my money!" andfor the first time Gird-
mo'drsmiled. , - . l
 “Surely,” assumed David, “if you have

  

in Which we can arrange matters 80‘ as to
be mutually satisfactory}? ‘
V v“ I can think of but one way.” . v
'. .,"‘ What is that?” was the quick inquiry.
,“Bxy' giving me an interest in your bus-

     

  

Ccnnp'rnn   ' , I
' i ‘ ,RECOGNIZED.’ .. r
.Mctreli, or

cotton, could butmakelansw'er: ' ‘
. , I‘nini’t sure I understand.“ "
“‘I can not averse‘to loaning iyou what
mu need," explained ‘Gird'woog, “but this
loaning‘wim, or without, security-I do
stalker» I ' ‘
care to kayo any one owe me.’

         
     
      
             
    
   
      
   

  

 
  
 
 

  

  
  

Debts

‘ ,unlinterest in. your business. and let
Oil/have
vrptances." V
‘Morrell meditatedw "
.4 are ‘vlrad’ never anticipated
“papal. In all his stud
Joli mammal-Who had not
, yite‘amed ofGirdwood as a. partner. ,)
* Did thisoflerh came '2

  

any  pro

  
   
 
 
 
  
   
   

ase'“  looked, the' ability which can
<wood had shown since he came of
‘ At‘thet  memento

“i know it!” bitterly rem-ted Morrell, '

Ithe'cash to loan there must besomeway.

bony unprepared for such a

owe nobody money; I,d‘o not‘

aware nonbie.,.wmy and‘other things. 
we. the only way Ileanvhel'p'you is to ‘

the. cash ‘under‘.  circumh.

tofind a‘Wayout !
ones
are , r. : 
He studied the face before him
nun, strong, cert-reliant u face—that of,

    
  
 
    

roll that he had seen some face like it in
the past, but it might have been only the
fact that he had grown accustomml to the
looks of his rival, since they wore oi' the
same town.

“ Can you command the money at once '2"
the visitor asked, “and put it into the busi-
ness?"

“Yes, certainly. if I so decide."

“And you’ll do it under the circum-
stances inonrtionml?”

“Of course I shall have to look into
your standing a trifle, but I doubt not
I shall find that all right."

The. project, now under way, went
.sWi'urmintgly after that. Mr. M orrell
warmed to the subject, and, under the
inspiration of having a chance to get the
desired help, warmed to (lirdwood, too.
\Vith such a partner he might. be able to
retrieve all his losses, and once more put
his business on a solid basis.

When they came to the terms of the
partnership it was just as easy, for Gird-
Wood did not ask for anything uni-eased
able, and it was his suggestion that all be
made as simple as possible.

The bargain was not closed then, but
when David went away he did so feeling
that all danger of bankruptcy was over.
He had been saved by the man he had
tried so hard to ruin—if he was saved!

Levers, who had been waiting with
much curiosity and interest,‘lx\gan with
questions, but was curtly squelched. At
that. moment he seemed especially weak
and worthless to the practical banker.

Going,r to the inner office he locked the
door and sat down to think the new deal
over.

The following day Lasco Girdwood sat.
in his office. There was no business just
then, and he was looking over papers
which he held. There was a rustle of gar-
ments at the door, and he turned to behold
a lady caller. He arose with cclerity, and
bowed deeply. His strong face remained
impassive.

“Miss Chester, I think?" he politely in-
quired. .

“My name is Helen Chester," was the
ready reply.

“Iremember seeing you in the town.
You are welcome to my oflice. Can Iaid
you in any. way?” _

He had set a chair for her, and made
her 'welcome with the little attentions
which go further than words.

r The visitor seemed embarrassed, and the
color mounted to her cheek.

“ You are a man .of business,” she re-
plied, smiling faintly, “and of such things
.I know nothing. I have not come to buy
or sell. I have come—” '

She paused and again evinced embar-

' ‘rassment.

LascovGirdwood made a reassuring gest-
ure, and his manner‘ was full of respect
and digniTY. ‘ '

" I, hear,” she abruptly added, “that
you are about to buy a share in the buslT
ness of David Morrel .” v
' “ Has the news traveled so fast?" '

1 “It is all over town, but that is not to
the point: It you take that‘step' you are
ruined.” ‘ '

 . Suddenly she made'theanuouncement,

while Girdwood regarded her in surprise.
“Upon. what do you base the .proph-
ecy?” he asked. ’ ' . . l i ‘
“Dare you risk daily intimacy with
Morrell?". -- . ‘
‘ As she ed the question, she loaned for-
ward and fixed an intense gaze upon, him.
He moved in, his chair, and there was a,
\suggestion' of nervousness, in. the act. ‘
“ Why should I not?” he inquired, ‘
“Mr; Girdwoud.,1 am reluctant to seem
to meddle: with your'affairs, and. I' hope
my coursegwm not bemisconstrued, but
I beg leave to say. I know you!", ' v y‘
, His large 'eyes‘did not waver; his face
«did not change.- ~  ' 
. “Rather an obscure . statement," be
easily returned. ‘May 'I ask what it
means?" ‘ ~r ' * " ' "'

'. u'simpiy-thary' are Gideoncnthr"

   
    
  

with much lowered voice, she. made the
assertion, .It mummy-made. too; no
t ' feeling? w n meander-once,
 lrdw L ‘ 1 mile «flock

 

 

they acted wisely they would have, had

‘nt length reached a secure nook;

‘ voice: ,

'sole author of my misery aidfdismcei’gf

,tlon.-‘  
I' With. a. quick g- use around. and then : n: _“I wilinot bid-you am back. {0?

: brutal warn

 

 

alarmed, but with unchanged face he kept
his gaze on her. v

“Gideon (lat-h," he answered, calmly,
“is a man reputed to be a road-agent and
robber. Do you really mean to say I am
he?"

“Six months ago I came to you, when
you were Asher Bradstreet, and made
known the fat-t that I knew you, then.
\Vas it done for your good or harm?"

“ Do I look like that Asher Bradstreet?”

“You do not. The resemblance is so
faint that no one else has noticed it, and
to me it, is so almost imperceptible that
I am amazed at your skill, in disguising
yom‘scli’. Nevertheless, 1‘ know you. I
I'tct)m1iZ(>d you when you first appeared.
here as Lasco Gird'wood. I was amazed
then at your rtxsklessness. Let that rest,
however, for your device has succeeded
well enough for your purpose; nobody
knows your secret but me, and I think my
past record is answer for the natural in-
quiry if yom‘ secret is safe with me.”

Girdwood leaned forward and took her
hand impulsively, his cold composure sud-
denly giving way.

“Miss Chester!” he exclaimed, “I owe
more to you than to any other living per—
son. You gave me, as Asher Bradstreet,
warning of the projected expedition
against my father, six months ago. It
was not your fault, but that of fate, that
I failed to save him. This time, its then,
you recognized me, but I am again safe
from betrayal through “your kindness.
How can I ever thank you!"

The color mounted slightly to her face.

,“ No thanks are necessary.” '

“I have met you in the street since I
came here last,” he went on, “and have
often wondered if by any chance you
might again recognize me, but I did not
think it possible when it was the belief
of all that I had perished on the mount-
a n. '

“How did you escape?” Helen asked.

Glrdwood’s face grew dark.

“I fell by the chasm,” he explained,
“wounded, and, I thought, dying. Con-
sciousness yet remained, however, and I
used the instinct- of self-preservation
which even an animal has. If,I could
not save my life I wanted to die Where
their profane hands couldnot touch me,
or their hatred, make my last moments
bitter. ‘ , . l' . .

" I could not Walk, and that it was that
which saved my life, I doubt not. Re—
duced to the last extremity, as I thought.
I began to crawl away. I had gone but a
short distance whentbey were at hand. I 1
saw them as they arrived at the chasm “ 
and decided I had fallen down it. ,Had t ‘7

 

 

 

me then, but they were slow to take any
other step, and I improved the opportunity.

“Inch by inch I crawled on my weary,
painful path, expecting the final moment
to come with each movement of my bleed-
ing body. , -

“It was not my lot to, die thus, and I
There,
to be brief, I lay until the foe was "gone. ,
. “A long period of illness from my
wounds followed, Three weeks ,I lay in
the cave to which I crawled, but at last ,
I got the better of my hurts and was able ' '
to go out into the world!"  2

He ceased, and Helen added, in "a flow

“To seek revenge." " , , .

“Revenge! '~ Yes, a son’s rev reé . 
venge formy’ own wrongs; and atrocious ,
persecution! {Do you blame inch? f,  l i

“Let my silence answer!"  v ,t »

“ It. does answer, and noblyl There are 
in your nature depths of nobility octagon
always. find new and interesting. . iss , 1
Chester, ,- I thank you again; and most.
warmly; . I must, goon, , "my, work; ,I I
cannot halt pit-waver. It 5s my destiny;
now tot-defeat. dishonor-,iiruin the bases "-1
hearted Wretch who really, has been the >

Anathlstvoloe'qmivered with 8 deen‘egno“

 

  
 

your attain in: the. 
youm. , ' 

.wmn. . (David ma. ” mm

Why?“

 
      
   
   
  
 
  

 

Yellow Gidflof Dark Divide.

17" 

 

 

 

“ Incredible as it seems that he has not
recognized you as Asher Bradstreet, there
is one who will detect your identity if you
get too intimate at his house. 1 have lost
faith in the sagaciiy of man,” added
IIt-lcn, smiling faintly, "but beware of the
1{- eyes of woman! If you go to )Iorrell‘s
" house. and you certainly will under the
new state of ai’fiairs. beware of the gazi-
of Rosamond Mort-ell!”

“ Does she suspect me?"

“ Not to my knowledge, but. do you
think she would forget the man who made
love to her in the past? If you do. you do
not know or undeistand women!”

CHAPTER XXII.
A NEW SCHEME.

The next morning Girdwmd was in the
office of David Morrell. He had been
made very welcome. His new partner‘s
feelings toward him Were mixul. David
could not get over the-hatred he had felt
for the person who had out-generalwl
him in business, but the new impetus given
the afi'airs of the firm was not to be dis-

 

? regarded, and Morrcll was in high spirits
 in spite of all.

 The money received from Girdwood had
3; already done good execution, and the
fa future seemed bright.

The two mew were discussing certain
V investments when. some one strolled into
,. the ofiiee. Gii'tlwood looked at him with
indifference, but David changed expres-
sion noticeably.

The new—comer was Gad Jackling.

The person of the sneer took a chair
without being asked.

“Gentlemen,” he composcdly to
marked, “I have wealth to invest—not a
fabulous amount, but just simply an
every-day layout. Since coming to Climax
Claim I have been. looking for the best
chance to get it into service, and I am
prepared to believe it is with your house.”

“Mr. Mort-ell will attend to you, sir,”

E l was Girdwood's reply.
3 David started. He did not want any
9 more dealings with Gad Jackllng, but
was not in position to refuse. He had not
forgotten the experience. at his house with
the man. i . .‘ ‘

“Real estate is my hobby," added Gad.

.“ There’s plenty of it‘here,” indifferentiy
observed Girdlwood. ‘

“I’m 'a plain person," went on the cal-
ler. “My life has been one of hardship
and peril. I‘ve seen much and learned
more. Here is one of the badges of my
experience and knowledge.”

He drew a coil d rope from under his
coat. and with skillful cast sent it
whirling through the air. It tell where it
showed to good advantage, but one end
was on David Morrell’s lap, and “that gen-
tleman hurriedly flung off the coil, bring-
ing a sneer to God’s face. v

“Only a rope," he commented.

“ Keep the thing awayl’?
\David', nervously. ‘

“ It won’t bite you. Only a rope, yet it
has a history. This identical lariat has
strangled a man!" _

He gave it another flirt, and it turned
under his skillful management: and
.writhed across the floor as it alive. _

Moi-roll watched in dogged silence. won.
daring if the visitor was a common man
or a. demon. Jackling had ways which
made almost anything possible from him.

“ The rope which strangled a man!” he
. reiterated, fixing his gaze more keenly
4 upon Morrell. . '

Girdwood did not appear to and this
conduct of! interest.

“We are ready to meet you on busi-
ness,” he suggested. impatiently. “Pro-
coed to’ it at once, it you please."

“ Very well. My plan is this: I wish to
secure land here tomcat and maintaini a
place for the incineration of the‘dend the
same place to be called the Stephen bar-
row Vaults l" . . 1
David breathed hard.” The‘name‘ Ste-
» ‘phen Darrow was the same he‘had'honrd
v when Jackling first produced the rope at
. ,the Morrell house. .' ‘ .

' It- had almeanlng tthim then; it had

 

~..—-««

 

 

requested

       
    
  

  
  

 

  
   
   

‘ggoker was

v

\ 73310” W. (ornate began to rear me.
801M tO‘boiray the secret of . ,
.  ' '~  1  r " _‘ ’by theiatage'wbe'ryymg

I .

y

   
 

“Ridiculous!” Girdwood exclaiuml.
“\Vhat in the. name of commonsense- do
we want with a place of incineration here?
The earth is a spot good enough for our
dead."

“ I do not ask for money aid. sir. All I
require is land upon which to build the
Stephen Darrow Vaults.“

(iirdwood turned irritably lo Morrell.

“I leave you to deal with this crank,"
he bluntly added.

“He and 1 shall get. alum.r famously."
d‘cclarml Gad. with his meaning smile.

" i trust that Mr. Moi-roll will look upon
the project in. a different manner, and see
the value of it,“ the caller complaCtmltly
I‘M‘ui'nl‘d', and imnmliatcly proceeded to
business. The idea was discussed, and
David endeavored to show Mr. Jackling
that. though the East might see fit to burn
instead of bury their dead. there was
no crying need of such an institution at
Climax Claim.

Jackling acted with apparent delibera-
tion, and at last seemed so far convinced
that he decided to defer action until he

‘had thought it over further.

1you driving at?” -. . »
The grayity of Morrcll’s manner had at.

He went out without any more of his
weird acts or words, and Morrell breathed
freer.

“Boot argument is needed on that fel-
low!‘l remarked Glrdwood, tersely. “Such
men are unmitigated nuisances."

“ They may be dangerous."

The younger man smiled.

“If this person gets that way let me
know. I’ve. seen a good many just such
cranks and know what they are. They
go along all right as long as they can
bluff a. man, but wilt like a rag when
brought face to face with determination.
I could squelch your incinerator without
the least trouble!" and Girdwood turned
to his work.

Moi-roll sat in a dazed state. For the
first time since Jack'ling began to annoy
him it occurred to him as possible that the
latter might be “squelched.” He looked
at Lasco Girdwood. He noted his mus-
cular form and resolute air. Certainly. he
was far superior to Jackiing in all ways.

Had he found a partner, only. or a ros-
cucr? ‘ ‘

But little more work did David Morrcll
do that forenoon. He sat and thought
deeply, and then walked home in the same
mood: He had an. idea, and was so re.-
lnctant to let it rest that he, took pains
to put it in motion as soon as possible.
He told his daughter he wished to see her
alone, and they were soon satisfactorily
situated. . ‘

“Rosamond,” he began. abruptly, “hot”
you any mncy fer Lou-is Levere ?"

“ Why, I’m to marry him,” the daughter
replied, in surprise. ,

"That ain‘t what I asked. Thar’ is a
firing they call love. Be you a victim to
, “ Louis Levere’ is a count!” significantly
answered Rosamond. ‘ '

“Thor’s somethin’ better than a title—4
money. Would you throw a titled beggar
over for a rich man? In brief, would you
give Levere,the dump an’ marry Lasco
Girdwood?" ____.___ .

CHAPTER XXIII.
omnwoon AND MATRIMONY. “

Some young women would have. been
shocked at the question, but Miss Rosa-
mond was not. She‘ regarded her father
inquiringly. ‘
‘3 “Are yourdreaming?” she acked. . .
"‘If I am. it‘s the 1 t mattecof-Iact
dream you ever hecrd o ,’.’ the ‘father re-.
plied. “Yes, an’ thar's solid chunks o’
wisdom in it, too. What does ,‘Loullee-
vere amount to?” ‘ ‘

“ He’s a count, and the woman who
ries him 'will’be a countess." .

“What will shezlive. on?”

_ “ or father's money,“ answered! Rios -
mend, with calm assurance. ' ‘ ‘

“ Suppose it should ,zive out '2"
r " No fear. oil that, I think. But what 11

mar-

.last made itself lclt. upon the girl, and site

 

grew more grave. herself.
“ Do you know Host a bi

   

3. “6,92an

 

\r

 

with a will. Mrs. Lasco Girdwood. wm

, clared the marriage on! for the time being"
her shrinents. ’To this'Levei-e had taken

and had, at

»“‘,I‘.ca.n

  

 

   
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
 
 
  
   
   
   
  
   
  
     
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
   
   
  
  
  
   
    
     
  
 
   
  
  
   
  
     
        
    
     
    
         
        
         
              
        
      
     
       

“ It would be to sonic. Surely, though,
it has not l‘llll)il.l‘l”:IS$t‘d you?"

"Rosie, scncc GirdWood come ter town
thar’ has been a (:11:lll,‘.!‘(.\ill things. Before
that i had all the trade to myself. an' did
famously. The minute he began that“
was a change. The cunnin‘ 0‘ that man is
simply amazin’! I used ter think Asher
Bradstreet was a wonder, but (llrdwoml
beats him out o' sight. He is. a phenom-
enon! How he. gets all his business work
in I don't know, but he does. Yes, an'
from the first he ’has cut into my proiits
tor the quick. lie took my trade, an’ when
I made efforts tcr beat him out by bold
strokes he \va‘n't. any the worse oil', but I
was. In the rivalry 1 lost heavy."

The. girl noted "her, father‘s downcast.
manner and hurriedly asked:

“ Surely, you didn‘t ,get hit lmrd?"

“ But Al, did! You asked me why I took
Girdwood inter my firm. Gal, it was
simply because bankruptcy stared me in
the face." 

“‘W by didn’t you shoot the. villain?" in- '
temperately demanth Rosamond.

“Shoot him? Why, I never heerd 0'
him doin' any underhand work, an‘ I feel
grateful that he come ter my rescue as hog
did. It was he who saved me, not did me
harm. Gal, he is a long-headed man. Gird-
wood is; an‘ his money pulled me out o‘
the hole wonderful. Money? Why. he.
has it by the bushel, an' be will make a.
rich man 0’ me once more, by thunder!"

“ This don't. make Louis Leverc any the
less one of the nobility," she remarked,
slowly.

“ Which is the best, money
title?” !

“ Why not have both?" ’ '
“With Girdwood in, Levcrc is a more
drag on us; he was always that an’ no
more on me; an’ new I suspect he will get: .
the bounce. before long. Glrdwood ain’t

liker tier want a stupid teller around.”

“ You are plain enough, but suppose ‘-
Girdwood don‘t want me?" . I

“Now you come tcr business!" declared
Morrell, seeing the gradual yielding of the
fortress. “ The other day when you was
passin’ I see him look at you in! a peculiar 
way. It impressed me as odd at the time, I
an’ though I wa'n’t sure 0' my ground,
then.,1‘ll bet the drinks he is in love with
you.‘

Rosamond. did not let that possibility
i\fiorlry her. She looked very much arms

0 . a

“Mr. Girdwood is flneoppearing,” was
her. modest comment. < , . - , f

“ He is, sure;‘ I don't know no flnor:'an’ .
he‘s a'. smart man, too. That's what
counts, gal; it’s the man who can make
money who is of use in the‘ world. I‘ve

been poor—” ,

“I haven’t, and don‘t want to be!" do:
clared Rosamond. “ Give me a rich man.
and a money-maker, every time. Are you
sure your fortunes are so desperate?” she;
added. , ‘ l
V “ I’ve gije it to you straight.” , *

“ Thenl t as tempthirdwood. It ‘I find 1'
loan snare him, and he continuesto bring
cash into your pocket, I’ll throw Levels over

or an empty 1

    
      
       
       
         
        
       
       
     
    
    
   
          
      

  

sound could be sweeter!" , ‘
Rosamond laughed lightly as, she‘ spoke
but itwas clear that her cold natutc- had"
undergone no change. ' I ., ‘
When Rosamond lost her Wedding finely ~-
at the hands of YellowGid she had dot

 

until she could recover her nerve; if not ,

exceptions in vain, but had fibeenv‘
paused with the promise that the delay“
should be but brief. Now itgoccurred to
David that it might not be oasyto than
agfithe. coun. b t ‘ ,  ‘
' ewasa enrero theba firm
last, that hold upon em: " r
If he could do them no damage, he might.
,at least, make matters serious bygifihm
blicity to the ‘otair. and thus letting;~
irdwood kaowr the character x0! =th ‘
woman who‘aspired to marry him. , ;
Morrellmentione’d'hls fear. ‘

" Leave that to me,” advised

 
  
  

       
    

 

 
  
 

  
 
   
   
  
 

   
  
   
   
  

   

. /

:18

Yellow G—id of Dark Divide.

 

 

 

So it was settled.

The next day Mei-roll and his daughter
went to ride. "he accumulation of trou-
bles and close application to work had
Worn upon the banker, and he felt the
need of relaxation. The help received
from Girdwood had done much. to cheer
him up, and with a trifle of pleasure in
the days to come he thought he would
soon have his health back.

With the driver on the box, the carriage
trolled away on the trail, and father and
daughter leaned back in their places and
looked as contented as rich people should.

There were no regular roads in the sec—
tion, but many of the gulches had smooth
and hard bottoms where a. carriage could
be driven with ease and comfort, so David
ordered his man to turn from the stage-
road, and they were som rolling along the
unfrequented way.

The day was fine and air cool and in—
vigorating. The banker fwgot his trou-
bles and was happy. For some hours they
wound around in the gulches, and then
turned toward home.

“ I am getting to know this region well,”
remarked Rosamond. “I believe if I
were one of the searchers I could find
Gideon Gath!" 1

“Thunder! don’t speak '0' him!” Morrell
exclaimed. ' . .

“ I’m not sure I’m afraid of him.” «

“Well, you didn’t seem to enjoy your
other meetin’ with him!” curtly retorted
Mort-ell.

“Why should I, when he took all my
valuableshway? But I think he will be
careful to keep out ofvsight, now.”

The banker hoped so, but—

As they rounded a curve in the path,
the horses suddenly pulled up and stood
recoiiing on the carriage.

' In front of the team was a horseman,
' and one who made the trio gazedn silent
surprise and dismay.
' “Yeiler Gid!”
Yellow Gid it might be. Handsomer
 dressed, athletic of form, and masked, he
’ looked the roadoagent to the'life! ‘

CHAPTER XXIV.
THE VANDAL’S SECOND STROKE.
The ‘Vandal waved his hand command-

 

      
   
  
   
     
 
  
     
  
  
   
   
 
   
   
  
    
   
    
   
     
 

y.~ ,
“ Driver, keep where you are, and don’t
raise your eyes from your work. IThe
rest of you dismount!” .
, “Dismount?” echoed David. “What
for?” t ' » ,
‘ “You will learn later. Get out of the
, carriage!” and Yellow Gid carelessly,
mg a revolver around to the front,
' » u David Morreii was in a panic.
“If you. want our money,” he began,
'huskily, “we can give it to you right where
We,sit.f' ' « '
v- “I don’t want your money!’ Are you
$113 to obey?” demanded Yellow, Gid,

 
 

They'were. Neither of them was in a
.mood to do otherwise, and David led the

blineg followed. « Then the robber waved
his hand to the driver.

.“ Move onr’he directed, “but halt just
near enough so 1 can'see you“ If you go

omnpelled to shoot you. no you hear?"
and the revolver was raised a little high-

 

.inaster,-hut David‘made no sign and the
ammo " As he
he spoke something
'M’Yef- , - - . i

‘i ow‘,” abruptly remarked the Vandal,

i

 to his prisoners, "I think we can

the road-agent
a. low voice i to the

 

7hun , for me for some time. [You have

 me." , , , v ,
..“'1'imnderl I didn' want to find, you
orr‘e‘ll. It ,  _

  

’ as my!" delaimed'
WW'WSC into tears.

    

  
  
 
    
 

we implored:
and quietly "went on: , .
‘ “T'owe 'you'thanks for having "come to

,r'l'fivide. Bys do [Mmduue
monument “of marble fig: 
airman: some you.” '

     

  
 
 

   

wryn He alighted, and Rosamond trem~ '

further until'l give the word I shall be ’

16‘. The man looked doubtfhlly at' his’
driver touched the horses and started on, --

seen tie our business. 'You have been,

V ‘ went, until the iii]
For Heaven’s sake, don't  me!" v
ands! ignored the'womn’n's speech “

 

“ \Vhat do you want. now?" almost
moaned Mort-ell.

“ Revenge!”

“ You wouldn't kill us?”

“How did you deal
Gath?"

“That was done] in passion.
pented of it anany a. time—”

“Your repentance comes too late!”

“But I am willin’ ter make amends—"

“It is not in your power. Had you
never done that deed all would have been
well with you, but you did it without mer-
cy. Do you think mercy will be shown
you, now? If you do, you are wholly in
error. As you SOWUd, so shall you reap.
You sowed in death; you shall reap of
death!" and he dismounted from his horse.

Yellow Grid’s voice was inexorable, and
both of his hearers were in a panic. Mor-
rell stood silent before his terrible ac-
cuscr.

" You do well," Gideon Went on. “There
is no defense you can (make; you may as
well bare your head to the storm and ac-
cept the inevitable.“

The speaker pointed toward where the
carriage had last been seen.

“You are deserted!" he added.

Vehicle and driver had disappeared.

“By my orders he has gone on to Cli-
max Claim. He cannot help you. You are
alone with me."

Rosamond had been weeping silently,
'but now the remorselessness of the Van-
dal’s tone made her sob convulsivcly.

She flung herself at his feet.

“ Spare me! spare me!" she walled.

He struck away the hand she raised in
entreaty. ,

“ The Morrells shall taste the same mer-
cy they have shown!" he pronounced, in
an icy voice.

She tried to clasp his knees, but he re-

with Harmer

I’ve re—

ed.

“ This is my hour or vengeance!" he
went on, in tones which seemed to chill
the hearers. “ I am deaf to all words of
pleading. You want to know my plan of
satisfaction You shall be, informed i”

The Vandal extended his arm and
pointed in the direction the carriage had
vanished, and looked at Mort-ell. r

“ Go!” he commanded. _

“ Eh?” muttered David, stupidly.

“Go, you!" he reiterated, sharp] ,
he brought the revolver to bear
banker's head. 

“ Oh, for God‘s sake, don’t leave me here
with this terrible man, father! Don’t go!”
pleiglded the girl, in keenest fear and an-

“ Will you go?" shouted Yellow Gid.

David Morrcll marched off without a
word. There was a cry of absolute'horror
from Rosamond, and she tried to follow,
hat the strong hand of“ the Vandal held

arid
the

her back. I , i
“ You ’are to stay!” he icilyremarked.

" , Morreil did not pause or even look back-

ward, but increasing his pace, he was
soon at the point ofthe cliff. ‘«

Yellow Gid drew Rosamond toward his

orse. l
'. ‘f What are you going to do?” she fal-
tered; v >

“Take you with me!” V 5‘
V " 0h, spare me; sparevme! What have I
ever done to you? Why should you make
me suffer, for another’s act? . I never
harmed y —,-" ' '

‘ "You talk'in vain!” i .

Still holding her firmly, the Vandal
wung himself into the saddle, holding he
securely before‘hi-m. Then he turned the
head of the horse toward, the north—the
most desolate part of the range-Juno gave
him the word. The animal sprang away
with spirit. For a moment his feet beat
upon the handsoil: then he dashed out 'of
sight of any one who/might be watching.

Array, away; and up the Divide they
shut them in fully,
and-she was [truly some with the Outcast;
I ; CHAPTER, XXV. ‘

' MEN OF" MYSTERY.

‘Qn, the cams afternoon a carriage; drove
.up in frontal! Horace Grahamfs door. The

»

 

 

'professorshurriedqout to meet it, and from
moment)? ' e wetland mama.
 the aide knew or an as an

  

 

thy. etcoiat‘etofrhlmtoshare
' 6' 

had been called. ever since she began the
new life, Alice Mayton.

She was looking somewhat pale, and was
not yet fully recovered from her illness,
but had now come to Climax Claim accord-
ing to the plan arranged.

It was a momentous occasion when she
entered the house, Bianca having.r stroneg
objected to going to the house in any but
a frank and open manner, but was over-
ruled by her lover.

The step thcn taken was for weal or
woe, to her, and it remained to be seen
how Alice Mayton would get alongr in
her new role.

All went well at first; there were no pry-
ing eyes to notice the girl’s golden hair
or make questioning comments as to her
identity.

Later on that day Allen had a. visitor.
It was Peter Potts, whose frequent asso—
ciation with Allen had caused the latter's.
farther considerable surprise, but the-
younger man never neglected any chance-
to see his ally. He did not neglect it now.

Peter asked him to walk outside, and
they went accordingly. '

“ Have you any news?” Allen demanded,
quickly.

"Not an artom, I confess. No wonder
the hunters don’t find Yeller Gid. ’l‘har’
ain’t a fly on me bigger nor an elephant,
but I can’t find the critter.”

“ That’s bad!"

“ Don‘t be downcast; we’ll find him:
yet. I've found caves an’ dens galore,
whar’ men or women hev' lived, an‘ that-5
ain’t no shadder o’ doubt that Harmer
Ga'th flourished thar’ once. I‘m right inter
the bowels of the mystery, an’ I must root
Gld Gath up sooner or later." ,

“And the notices?” '

“ I‘ve put them up as you ordered. Ef
Grid ain’t blind he must find one 0‘ them
soon. When he does, what then? The
notices set forth that. of he wants‘ter hear
something 0’ value ter him, right from the
throat-latch of a. friend, he must do so an‘
so. The question is, will he believe the in»
tices come from a. friend?” .

Alien shook his head. - .

“ Do you suppose he puts in all his time
hiding in the hills of Dark Divide?" the
young man queried. ' ' '

“ Whar’ else should he be?”

“He is bold and daring. Suppose he
does not remain there all the time? It.
would be true Gath recklessness for him.
to come right to this town 0’ nights. Per-
haps he is far nan-er to us than to ,the no»
tices you have put up in the caves and
dens.” ’ .

“Jes’ ez likely 92 not.”

"The friends separated soon, and Allen,

retin-ned to the house. Peter went back to
the hotel in which he had made his home
since coming to town the last time, and
was prepared to take life easy after a hard
day’s labor, but he had a surprise.
Arriving at the hotel, he found people
talking with animation, and when he had:
legged the cause he was equally inter—
es . , . .
Yellow Gid had. been seen again, and
1liliosamond Morrell'had been ahductedby
m. . . I

The termed-agent’s sympathies were all

‘with the new master of the art, but he
.was a

d and'disowraged at the fresh.

outbre How could Gidvbe saved, if he

was resolutely bent upon runninl,r his-

hoad into new trouble day by day? 
The Mom-ell 'can‘iage had come home

l‘ ‘with the driver on the box and. David

wa within, but Rosamcynd/was not with

them, and everybody was eager to tell of

her bold abduction. r ,
What had gone before was but a rush-

Nligh‘t in comparison withthe latest. _ If

Yellow Gid had taken to stealing women

.there could be no safety until he was cap. r -
turednndallrhadanintelestlnthespeedy“ ,

ending of the campaign.

,Once more 'Davidms  forming a  :

rescue’vparty,.and Peter was among those
wh’odstlarted out .rwith him to findi the hold
an a. V x , » ‘ 4

Allen was occupied atthe‘housnrand did .

not impact the aflair untilfhe'rallexed ,
cuers were well underway,  Q
WW

     

 

    

 

 

 

 

      
     
       
          
     
     
     
     
     
         
       
     
     
   

    
     
     
       
        
     
     
     
     
   
 
    
   
   
   
      
     

 

 

 

MW

 

Yellow Gid of Dark Divide.

 

He went out to walk to the post-office,
and on the way he met a tall, cloak-
wrapped man. Graham would have
passed him without comment or especial
notice, but the other stoppcd short.

“ Excuse me, sir, but I have a bit of bus-
iness with you.”

Allen looked up and at once bccanic in-
terested.

“I think you know
speaker.

“I ought. to," promptly agrccd Allen,
“You are thc person who rejoices in the
name of Moloch."

“ I am he.”

“I suppose you have come to ask me
about your box. I will say it is still safe.
Nobody has access to it but myself, and i
keep it secure, only looking at it often
enough to make sure it has not been tum-
pered with.”

"You have my thanks. I never have
doubted that you would doyourbcst with it.
I managed it so as to see you to-night in or
681' that I might notify you in person that
all is still well with the man whose secret.
is in the box, and to guard against the ne-
cessity of sending you word to that ef-
fect."

“ I 1am duly notified. How is your
friend Whose secret I hold ‘2” he asked.

“ All is well with him,” impressively an-
swered Moloch.

“ Are you able to say when the box will
be opened?”

“Not at present."

“ Shall I know what his secret is. when
the trust is over?"

“ I think you will.”

“The box is a, source of no small annoy-
ance to 'me. You brought it to me under
peculiar circumstances; the whole matter
is peculiar. I do not know 'what secret I
hold. It may be one which will some day
react upon mysclf, and I shall be well
pleased when I am finally rid of it."

“I am sorry you are so minded, but
must ask you to keep it, since I took it to
you as the one place to which I could go
to be assm'ed of its safety.”

“Do you live in this town?" asked
young Graham. '

“It is not my home.”

“ Have I ever seen you here?” 1

“I repeat 'it is not my home. I have
to come by stealth when I come at all.”

“You are not frank, I fear. I am very
much of the opinion that if I knew the
truth you would be found to be an no
quaintance. At times you vaguely remind
me of some one I have known, though I
cannotgrasp the key to the riddle.”

“Frankly, you waste time in trying; I
am‘not one of yOur peopleg Further than
that I have nothing to say.”

“As you will. I’ll not seek to pene-
trate your secret.”

“I have your good at heart, as well as
2my 0 .” _1

Allen was not sure- of that, but the man
of mystery departed and the custodian of
the box watched the‘unknown until, mov-
ing toward the bills, he disappeared.

Going on to the post-odice he found some
,of the citizens in council.

“ Thar’s only one thing ter doll” declared
one of them. “ Gid Gath has got tor be
served as his father was served. This
last stroke is too much fer anybody ter
bea . When he gits ter stealiu’ our gals
it 1 time ter call a. halt. How’s that, pil-
grims-i?” .

The “pilgrims” with one voice agreed
with him. ’

‘f,Hyar’s Al Graham! I'll bet he’s with
s’ ‘ '

“We all object to such work,” unwill-
ingly replied Allen. ‘

“ Object! Wat, I should say we do!
Why, any decent man would. ‘ It is jest
vile an’ no discount. Don’t I wish I had
Yeller (lid here! Why, ‘I'd take him‘un'
cut his backbone out!”

“Now is your chance!” '

A quiet voice near the door pronounced
the words. Quiet as the inrormation was,
all looked that way, and saw— . ,

,By the door stood a masked man.
straight and stalwart, ,his arms folded
across in: broad breast.

They gazed, and a newimpression caime

me,” added the

 

  

r _

 

 

‘ had so dolled already.

 

Suspicion, not expressed. but.

felt. that day did not feel so belligerent

as but a moment before.
“ (lid (lath is here!" added the masked‘

man. “ What do you want. of him?"

CHAPTER XXVI.
THE SECRET Is KNOWN.

If anything was wanted of Yellow (lid
those prcscnt Wcrc slow to make the fact
known. Satisfiml that the Vandal rcallyl
was before them, thcy gazed in mutc won-
dcr, not a man of thcm all havin‘r the
prescncc of mind to say or do anything.

“ Well." sarcastically demanded the Van-
dal, “what are you all waiting for? Have
you no word for (lid (lath “t”

The question broke the spell.

As one man the citizens rallied, and one
of thcir number found voice to command:

“ Don‘t lct him escape! Cut off the way
of retreat!”

A sarcastic laugh from the Vandal, as
lic Whipped out a revolwr.

“(lid (lath is here!” he added.
wan-ts to take him '3"

The citizens looked at each other. No
one seemed inclined to act. l

“I have voluntarily come to see my;
friends hcrc," the outlaw wcnt on. “ I- am
told i am wanted, 1 say. Who is hcrei
to deal with me?" '

" Mon!" cried a grizzled miner. “Kin
we stand this? I say No! A't him; at
him, an‘ don’t let up until he‘s dead!"

The speaker made a bold rush, but the
Vandal receded, and the door was
slammed in the miner‘s face. He almost
fell over by the recoil, and there was de. ,
lay in getting it open. When they accom- ‘
plishcd that they saw Yellow (lid on
horseback, looking toward them in a. calm '
and nlatter-of—hct way. ‘

“I thank you for your hospitality!" he
announced, clearly, “and if you will come
to Dark Divide I shall be glad to recipro- 1
cute. I am always at home. Come and
see me!" > ,

He waved his hand and spoke to hisj
horse, and in a. moment more it was'
spemling away through the now deserted i
streets, while Gid Gatib looked around and
waved a defiant farewoll to the men he

 

“ Who

“ Shoot him! shoot him!” was the cry.

A weak volley, Went whistling in pur-
suit. They might as well have shot at
the unrisen moon.

Allen Graham did not fail to see that the
chance had come to make an effort to see
Yellow (lid, and he started at once in pur-
suit. It seemed a useless effort. however,
and he had no heart in the work. A, fleet- |
footed horse was not to be beaten on even
terms, but there was a slight possibility
that he might :be able to head the Vandal
off by taking a short cut which the horse
could not be made to follow.

This plan he hastened to carry out.

He indulged in a wild scramble for ,
tWenty minutes and ran panting over the ‘1
rough way, often ‘ half-falling as be en-
countered some’ obstruction tohls feet, but
finally arrived where he could see the Van-
dal if he saw blur-at all. 1 ~

If any one else had‘ taken the same
course he had distanced them, and now he
had all to himself. 1

Dewn the trail he looked, but nothing
was to‘be seen. No rider, no 'pursuer was
there: only the quiet cliff appeared as
they kept watch over the range.

There was nothing ‘to do but to wait
and watch, and this he proceeded to do. ,
Minutes, however, passed, and there was:
no further sign.  " ,1 .

,“ It is settled!" he‘exclaimed., “Yellow
Gid has again proven his right to be called 1
a man hard to catch, and he hits out- .,
stripped all. I may as well go home and '
be done with. it. By Jove! but it's-tough
to have had my‘ eyes on him and not be
able to warn hllm!” -

Slowly the s ker retraced his steps.
The latest deve opments. had not increased
his satisfaction. Each new step taken by
Gid Gath showed more and more how i
reckless he was. and it seemed impossible _
that he could long escape capture. :

That night Allen’s rest was not of the
best, andhe arose feeling that he was
not in condition to. cope with emergencies,
Perhaps, since tat isrflchleand capricious

 

l
i

     
   

. not believe that of him!

     
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
   
   
   
   
    
  
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
    
     
  
  
  
   
  
   
   
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
   
  
   
   
  
  
  
   
    
  
   
  
   
  
  
 
    
  
   
  
    
  
   
 
   
  
  
  
   
    
  
  
 
  
      
  
  
       
       
       
       
     
      
    
   
 

 

19:

that was Just the reason why lic was
spccdily callcd upon to face new and trou-
blcsumc complications.

Bianca was silcnt and nervous at the ia-
ble. lloracc Graham infcl'rcd shc was
not feeling in her best hcalth, and the
guess wcut unchallenged, but Alli-u saw
dccpcr. He knew sonicthing had gone
wrong.

Presently the eldcr (lraham lcfit thcm.
alone, and Bianca. hurriedly 'whispcrcd:

“i want. to scc you where we can con~-
versc in private." ‘

" Let us go out, then."

Allen was more than willing to get
away from other cars, and thc outer uin
seemed as private a place as any.

They went almost in silence until well
bcyond the town.

Suddenly she turned upon her compan~
ion.

"Allcn," she cxclaimcd, “what is this
licw mystery of the town about. a road—
agent?"

Shc spoke with feverish intensity, and.
Allcu kucw the secret was one no longer.
He had got to face the truth.

“ What do you know about the matter?"
he askcd. ‘

“They say that (lidcon Gath is alive
and on the trail. 0h! Tell me this is not;
truc—tell me it is some impostor, for even
if by some miracle he Were alive, I could.‘~
Nay, I would not“.

believe it if I could!”

“ Who has told you this?”

“ I overheard two men talking under my
window this morning. They said (lid;
(lath, as thcy called him, was alive, and
had not only robbed the stage, but had.
stolen Rosamond Morrcll, the last deed.
having but just occurred. 011! Allen, tell
me this is not true!" '

Bianca caught her lover’s arm, and he):
tear-tilled eyes met his in earnest entreaty.

He took her hands tenderly withinhis
own. c

“The men did not intend to say what
was not so, and I don’t know that they
did. If they were wrong it was an.crror
shared by more than one at Climax Claim
—in fact. by the whole town. It is be—
lieved Gideon (lath is. indeed, alch. and.
acting the road-agent. It pains me to tell
you this, but so it is." 1 \

“ My brother-«my brother a raid-agent!“

“ It is but "too true, I fear.”

“ I cannot, will not, believe it!" Bianca;
exclaimed, her tears flowing freely. ‘

“ I wish I could think you .righ ..” . x

“But his principles were always‘of the» '
highest." é

“ You can gness.what drove him to it." ‘

“Revenge he might take in some way.
for he has much of our father’s spirit, but
to resort to theft—never, neverl", .

Allen was silent. . .

“ Besides, did not every one say he died
when our father did '1"

“It was so thought, but this man an,»-
nounces himself as Gideon dam, and those
who Were familiar with his appearance
not only declare it is so, but they races».-
nized him before he made the announcew
ment." ,1

“ Gldeon,-w road-agent!" I . 1 7

“Bianca, my heart bleeds for you, but
what can I say to console you? I would,
disbelieve itif I could, but the evidence
seems too positive.“ . ‘
\ “He must be mad, mad! Why, he can
only’ bring himself to capture and death.
It must result in that way; as much (18-,
this vicinity is built up now no one can
expect to escape. i

“I have been trying to see him, myself,
and try to use my influence to make him ‘_
abandon the life he has taken to. but thus.
far my exerts have been unsuccessfuh
If it is hard for his enemies to learn where :
he isrit is not less so for his friends. Peter
Potts is here, and has been endeavoring to
locate him by going into the hills of Dark
Divide and searching foot by foot. as I
may say. . He may yet succeed.” '

“I thank you for the news. ’As 
you are thoughtful of my happiness." ~

“If we can see him, we may be able t
induce him to give up his rash work-Sin 1:
flat. I am sure we can if you can nice

in." _ . . -. , ..

Blanca was silent for a. while. 

 

  

 

    

    

 
   

20

 

[Yellow  of Dark Divide. .

 

 

 

beset with another idea. Then she ex-

claimed: ~ '

“You seek to keep people ignorant of
any identity. Why did you bring me here
.at-this time?"

“Frankly. I should have postponed the
coming ii’ 1 had been able. but arrange
ments were all made and my father was
eag-r to see you."

She sighed.

“To see Alice Mayton, but not Bianca.
Goth."

“It was you, under your real or as-
sumed name. as it might be."

“I feel guilty to have come here un-
der false pretenees. If your father had
known all he Would not have received ine.
TVc have abused his trust."

- “ I cannot agree with you in this. You

r,“ judge naturally, but do my father an in-

‘ justice. Had he never seen you he might

have been prejudiced against you. but he

is discerning enough to know a worthy

[person when he sees one. He would not
‘ .now abandon you or his faith in you. I
.am sure."

“Let us not try him tee far.
gagemcnt must be broken.”_
 “Broken! Why?"

"Because Ivam a living lie, here; I pose
.as a woman worthy of his esteem when
the world would pronounce otherwise."

. “ The world! What have. we to do with
that most unjust of critics?"

“Jt is-lhc one that rules. Don’t mis-
Judge me, but it is best our engagement
Should be broken.” ‘
, ‘ "I object most‘decidedly.
good reason for it." '

, ” Is it not enough that I am the sister
of a rmd-agent?—ycs, and the daughter of
a roadragent? The last we have talked of

' 1 before, but the new matter cannot be beat-
 en’down. If my brother is the new Van-

adal my acquaintance will ruin you.”

.“ Beathat as it‘may, I refuse to give you
"up, onto end the engagement. We can-
not! As we have started, so must we go
on.’ What good would it do to break off
the engagement? Would not the explana-
. flan be. more difficult and awkward than
do let it go? What should we say?—what
ricoqu We say?"

‘ ,“I could leave the house."

“And go where?"

“" Back to my latest haven." ‘, F
‘ ~“"Is not your place near your brother?"
‘ Bianca’s face flushed.
it'You. are right; my place is here! You
, and Peter .Potts are trying to save Gideon.
‘ Ifwill try, too; I will stay and do my part.
1’1:me not what that part will be, or
" "what I can do, but the future may show
me. I will stay! (More than that, 'I will
(ask nq more of you in regard to the em-
gagement' than this: You and I will
“know it is in abeyance, to be ’revived, if
possible, in the future; to be. broken per-
manently if I find I am- going to beta bur-
den and a disgrace upon you and your
.honored name. Not one jot less shall I
Jove you, but the engagement must been,
new, for a time, at least.” v “ ‘
35nd infthis decisiou‘she didlnot‘ waver.

, CHAPTER xxvn.  '-
arman GID’COMES TO 'rowx. ‘ '

 

   
   
 
  
 
   
  
  
     
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
   
   
   
 

Our en-

There is no

  

  

  

  

   

 

  

 

 search was made fol-Rosa—
mend Morten, she was not found. 'It was

  

weary hunters agreed as they Why the
‘ and talked the matter-over. ,
“."Gid, 3th has got her shut up in some
n So‘close that nobodyis ever liker fer.
d; 2 her}? one oracle declared.

f.-

 
  

 

  

smgk (in-so.  but it was the-means
, finish-11in!” added another hunter. “5ch
 my word. Yeller Gld will lose
wt

. I lathe company 0’ that gal, ’an’j ‘ t
" inter our clams, yeti 'Ohua

  
  
  

    
  
 
 

s“ odaigbtl- "  welre him
‘1',-  my.”  “I”

effort con-id be [made he was out of sight

, , . some decisive engort. .
-.Another day passed, and though due 1‘

lost. labor for all Who had gone, as the- some trouble to quiet her down, and. even’

“‘ He. , , t . _ ,
s a 'Morr‘ell was not at home ,but he heard

. recovered her wits somewhat, and. her

prne -

 ,n the death-bl w 'ter anybody.

. _ You shouldzbe authorised?
his: scheme, be  honesthor  , ,“‘W Rosie, [I'm ‘

 

m; .
boundaya

 

“ He may git tired o" her.”

“Not much! He kin come the gallant
when he ain’t got no other business on
hand, an' ct ain’t likely he‘ll throw a good
thing away.”

“Yes, he’ll jest everlastiugly hang ter
her.”

There was a rattling of a horse‘s feet
up the street.

“Some 0' the boys are late in gettiii"
in," commented a lounger.

"Alf Huse, I reckon.”

The citizens looked lazily to see whoE
was riding. 0n came the horseman. At'
the first his speed had been considerable,
but as he drew near it was increased. At
a hard gallop he tore along until the
watchers caught good sight of him.

“Don‘t look like Alf.”

“What’s he got in. his arms?"

“ Some kind of a handle.“

The wise men of Climax Claim had not
yet grasped the whole truth, but they
were willing to see more. They were not
disappointed.

On dashed the rider until he was al—
most abreast of them. '

" Why, it's a woman!"

The wondering exclamation came as:
they saw that the supposed package had ‘
shape not common to its kind. but no'.
further view \was granted from that point i
of observation.

The rider halted suddenly. sprang to the .
ground, and. on the glass, laid the burden :
he had borne. Then he leaped back into;
the saddle. But the late burden sprang'
up, stretched out her hands, and shrilly

 

cried: . v

“ Gid Gaithi Gid Goth!“

Something like an. electric shock ran
through the hearers. '

They recognized the voice, and, too late,
the facts of the case.

The Vandal had been under their very
eyes, and was making good his escape! '

Again came the half—frantic utterance
of the woman:

“I am Rosamond Morrell! Is there no
one here to capture Gid Gath?”

There was a roar from the citizens.
Bold men were in the company, and men
who knew how to light. More than that
—thcy were bound to capture the Van-
dal in some way, and now he had so reck-
lessly ventured into the town they had the
chance they desired. There was but one
drawback-and. that a serious one. No
horses were at hand. ~
. Yet all started‘on foot, and the air 'bc-
(nine vocal with their shouts as they en-,
deavored to arouse others who could see
Gath in time to block his way and make
the good Work sure, ' .

x The town was awakened, but all in vain.
Like a flash. Grid Goth went through the
street. and by the moment an organized

and hearing. I ._

% Once more he had defied them all and
won the struggle. I

' While some took part in the vain hunt.
others Went‘to Hammond’s side. She was
too nervous and excited, to be capable of
coherent action. and steed’wflnging her
hands and trying tenurgegthe men on to‘

Afterward. she- had no recollection of
what‘sm) haddone, and this it was that
made her so impractical. The men had

when this-was done she did not give. them
the degree of information "they. defined; ‘
r Seeing that mebestway‘was'to take
her to hergat-hmfs heuse'. this. was, dbne. at
once.,: I.  ' i ‘ ' ‘

thé latest'news and soon put in an ap-
pearance. By;,th'at°‘vtinie Rosamond had

welioomofiwasniore warm than daugh-
tery.‘  ',' W’.‘ H 
“I’d like to know,’_".she.. exclaimed,
“what kind Off wooden men» . We) have.) in
Climax Claim, -Wher'c wem,’you that you
did not see Gid Gathiandmapmre him?

  

  
 

     

’ will ch

 

been had he not been sure he would get
a tongue-lash’ilg for having left her in
Yellow Gld's hands. ile did get what he
expected, but the sky cleared finally and
they became more practical.

“How did you an’ him happen ter be
hyar in town?" the banker asked.

“ He brought me back.”

“ Gid (lath did?"

U Yes-’9

“ Willin‘ly '3"

“ What else? I had nothing to do about
it. He took me on horseback, brought me
to the center of the village and there
dumped me down and left me."

“ Thunder!" ,

“ I think the man must be crazy."

“He’s too confounded sane for my taste.
But this does look queer. Why should he
steal you, and then bring you back?”

“ It’s all a mystery."

“How has he used you ‘3"

“Nobody ever used me better. He kept
me prisoner as long as he wished, but let
me severely alone. ' In. fact, he hardly
spoke to me at all. while I was with him."

“ Wal, he must be crazy.”

“He carried me to his cave, and I was
almost (lead with fright when We got
there. I could hardly stand; but be
neither added to my alarm nor tried to
lessen it. He put me in a room by myself,
where I could not get out. and there he
kept me a part of the time. At other mo-
lllt‘lltS‘I had the run of the cave. but never
was there a chance to get away.”

“ Whar’ was the cave?"

“Up in Dark Divide.” ~

“I know, but where? Could you lead.
the way to it?”

“ Heavens, no!
where it is." .

“ What was it like?"

“A vast room of rock. How large it
was I can’t say, but it had many passages
and branches. I think even Yellow Gid
did not know it all, or, atleast, that he
did not visit the various parts’often. In
one of the chambers I found something
which would have interested him—if, as I
think, he had not séen it.”

Rosamond fumbled in the pocket of her
dress and brought out a. sheet of paper.

“ Read!” she directed. V

David found the paper covered with
characters plain enough to read. but of a
nature like no writing he ever had seen
before. He perused the contents eagerly.

This was the paper:

I “1‘0 GID GATE! '

“ “ If this meets the. eye, of Gideon Gath
he is advised that. he'has a friend who
wants to see him. More than that,'1t is
to the best interests of Gideon‘Gath‘to
see that friend at.once., He will learn
somethln not now known to him‘which
so the whole current of his life.’

“Certain things of the past have never
been known to Mr. Gath. ,Let him seek
the explanation before it is. too late. He
can learn a secret which will over-joy him.

“ On receipt of this let him go .to the

I haven’t the least idea.

dead pine of Snicker’s‘ Gulch and leave a v

series of rocks there in the shape or a»
cross. Underthe center of the cross, in
the earth. let him bury one or. more pine
cones to the depth of an inch. “If he puts in
one, he
in one day; if two, in two days, and, so
on. ; The writer will watCh the ,spoe. so
there will'be no miscarriage of, the plan.

" This is no trap, nonudas‘work, but the

'effort 0!- a true friend. who has failed to

finer. Gath mother ways—an effort to‘3

11nd him, and to reveal‘to him“ a secret ‘or, -

the most vital importance to the aforesaid.

Gideon Gathl’: -

There was no signature to this paper. j".

David looked up wondermgly. '
“ Who wrote thin?” he asked

Don’t you khwh Isn’t it: a‘ trick to-
’entrap venom Gid?" A. -

1 inc; omit- a is, 1. never: have heard a:

i . . , t .
 ".‘I thought. as much.
some friend. inst/nu thezraper
is‘t ' nggto. word Itohlmsfl“.
   

    

   

agrees to meet ‘the writer there ‘

 

r honeys $5.1mqu
wh'o

  
 

 

 

 

       
 
    
      
  
       
      
    

 

       
   

 

       
         
         
        
    
     
     
    
      
        
      
    
       
      
      
     
     
   
 
  
   
  
 
   
   

 

 

 

 

 

      
     

  
   
 
   
  
 
 
 

brought me baa ."

 

renew Grid of Dark Divide.

 

cave where the notice was posted, so he
would have no cause to suspect it was
there, if, as I think, it was put up when
he was not at home. Let us face the evi—
dence thus presented. Gid Gat'h has some
friend in Climax Claim. Who is it?”

“Ef I knew I’d see his neck stretched
afore the sun rises ag‘in!" cried the bank-
er, fiercely.

” Catch your man before you ham.r him!"
retorted Rosamond, practically. “Talk is
cheap; action goes a good deal further."

David regarded the notice with fresh
curiosity. Was it, indeed, what Rosa-
mond inferred, or only the work of a
joker?—perhaps of the Vandal himself?
While he was considering the point the
girl‘s face suddenly lighted up.

“ Why not call Laseo Girdwood into this
consultation ‘2" she (lenmirded. “If We are
to impress him, what better time than
this? I will pose as a heroine, and i
think we may be. able to get to work on
your partner—the man with the money-
bags!"

"A good idea, Rosie; a right good idea!"
Mot'rell exclaimed. “l‘ll go about it at
once. I’ll call on Girdwood, and bring:
him hyar. You get all ready."

David went his way, while Miss Morroll
proceeded to put herself in condition for
the event as a blooded horse is cared for
on occasion. Now the danger was over
she had. recovered all of her assurance, and
was prepared for any part from languid
pretense of illness to flippant unconeern,
but she decided: that the mood most likely
to impress calm Laseo Girdwood was one
of cool heroism.

Thus, when Morrell brought the former
rival, Rosamond was steady and resolute
of manner.

“Mr. Girdwood, this is my daughter,
Miss h’lorrell!” announced David, with dig-
nity. “My dear, our new partner.”

Girdwood began a formal how, but it

was not in) keeping with Rosamond‘s
mood. She hastened to take the moat

financiers hand.

“ I am glad to see one of father’s
friends,” she observed, “and if I am not
now in just my usual frame of mind, I
trust you will not take notice of it. I
have been: severely tried, sir.”

“ I have heard of your adventure.” Gird—
wood replied in a low and, it seemed, sym-
pathetic voice.

“ I hope you won’t laugh at me when I
say I have been made very nervous '2" and
she smiled into his face.

“Not by any means!” declared Lasoo.
“It is highly creditable to you that you are
as cool as you are. So you have encoun-
tered Gideon Goth? Pray, what sort of a.
monster is this notorious road-agent?"

CHAPTER XXVIII. ,

FROM WAR '1‘0 WOOING. \
Glrdwood did not allow the least smile
to cross his face as he asked the question,

‘ and Rosamond seriously replied:

“ As far as looks go, he is of fine form—

' as large as you are, and muscularly built.

or course I do not know how he loqks in
the face, since he was masked all the while
he was with me.” ' s ,

“ Didn’t you get one glance at his face?”

Lang? anxiously inquired.
u o."

“ That was unfor’mnateflk

“ Oh! we all know how he looks!" de-
clared Morrell. “Why he wore a mask
When with her I don’t see; He were none
on the trail when he robbed the stage, and
his face has been well knowncver since

\he was a'hoy." .

“Some freak of his," calmly ventured
Glrdwood. “Well, this Vandal must have
misused you severely, I suppose.” '

“No. he did nothing of «the sort.“ He

’ was not gallant, and does not come under

the head of a romantic man. He simply,
ignored me.” , '

“ And then brought you back. How do
you account for the last fact?” ‘

“I can’t. do it; I don’t know why he

"A strange aflairl” ‘  ' ' -
"“Mypialmahowcd gloat courage!" dc-

, , . '.

    

21'

 

 

“Thunder! yes; an‘ in an awful tryin‘
position.”

“ I dare say his course was taken only
to emphasize the fact that he thought, he
could lord it. over Climax Claim. He may
learn. his mistake, for every one is indig-
nant because of the outrage. i think Miss
)Iorrell must have a strong hold upon the
affections of the citizens.“

“O‘h, Rosie is right popular!" averred

Morrell. "Nobody islmore so, I kin tell
ya"
This high compliment would have been
mnusingr had it not been given with an ob-
ject. David was not in the habit of wast-
ing much good will, let alone good words.
upon a daughter who had been too much
like himself to be dutiful. but the time had
come when she must be recommended by
some. one, and he did not know of anybody
else likely to do it.

How Girdwwd was affected! it was not
possible to say; his strong face was as un-
readable as over.

Some further conversation took place
before the Monrclls, bound up in their lit-
tle Scheme. thought of the paper found by
Rosamond at the cave.’ When. they did
think of it it was brought out.

Rosamond made its. introduction dram-
atic. .
“ See what I found at Gid Gath‘s lair!"
she exclaimed.

She. put out the document. and Girdwood
received it with more interest. than he gen-
erally exhibited in passing events.

Ills eyes dilated a little when he saw it
was addressed to (lid (lath.

“ You found this—where?" he demanded.

“.In, the. robber’s cave."

“Read it, Mr. (,lirdwoodl" tn'gvd Mort-ell,
“an’ see what you think of it. Seems
mighty funny ter me." ‘

Girdwood needed no urging. and his gaze
went from line to line as he took in the
whole. Yet in all the reading there was
not the least sign of emotion, and even a
suspicious person would have found noth-
ing upon which to base opinions. His
face was simply unreadable and fixed.
When all had been gone over he half-fold-
'cd the paper.‘

“What do you think of it?" David im-
patiently asked.

“Tell me just how you came by it,"
calmly requth Lasco.

Rosamond obeyed. At the end Gird-
woodi smiled slightly.

“This is a hoax.” he declared. “Who
would communicate with Gideon Goth

stand it, all of his kindred are dead, and
he has no triends left. Who would wish
to see him? Beyond doubt it is a hoax."

Mmell looked disappointed.

“ That’s something up, I feel sart'in
sure,” he persisted. “You kin bet ye’r last
dollar thistle a straight deal. The devil
himself may hcv’ his friends, an’ it seems
Gid Gath has. Somebody hyar is in good
will with him. Now, why can’t weuse
this somebody ter catch Gid?”

ll How?" , I .

“ Put the paper back—er we kin find the
place—an’ let Gid' go‘ tor, the lace o’
meetin'. We all know whar’ t is, 0'
course, an’ we kin. keep a watch thar’, an‘
when he come: all we hev' ter do is ter
gobble him. See?" ' ‘ .

“Well planned, and it seems that it
ought to work,” agreed Glrdwood. v

“I’m glad you think so, by thunder!
You’re a man 0’ sense, an' I like sech men.
.1’11 put that scheme, inter effect. By the
“way, I jest remember I hev’ a letter to
write, an’ elf you an’ Rosie will talk, I’ll
run of! the note an' then see ye rut-then”

Morrell thought himself very shrewd.
and certainly had made wa for his
daughter to talk alone with Gi wood. As

of‘the room and began the work. ‘ i
As his pen moved he secretly watched
the couple near‘him.  '
It was hardly the hour or the place for
elaborate impressions to be made, but
Rosa-mond ‘came to business with. zeal.

share of cunning; N-atule had madeiher
fairly attractive as far as external show

 

her degree.

  

thus? What friend has be? As I under: faint and peculiar, yet it brought Gard.

no one objectedt he went to the other side .

land, it must he confessed, with".no small"

 

gent, ‘and she‘ had the crafted! a  mind.“ Heva hurt Mtge arrange  )

    
  
  
  
  
  
   
 
   
   
  
 
 
   
   
    
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
 
   
   
  
  
 
 
  
  
  
   
   
 
   
  
   
  
    
    
  
    
   
   
    
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
    
   
    
    

She talked well. and really entertainedl
Lasco Gindwood. How Well he was en-
tertained she did not know.

The banker gave them all the. timeho
could spare. but the llOl'll' was getting so
late that he finally had to brim,r his en1—- ‘
ployment to a close.

He crossed the room to them, and the
interview ended.

Girdwood Went home, but with the un-v
derstandlng that he was to be seen early
in the morning, and that he. Would, moan—
while, devote a share of his time to think-
ing on. the subject, and try to get light
not only on the situation as it. was, but to
see a way in Which they could get at and
beat Gideon (lath.

Mot-rel] clinched his daughttu‘ under the
arm.

“ How now, Rosie?” he. dmnanded.

“Say, I do believe. it is in me to gobble-
Lasco Girdwood l" she exchiimed. “I think
I made an impression!" ‘

“ You did, surely!" ,.

“ And he has a bushel of money!"

“ Keep it up. Rosie; keep it up!”

Father and daughter laughed in unison, . 
regarding: the matter as a rare Joke. Pres~ ‘ '2 3‘
gllxlly, however, Rosamond grew thought-1 
u . »
“ Girdwood reminds me of some one. . :14.
Who can it be?“

“I don't know. lie seems justlike him~
self an' nobody else. E1. strikes me thar’
is nobody else 0’ the same pattern."

“Yet he does remind me of sonwbody. --1;
I have known. in the past. Who it is I “f,
can’t guess, now. Neither.” she thought-V. ’ 5“.
fully added, "can 1 tell where the resemr
blance comes in. ; Is it in looks or man‘.
nor? I really can’t. tell."

Meanwhile Gii'dwood had gone. home,
seeming as calm as ever, but once in his
private room he sat. down and fell into
deep thought. Long and earnestly he do—
bated on some point. Finally he exclaimed,
aloud: ‘

“ “’hat can lit mean? Is David Mort-ell
shrewder than I have thmxght, and- was
there a trap concealed beneath the paper
he showod me? I am sure there was not. I I
Incredible as it seems, the girl must have
found the paper, as she said. If so, what
does it mean? Who is seeking to com-
municate with Gld (lath? Can it be the
accursed Vandal of the Divide has a.
friend not known. to him? The idea is
absxu'd. The paper was put in the cave as
a snare by some one. It: will not succeed i"

There was a knock at: the door—a knock.

wood to his feet at once. He'went to that
point, imitated the knock, and, as it was
repeated, opened the door.
Gad Jackling was there.
Gind'wood made a Silent motion,
second man entered. He smiled
down with an air of contentment. ' 'j 
“ Have you news?” asked Girdwood,‘ .
“.0 ng of importance.’ A man has
tried to kill me, but it. is a mere trifle-3’ '
“Who was it?” ' .  ‘
“No doubt a hired tool of Morton’s.  ”‘ ' '
that as it may. he fared ill, and is now in.
the hands of the law. I beat him "at his
own- game—gave him a Wound in the side .
which may prove very troublesome to him;
and then turnch him over to the means}? is
“I warned you that if you came here“
with me you would get into trouble.” ‘ ‘
“Don’t let us mention it. The would—'
he assassin did not say .he was hired by;
Moi-rel] to do me up. but there can beat)?
doubt of it. He's sorry enough, I opine.‘
But let us speak of your own situation v
here. That is the important thing now.” -  i

and.  j
and‘sat'

 

 

—-———

 
   
     

‘ CHAPTER XXIX.

The. LIGHT Gonns'roo LATE. ' _
next morning a. summons came loin”,
magistrate of Climax Claim calling 'him‘ an
the Jail. He was told theta maritime,
wanted to see him at once, and, 
ting the call,- _he.found the Jaller awaiting
m. . 'l 1 ‘. . p ,-

W'hat’s up?" he asked. ‘ v_ 
dying inside. Warm-tar see you.
Guesslhes got something heavy on his“:

      
      
  
  
  

       
 

   

u
H.

   
   
    

WMGadJacklmc.’

adamrt’g

 
   

'22

v.11... Gid 'of Dark Divide.

 

 

roller tried ter kill him, an’ the teller owns

it up. This is all I know.”

“Et’ he tells all he knows it may keep
.me. there a week.” '

The magistrate entered the room. He
found a person who was, indeed. desper~
.atoly ill. One glance showml that.

The man was rough of appearance and
dress and looked the typical mountain (les-
i'perado. His face bore a peculiar doggml
expression, as if he realized he had met an
enemy he could not beat, and yet one he
was bound to fight to the end.

“ Set down,” directed the wounded man.
“You are qualified for take a. legal aid
davit, be you?” he inquired.

“‘ I am,” admitted the magistrate.

“ I want you ter take mine. I'm about
done.” ‘

The faintness of voice and weakness of

' . 'body indicated bore out the statement.

“Jaiier, call in another witness, and
we’ll go right on with the business,” the
magistrate ordered.

V All was done, and the wounded man

1 ‘ was then told to make his statement.

7 ‘ “, Write it down.” he directed. feebly.

: “Don’t get it wrong: for I sha’n’t nevor tell

 ,: it ag‘in. ‘

’ “My name is Caleb Dunn. More 0’ my.
hist’ry you needn’t know, Last winter I
was high your town. My business don’t
matter, an’ you need only know I was
Tiravelin’ in some haste tar get away from
certain persons who was huntin’ me. I
was tired, worn out, dead broke. an’ bun,-
gry, yet I dared not apply for food with-
out cash.

‘ “ Outside your camp I met a man. He

was a tanderfoot—I could tell that as soon

as I set eyes on him. He was Well dressed

' ’ an’ sleek lookin’. I went at him an’ de-
' manned money. He refused, au’ called
«out for help; Then I Jest fell, upon him
an’ did him up so quick he couldn’t yell
or resist. I jest killed him. I wish now I
hadn't. I ,

, "I took his money, an’ a. nice boodle
 was! of it. I didn’t dare molest his
“clothes fer fear et would go back on me
I later on. Then I kept on, get a bite ter

eat, an’ everlastin’ly fled the country. .

' " Et was some time after that—a matter
. o’ months—that I knew another man had
suffered for what I did. I then heard
that when the body 0’ the dead man was
(found thar’ was long a world 0' doubt
«over it, an? the crime could not be fastened
«on anybody,,bnt the hour finally come
.when ayictim was found. , ‘ , l
- “ Another man died for what I done.

. “ The man was Hammer Gathi"

The magistrate dropped his pen. ‘

“Dumation!” he exclaimed. /

“I never see old Gath,” went on the
.wounded man, “but what I say is true.
He was unjustly killed fer the murder of
.n tenderfoot, an’ he never touched the ten-
‘.dertoot.’ Nobody did but me. I killed
him! Et’s too late tor save Gratin: but I
'want rter let me swear ter my story.
Write it down!” , , 4
The wounded man was growing weaker
all the while, and the official plainly saw
"the need of haste if the world was to have
,n statement of the facts in the sad case.

‘ ;“T’har’ is one thing more fer the ter,

tell}; added the man, feebl . “It’s about

;another matter. entirely. “ ou sec—1’

' “'Wait a bit! Let us do one thing at a

hitime. We want this sworn to and signed.”

in was done in proper order, and then,

as the witnesses pht their own names as a.

=‘finishing touch, the magistrate turned. to

the ing criminal. “ .‘ ,

Aj'All ready for the other matter,” he"

, emarked. “ Is it something you want

written down '1" ‘

r “I Want—4” want—~” .

The wounded man Whispered feebly and

without any distinct proof that he really

,knew what he was talking about. His

expression ,and utterance were alike far-

away and/vague. ' " r

' Youhud more to tell, you knowifl \

" more-wmore to tell!" '

Barelyaudible was the reply, and the

ailm- shook his head at the magistrate.

"Haggis tell it in this world!" ‘ ' .

_ , no man opened his es wider

sighed'd lg.‘ .. ' ey' .

It'scpnuw ’ emnruiured. ‘> '

 

\

 
  
   
   
   
    
  
   
  
   
  
  
   
    
  
  
    
   
    
       
   

  

  

   

  

  

  
  

 

 
 

 

  

  

 

a
g

  
  
   
  
 

, rant it.

It came! Twice he breathed deeply and
unnuturally; then there was a tremor of
his limbs, a, long. quivering breath, and he
lay perfectly still!

“ Dead!” remarked the jailer.

It was true. He would reveal no more,
and if it had been in his mind to tell why
he had made the attack on Gad Jackling
he would never make known the truth
now. Those. at his bedside could only
speculate as to the nature of the story he
had. failed to reveal.

But of far more interest was the con-
fession he had made and signed.

“ I always did say Harmer Gath had no
hand in that murder!”

“ So did I!”

“ An’ me, too!"

The trio looked at each other curiously.

“ This won’t be pleasant news for Dave
Morrell."

“He had no business to set the gang on
to old Gath without some evidence to war-
It was just simply murder to do
as Morrell did!"

A man gets no sympathy when he's
down. It was so with Morreil. It would
have been hard to remember a time when
these men who now criticised hill). so free
ly ever had been so positive in their opin‘
ions before, but it was not too late to pose
as far-seers, they thought.

“This ought to come out. in the daily
paper,” suggested the jailer.

“ It shall," repliedthe magistrate. “I'll
carry it over myself. It’s about time for
them to get it out, and this will make a
sensation for them. Keep it quiet until
the paper is out."

All promised, yet every man of them
broke the promise within half an hour,
and the news was made known to many.
yet it was not generally spread about until
the newspaper itself came out. Among
those who took this local publication. and‘
had it delivered to his door, was David
Morrell.

When the carrier arrived with the paper
it so chanced that Morrell was busy, but
‘Girdwood was in the oilice and not es-
pecially occupied. He took the paper and
began to look it over. On the first page
he saw the following in large letters: ‘ l

“ NOT GUILTY!

“HARMER GATE WAS INNOCENT.‘
" THE REAL MURDERER OF THE TEN-
,DERFOO’I‘ FOUND, AND HIS CON-
FESSIQN DULY WITNESgED."_

 

never had been heard in ClimamClaim at
the time of the old Vandal’sdea-th, there
was, it seemed, something in the article
that interested the strong-nerved banker.
.He read it over, and, after the reading, re
«maincd‘still looking at the article. There.
might be other things of interest in the
paper, but he made no attempt to, find
them. . Straight at that confession he
stared, but if any one had been there to
see his face, the doubt might well have
ritsetlil that he saw anything on the page
a a .

After many minutes Moi—roll rattled his

‘ 'docmnents, and the sound served to arouse

the younger man. ‘ .

' He cast one almost frightfully vindic-
tive’ glance at David; then made an effort
to regain his now evidently forced calm-
ness, and turned, aboutwith easy uncon-
cern outwardly. . v

. “ Your name is here, Morrell,” he quiet-
ly remarked, and held out the paper, point-
ing to the headlines.

‘ Girdwood: watched the result. He did
not betray any interest; his gaze was upon
his companion, but. his whole expression
1was that of amen who.looks\mcchanic-
ally and hardly notes what is before his

eyes.

’ David read the headlines, and his gaze

“grew, intent and his manner excited.
“Thunder! what’s this?” he demanded.‘
" {Harmer Goth innocent? What lie is

' that? If those, fellows hev’ been springin'

a‘sensationon me'they will swe for it,
by thunder?” ‘ .

i Morrcll'settled doWn to business and‘
head. The article.._w s by no means short.

 

   

 

  

t went'into de lieu-enough .to make.
' ' Mr‘M  

 

 

 

Even if the name of Lasco Girdwood' .

 

His face changed from one emotion to
another—from curiosity to doubt, to anger,
'to alarm, to dismay. All this Girdwood
saw, watching coldly, and, one would have
said, unmoved.

When David finished he looked up and
broke out impetuously:

“Thunder an' lightnin’!
think of it?”

“Remember, I am a new-comer at Gli-
max Claim."

If Girdwood had“ been a. machine he
would not have spoken with less evidenco
of feeling.

“ You’ve heard of this Harmer Goth
case, ain‘t you?”

“ Yes.” Lasco admitted.

“Wal, by thunder, what do you think
when a man comes up an’ swears he did
it, an' after we’ve killed another man for
doin’ what this chap says he did? if he
didn‘t lle—an’ why should he?——we killed
an innocent man when we took Harmer
Goth!”

Lasco Gird‘wood remained like a rock.

“Of course you had good proof against
Harmer Gath?" he inquired.

“ Wal, a—not so very strong.”

“Why was your work done, then?”

“ Old Garth had a bad reputation.”

“ Was that the evidence upon which you
killed him?”

For the first time the even tone was
lacking with Girdwood. Something like
sternness crept into his voice. Morrell felt
it, but therewas not enough to cause him
any suspicion. '-

“You don’t understand, Mr. Girdwood'.
I’ll admit thar’ was hasty action on some-
body‘s part—yes, on somebedy’s part.” he
disingenuously added. “Some 0’ the boys
were a bit hasty, I reckon—"

\Vhat do ye.

“ It is, I think, comman report that /

what was done was done by your explicit
orders.”

“I was the leader,” admitted David.
“We were all in it, out did what We
thought best for the t0wu—"

“Gideon Gath‘ may yet make the town
change its mind!” suggested Girdwood.

“ I’d like to get rid 0’ him, you can (bet
on that!” I .

“Is this confession of the dead man
likely to affect you any?”

“I presume it will bring adverse com-
ments outer me. Thunder, why should
people kick at a person when he's done his
best?" ‘ v '

" Your conscience is easy, is it?”

Morrell hesitated.  ,

“Hang it all!" he finally answered, “I
didn‘t know old Gath was innocent!”

“ Some captions persons might consider '

the evidence insufficient," drny observed
Girdwood, turning away. (

CHAPTER XXX.
THAT UNLUCKY BOX.‘ r

Allen Graham arose the next morning
and, proceeded to dress himself. This
done, he went to the closet of his room.
or late he had kept the door of this place
locked. He never had done so until ’he
became the custodian of the mysterious
box left with him by the equally myster-
ious “Moloch,” but that event had made
him more cautious than ever before.

Every night and. morning he looked at.

the I ox to be sure it was safe, and it was
for. hat reason he wasnow at the closet.
He looked for it, but found it not.
The‘first failure brought fa start. of sur4
prise, and he hurriedly overturned a pile
of things which might conceal it. though
he had no muse to suppose they did.
wasnot in the closet. l - .  ;.
Dismay seized upon him. He knew not
what was in the box, but the custody of
the thing hadbeen a sacred trust whichhe
felt bound to protect as much as if it con-.
corned himself personally. Now it was
gone—how? And where? ’
» The only servants in the house were
persons whose long 'a‘hd faithful service
seemed to remove them! from any sus-
picion of doubt.’

proper, not» Bianca; ,Who then
ited it'ayvayT ' ~  .’

Not long was he in doubt. The box .

 

They could not have". I 
taken it, nor any member. of the family J . '

 

 

awn-«ammwgf  , .

 

3,

“My.

 
        
 
       
    
          
 
   
        
      
   
  
     
      
         
    
        
      
       
  
   
    
   
  

 

é
.
I:

 

' reuow Gid of Dark 15......“

    

23

 

 

pected, all denied knowledge of the Jest
article. He was left to conclude that it
was the work of an outsider, but it was
rendered all the more mysterious by the
fact that nothing else had been taken, as
far as he could discover.

It was a blow which struck him harder
than some persons might think. He was
so thoroughly the soul of honor that a
pledge even to a stranger was sacred to
him, and the fact that the box had slipped
away from him was a severe shock.

Totally at a loss what 'to do, he at last,
sought Peter Potts. To him all was re-
lated, and the mystery presented for solu-
11011.

“ What am I to do?" Allen added.

“Let Moloeh find it!" bluntly suggested
the old road-agent. ‘

“No! That is my duty."

“I reckon his enemy has got the bulge
on him. Somebody else must know 0' the
box, an’ that somebody has lost everlast-
in’ly got his fingers outer it."

“ That’s what I fear. Now, if his secret
has got away to 'his injury, I shall never
cease to regret it. Itwns trusted to me on
my honor."

“ You ain't lost no part 0‘ ye'r honor."

“ I have lost the box.”

“ You didn't agree ter insure it. did ye?“

Peter'remained stol-id and unconcerned,
but Allen proceeded to set forth the mat—
ter more emphatically, and the easy-going
ex-road—agent was led to see how the loss
was regarded.

“ Can we do anything to find it?" Allen
asked.

“Strikes me we hev’ about all We kin
(lo1 ter find Gid Gath, without shoulderin'
more of a load, but ye’r Uncle Dud is
chcr willin’ ter let a friend bear all the
burden. Ef you 'hevi a plan, let it wig-
gle!”

“ You are a good trailer. Do you think
you could find the Itrail of the thief and
follow it to the place of his refuge?”

Peter looked doubtful.

“Et would be a hard struggle,” be ad-
mitted' “Possibly I might; more likely I
couldn’t.” I A’

"‘I would give you almost any sum of
money to get it back.” .

"No, you wouldn’t; I wouldn’t take a
cent. I ain’t ye’r partner for the sake of
makin' cash an’ bullion out 0’ ye. Not of
the court is outer the denominational
facts!"

“ As you will. Name your way, but go
for the box-stealer.”

Peter lazily picked up a paper which
Allen had thrown doWn. It. was -that
day’s edition of/the daily sheet published
in town, and had been half-unconsciously

'carried by Allen until he threw it down

between them.

Almost the first th Peter saw was a
very suggestive headline, and his eyes
grew large. Then he handed the paper
over to Allen. ‘ ’ . ' I

“Take a squint at that!" he requested.

The headlineI was large enough to seize
upon Graham's attention at once. This is
what he read: '

“ HAVE YOU LOST A .BOX?"

Singular. indeed, and his eyes sought
Enlfther. Following the-line was this ar-
ce: . « .

“Miss Rosamond Morreil, while walking

3 outside the town, early this morning,

found an article of unique kind. It was a
box, made of some silver-lined metal, and
a model of fine worlnnanship. / In fact, so
well is it made, no one has yet succeeded
in opening it. It is locked, and no key is
at hand to get inside with. Only a faint
line marks where box proper and cover
meet, and itmnot be opened, without a.
key, unless it is totally destroyed. A ‘

“ As a. result, it has not been opened, as
yet. It must belong tosome one in Climax
Claim, it seems, and it will, be held inits
present condition until the owner appears
-—if he ,comes in due time. ’ ,

.-“ Miss Mei-rel! makes one condition as
to the applicant. I He wili’not. bevallowed
to claim the box unless he will first tell

just whanthe contents are, and then Open

1: himself and prove all he asserts. This
be. wise precaution, and will prevent any

 

 

evil-disposed person from obtaining what
is not his.

“The editor has seen this box, and is
prepared to say it is a. rare bit of work-
manship—as quaint. and rare as any he
has ever seen in his long and varied ex-
perience. What is in it? Money? Jew-
els? Somebrxly's will?

“ Don‘t all claim it at once, or you won‘t
get it at all. It is a great mystery, but the
editor has seen greater."

Allen and Peter regarded each other in
wonder.

“The box!" Allen exclaimed.

“ Looks like it."

“ How in the world came Rosamond by
it? Found it outside the town, says the
article. I am skeptical on that point.”

“Anyhow, you know where it is. Go
for it !" r

“ I must open it, and describe its con-
tents in advance."

“ By gosh! jest go au’ claim ye’r proper-
ty!” exclaimed Peter.

Allen was silent.

“ Go!" Peter urged.

“I don’t think Rosamond will give me
credit for sincerity, for she and I are not
warm friends, but I will make the effort.
Yes, I’ll go at once i" ’

He arose with an air of decision. It was
arranged that Peter should await his re-
turn, and if the venture was not a suc-
cess, other means should be considered to
get the box. Have it they must, they de-
cided, even if emphatic measures were
wanted to get it.

The journey to Morrell’s was not long,
and Allen was soon there, and, at his call,
in the presence of Rosamond. He was not
warmly greeted, but he went about the
work with confident exterior.

“You have property of mine!" he an-
nouneed.

“ I have? What?”

“A silver box!" .

“Ah!” quoth Rosamond, regarding him
closely. “ What do you know about it?"

“As far as your possession of it goes,
only what I have read in the paper. That
is enough to settle the matter, however.”

“So you claim the box?"

“I do, for it is mine." .

Allen’s light, confident manner was not
recipmcated. She remained glove, and
there was something in her demeanor he
could not understand. She seemed‘to re-
gard him with surprise and curiosity, and
he began to wonder if the box had been
gpened and some unfavorable score, t laid

are.

“ Describe it!” she directed.

He obeyed, and she could not challenge
the description. 1

“Now, what is inside?”

“I do not feel called upon to tell that,”
he replied, smiling. "‘ You can’t deny my
ownership after such an elaborate expla-
natibn, and as .for the contents, why
should I keep anything in such a secure
box if I am, willing the whole world should
know of it? I think you will admit‘it
would be unjust to require .me to tell the
contents.” \ , 

. “Such is the condition, however.”

“Thoughtiessly made, I am sure.‘ Con-
sider the point! I have something pri-
vate within. Why compel me to reveal
its nature? I judge that I am well enough
known here not to be suspected of being
% thief, even if I had not described the

ox. ' \ '

“ Nobody thinks of charging you thus,
but it is the rule that the contents must be
made known, too.” . , '

Rosamond was stubborn, but it was not
to Allen’s advantage to get ‘angry,. or to
make her so. Instead, he began a more
elaborate plea, and the argument went on
steadily. ‘ “

The young woman’s manner continued
peculiar, and it began to dawn upon Allen
thatthere was more in the case than he
yet knew.

Had the. box_been opened and a secret
exposed which he would not wish to claim
part in? ‘ ‘ ' '

Finally Rosamond abruptly asked:

 

“May I inquire what you ever had such

\ .

a. peculiar-box for, anyhow?”
I r I don't. feel inclined to give a historical

 

' from me."

, ,n'ouble, and she now suddenly exclaimed;

 

Imevdoor, and they soon entered. .

article along with my claim,“ he re-
sponded, stalling, “but the article is mine".

“ You still claim it?"

H Yes."

“ Then I would like to know where you
got it?"

It was a new voice at the door, and a
stranger walked in. He stood regarding
Allen with a stern face, and it occurred to
the latter that he had fallen into a trap.
Perhaps the unknown was a detective. It.
was a thought which made the cold chills
run up and down the young man‘s back.

He faced the danger coolly, however.

“ You. are frank with your question, sir,"
he answered, “and I will be equally frank
with you. I reply, it is none of your bus-
iness!"

“ Tell me!" cried the man, “or I'll have
you arr-ester ."

“ Stop!" exclaimed Rosamond. “This is
Mr. Graham. a gentleman of the best
.lsltunding in town, and of the best of fam-

ies.’,’  i

The stranger seemed somewhat disoom- .. 

 

fited for a moment, but the mood passed. 
“ That don’t alter the fact that he’s 

 
  
 
 
 
   
   
  
 
 
 
   
  
  
   
    
   
   
 
  
  
   
 
 
  
   
  
 
   
   
 
  
 
   
    
   
    
  
  
    
  
    
   
 
   

claiming stolen property!" he declared.

“Stolen property!" echoed Allen. ‘

“Nothing less. The box you so insist
upon claiming was stolen, and from me.
Do you know who tooli‘it?" ’

5‘ N0."

“Harmer Goth!"

“ What?"

“ Harmer Goth was the man!"

Allen was dumtounded. Was this the
property in which he was so eager to as.
sert proprietorship?

"Now, if you say you claim it, I'd‘like
to know what sort of a collusion there is
between you and the Gath family,” added
the stranger. .

The manner of the question was not less
insolent than the words, but Allen was not.
then in mood. to resent it. He was utterly
amazed and dismayed by th revelation.
The box had been stolen by nrmer Gath.
Then who had brought it to him?

The silent question naturally brought a.
significant answer. ‘

Was it Gideon Gath, himself? ‘

Was this the mysterious “Molooh‘a’i '
real name? '  ~

And what was in the thing which he, an
honest man, had so stontly claimed? ‘

-“ You don't Seem so anxious to maintain
your point,” observed the stranger, gig.
niiicantly.

“You say Harmer Gratin stole it from ‘
you,” replied Allen, rallying. “ Do you . i
know his work on the trail ceased many 
years ago?” . * c

“It was ten years ago that he stole it i

n

 

“ And do you think I, then a. mere boy,
was his accomplice?” . '
“That is not the point, Another Goth“
now lives and is’ on the trail. No doubt.
the Gath fa-miiy hung on to it until they
found somebody enough like them to share
in their plunder.” v ; , --‘ 1
“ You have said enough!" rctortcd Allen.-
"I know not who you are, and -I care
not, but if you repeat one .moresl’ur on ‘
myé honesty, direct or covert, you shall reel] "N
th- vengeance of the man you insult.
Cease to insult me, or I’ll flog you for it!"
There was no mistaking such language,
and the bullying manner of the man suds:
dcnly disappeared. I-Ie perceived that
Allen-was to all appearances capable of cars
.rying out his threat, and had ,no desire "to
tempt just revenge. .  ‘
“Of course,” he responded, awkwardly z
"if your standing in the community is—”
“ My standing is no concem of yours, sir! .1
We will not comth on it further. ‘-
you want satisfaction you can have it."
The stranger went further into .th
depths of humility, but was not, obliged, ,
mmmitlhimself to his chagrin. Mamet!
had been listeningflwlth growflig rear:

          
     
       
      
   

  
  
   
  
  

      
 
 

  

   
 

 

    
    

  

“My father and Mr. Girdwood minors»
ing. I scntd'or them as soon as this Re
tleman appeared and claimed ‘--the box
They can now do what remains tube
done. I want'no part of‘it.” ' ,

Morroll and Girdwood were, indce ‘-

  
  

  
  

    
  

 
  
 

        

      

24:

" Yellow did of Dark Divide. '

 

 

nrond had sent an explanatory note after
'the stranger came with his story, and she
had only to add the latest developments,
which concerned Allen. .

Her father listened with great surprise,‘
but (lirdwood remained as imperturinlble
as ever. His manner indicated that the
case didn't concern him in the least.

“ ll‘hnnder! what are you doii g with
stolen property, Graham?“ Morrell de-
manded.

" I know nothing of stolen property, nor

1 am I dealing with fairy stories," rctorted
Allen.‘ “I simply claim this box. and I'll
maintain my claim, too. The box has been
in my possession, and was taken from my
room by persons unknown to me. I only
demand my own."

I “ So does this other feller."

“ You know me, and don‘t know him.”

"Fact. by thunder! Girdwood, what‘s
ter be done?"

:57. . CHAPTER XXXI.
 _ t A REMARKABLE CHANGE.

Lasco Girdwood calmly, deliberately,
and in a Inatterot-fact way replied:
an , “ I should say,,give the box to this gen-
 - tleman." ~ .

"‘ I-Ie waved his hand to Allen. .

“I protest!" cried the stranger. “The
box is mine, and I claim it!”

“ You’ll hev' ter settle it, Girdwood,” dc—
clarcd ,Morrell. “Give ye’r reasons an’
that’ll and the whole business.”

Girdwood was not reluctant to explain.

“ I do not know this visitor to our town,
and, as I understand it, no one does—1’

_‘ " My name is Thomas Alton. and I‘m an

honest citizen of Craver‘s Fork!" declared
' the stranger. "‘ lo there, and you’ll" find
my record is above reproach."

“ We do not deny it, or deny your good
faith. Not at all. Nor do I seek to, de-
j prive you of the possossion of your prop-
erty. Still, you are unknown to us, while
Mr. Graham is Well known and esteemed.
. Such being the case, we cannot doth his

, word for a moment. My first idea was to
give him the box without reserve. Now I

see a. better way. Here we have David
. Morten, a business man whose reputation.
do not to be subject to two opinions among
those who know him well—” here" Morrell
,looked deeply plmsed—f‘so I will suggest
‘ that he be allowed to keep the box until
We can look into the case further. ‘ Let the
.box he kept right where it is, in Miss
, Morrell's- care, until all can be arranged.”

‘ .“Goodl” declared Alton. . . v ,
‘ "Allen, did not think it was good. The
sudden reversal of decision put the victory
, way from him: and into Alton’s hands.
' ut Girdwood‘ did nothing by halves.
Turning to the young man, he added:
-‘ V. “ You claim the box, Mr. Graham, and I
.am. 'fiurteo'Mr.tM€r1-ell_ vgg’go till in], his
power pro of: your . wi at
leasttiand that you are entitled-to the
gtregasure seems sure. At. thebest. it is
’, many yearssince Alton lost the box, and
your claim appears just and iron-clad.”

“Why so?’ retonted Alton. ,“He has
I (not yet told how he came by adie'nrtlcle he
claims." - 

‘ “Beam tell am When you have proved
our ‘own right, Mr. Mon-ell, do you not
~ think the best way is to drop fin-flier dis-

 

   
   
   
    
   
  
     
    
  
       
       
    
     
     
       
   
       
     
       
        
      
         
          
     

  

 
 

   

  

  

  

self, and await developmental? , ,
it David hastened to ‘ 'intolille. ;‘ ‘,
g "‘ Certain, certain!" e/exclatmed. '
1 Alien 'wasystlll dissatisfied, but there
was no appeal. The verdict was given,
. and he. was not rash enouizh to prejudice

)yhislown cause by vain remonotrances. .
Rosamond had brought the box out, and
.haetgouzemme. *  ‘. .-
' “You had better put it away." advised
 “Misst U, will you see
>~ cit-thinly,  .‘Glrgwm” v m
 Am . 9888, e _ partner. .«
W' with” crity' and picked 1an am,
‘ ."I' 'Girdrwood arose. " also, ‘ and-
. .,mmed with her to the closet where it had

 
   

 
   

 

  

  

  

   
   
   

 

  

    

  
   

 Peter leaned forward and spoke in a

. said, an‘ so I‘meant.

,0’ Joint. 'Still, you're young un’ may out-
‘ cushion on the subject, keep the box your: .

some time longer, and chiefly upon the pass
_sibili that'Moloch anerldeon Goth were

he «muttered, as ifvit ‘was a. huge joke.

conscience of hisown. My company» -\
‘der chutes onter Al—I kin sec that—but
‘ it’ll. soon be even, I ‘knoWI ain’t therort

 

were left alone. Glrdwood took his two
companions to the hotel and purchased the
material for smoking.

During the brief interval which followed
he was m'banity itself. It seemed impos-
sible for his stern face to break into a
smile, but his politeness had no limit.

With rare tact he kept his companions
from quart-cling, it' they had been inclined,
and all parted in outward good-will.

Allen went back to Peter Potts.

It did not take him long to relate all
that had occurred. ,

“Et‘s a howlin‘ shame!" affirmed the
old road-agent. “ You should hev’ had the
box!"

“ I didn‘t get it, and now I don‘t know
what harm may result. Not only are the
interests of mysterious Molocli at stake,
but my own are in peril. What if the box
should be opened and something found
within which should do me harm? I have
claimed it stoutly—I can‘t very well go
back on my own claim.”

“ Fact, by t'arnation!” =

“Can it lie—can it be that Moloch is
Gideon Guilt?"

“Et may be so."

,“ Then all the while we have been so
earnestly searchng for him he has been
near me, and i never suspected it.”

“ Things will work that way."

“ I‘eter. what is in that box?” \

“I dun‘no’, by gosh!"

“I only ,hope it won't ruin my reputa-
tion." .r

"‘Now, see, here, old man, what’s the
need 0‘ lettin’ it do that, no matter what is
in it? \Vhy need ye wait for them other
folks ter open the blamed old thing?"

“ What do you mean ‘3" / '

mysterious whisper.

“ I‘ve got an ldce!"
v‘ “Name it!"

“ Le‘s steal that box!”

“' Steal it?” echoed Allen, with a nervous
"So I said, an' I think any warble is
plain. Steal it, by gosh! Et has been left
in Morroll's house. Now, what'ster lien-
der us from goin' tliar’, freezin‘ outer that
same box an’ gettin’ away with it? Sim-
ple ez thecateplasm, I Say. Stealit! So I
Steal it!"

Peter bobbed his head up and down with
emphasis, but’ the dismayed look which
had come to Allen’s face did not leave.

“I ain’t no Slouch,” the old road-agent
went on, cheerfully. “ I kin do a pretty
Job when I set out, an’ I say now that I
kin break inter Mort-oil’s house an’ get
in? that’ thing ez easy .ez pie. - Shall we
39 " . r f _ 
i “No!” declared Allen, emphatically.

f‘VWhy not?” -

' “ I’m not a housebreaker!" .

“‘ You kin learn.” . . ‘ ‘ , r

“Your plan/ is alluring in that itopens
a way for me to‘get the coveted box, but I
must decline; I. will not break into Mor-
rell’s house, or any other man’s house, nor
will I be party'to such a deed." - ‘

' “Al, I pity you. You mean right, but
you must hev’ been badly brought up.
Your, idees 0’ 'right an’ wrong are all out

grow it.” ‘
Peter chuckled over his joke, and let the
project. rest. \He- and Allen talked for.

once dithe‘smne person. , Finally. they
separatedand each went his 'way. ‘
lPeter chuckled . again when he Was
a 0119. I . . i

, “Oh, no; thar’ musn’t be no robbin'!"

‘fWron%-Very wrong thing ter doi, Sosays
Al, an' , caught ter, know, Will, 0ch Pete
Potts ain't Al Graham. an’ Pete’ has a

     

   

of a_ bipedganhonestm'an ought ter pin-his

taith on‘ an’ associate wih.» When this

'game ls‘Janed out Ill 3 ip,--the trade-la
an’ secfme no ,meretbut while \I,

stay” xworkmy'level best top, {A}: ‘A~

goodwelleriyosia‘rifiht good/loner“ I -
m inmate.

  
 

  

> an agreeable

“‘I‘er-night I git that box or bu'st!"

In this decision he never wavered, and
when night came he was wide awake.

He took position near the Morrcll house
where he could watch all that occurred,
but the watch did not develop anything to
change his plans. in due time ‘Ihe lights
went out, but he kept his position nude.
long after. The night was unusually cool.
for the time of year. and the wind came
down hlcakly from the hills of Dark Di-
vide, but it made no impression on 
sturdy frame. As coolly he waited as if he
had been back in the old days and lying in
wait ,for a mail stage in the far-away
mountains where he had flourislml.

When he thought the proper time had
come he left his covert and walked toward
the house. ‘

“ Hope they don’t keep no dog," he mut-
tered.

If they did there was no sign of it on
this occasion, and he saw no living creep
turo to molest him or interfere with his
plans of the night.

It was not hard for him to effect an en—
trance. and he seemed to have a special
knack for the work. Once inside be ex-
hibited rare judgment and prudence. He
did not know the house inside. but this
did not trouble him, as he did know where
the room was located in which he box
had been placed.

He had secured a lantern. and with this
he went direct to the proper place. Thus
far there had not been a stir in the build-
ing, and he had strong hopes of escaping
discovery.

“Thar’s the closet!"
“ Now fer the treasure!"

The door was not. locked—a circum-
stance which gave him no small amount
of wonder—and he opened itat once.

“ Come hyar, pretty birdie!"

he sollloquized.

addressed to the box. though he did not
really expect it to fly at him. All he
wanted was a chance to get. his hands
upon it. He looked for it. ,

He did not see it.

There was not much in too closet to hide
the desired. article, and he began to pull
this little out of the way. In a few mo—
ments he.had handled everything. and one
fact was forced upon him—the box was
not then there. '

His face bore a blank and dubious ex-
pression. .

“ Blame the sweet little birdie!" he
muttered, in disgust. a
, He looked around the room. There was
no sign of the thing desired. He sat dov’vn
to-meditate. _ - ,
‘ “Has one 0’ them drasted ljjits taken it

' .ter bed With them?” he inquired, aloud.

“Ateerd so ebody would steal it. mebbe.
Bahiwhat n ensel Thar’ wa’n‘t a mor-
sel o’ danger!” , I

Baflled in his first eflort. 'he medltated
deeply before going further. . If he did try
elsewhere and last, he might get both hilL-
self and Allen into trouble. This was not

long hesitate.

rooms or Morton and his daughter in sue:
'“i‘i‘iii‘t”ai‘°3n?i§3€'iiul‘l?kem mm"
flee," he decided. ' “ Wal, \that settles it;
the‘means o’ smashin’ no“sa1es, an’ I won't.

closely." Yes, ,I must meditate!" ,
With all,due.care ’he left the house.

he commented. f‘Th‘ar’ is‘only one thing
lackin’, ain't that is thatI didn’t get what:
I’s after. , Still,
earth?! i ‘ ‘

the .railure kmfly. and bishomewar dour?-
ncy‘was slow 'and dismal. " He at

. whohad the box, and
not hemmed 'ror 'All'en as promised
‘7; MM that? hen: alien was 

 

 

' ,hip‘dwlthl aha

.‘andfi'hot ve‘n in his drehms am he;
 kt the'ifact.‘ 'th hit:

This jocose direction was supposed to be .

ought, but it was more so i
than .to‘give up wholly, and. he did not V

' Going on,he boldly visited the sleeping,
. 328$; .‘tihlihflifi sins‘lu’éiaflél '

“Theytve taken it to the old man’s of-A
fer tor-night, et not forgoode I ain’t got». r, 
try until I’ve had chance ter think more ' '

“‘Ez pretty a job en a burglar could do.‘.’" _ .  t

It'cmldn’t‘ expect-the ‘
Jocose as his speech"was, heélr’eally felt. .
110‘:

place any-great amount“ £91m in those "
wusxearful it, would 

 

 

     
       
  
       
      
      
  
    
  
   
   
   
     
   
   
        
  
    
 

Yellow Gi     .

 

  
  

reckless aid, had turned housebreaker in
his behalf.

When he awoke in the moi-him.r this first
thought was ot’ the box, and he lay for
some time speculating on the chances of
getting it back. The desire to be loyal to
Moloch was now but. a small matter in
comparison with events which had grown
out of it.

His own danger, and the possibility that
when he had been with the mysterious 1111—
known he had also been with Gideon (lath
made the affair a matter of vital concern
to him.

How would the complication end‘.‘

\Vhen he arose be dressed with careless
nnconcei‘n. Something was in the closet
which he wished to get, and he went there
mechanically. lTpou opening the door a
 great surprise awaited him, and he started
7, back in wonder.

 The box was there!

Long had it been since he had had such
. ,l a surprise, and he stood as if rooted to the
:4, ‘- floor. Did he see what he met ght he saw,
or was it all a dream '! '

But no; the box was there.

He stooped down and picked it up. It
was the same article he had before had,
and the dellt‘ seen at )[orrell’s—it was
doubtful if there was another like it any-
where—and it was again in his possession,
not even a scratch marring the surface of
silver hue.

Recovering a little presently, he went to
his door. It was still locked, but the hall'-
open window revealed a. 'track by which
an intruder might enter it he wished, and
could do so without alarming the sleeper.
This had been done: the box was back.

Utterly bewildered, Allen spent a long
time in looking at the now famous trophy.
At breakfast he was singularly absent
minded. He longed to talk with some one
about the new turn of events, and when
. he had put the box in a. new and appar-
. = ently safe receptacle, he left the house and
'7“ sought for Peter Potts.

-, The old road-agent was not hard to find.
' ,. When he had heard the story of the re-

 

“""’W‘szrwcnmss.w  - »

 

“Tarnation and dead ducks.”

'“ It astonishes me, too.”

“Wal, it jest knocks me silly. Got it
back? W’h-o'brought it?"

“ You say.” V
q‘, “I can’t. All I know is that I rum-
' = ‘ ‘ maged all over Morrell's house for it my—
self, an’ got most beautifully left. Who
brought it? Wal, by tamationl it is the
biggest mystery out. Who in thunder
should bring it back? Don’t ask me! Oh!
it has made a howiin’ ijjit 0’ me i”

CHAPTER XXXII. 1
ON THE VERGE OF RUIN. _ ‘

David Mon-ell had always been a careful
and painstaking man in regard to his busi-
ness attain-s, and one of the things he had
done in order to make certainty more cer-
tain was to handlehis safe himself, and
allow no one else to touch it. He kept the
combination to himself, and each morning
opened it alone, and each night closed it
in the some ways The combination he
trusted to nobody else. When Girdwood
came into the film he kept up the practice,
not because of any doubt. but because the
latter had never evinced any desire to
know the combination or anything about
to i r , i

On the morning after the visit of Peter
Putin; to the house Mr. Morrell opened the
sure as usual. » .

Not for a long time had it'been so richly
filled, and he was about to turn the con-
tents so as to make more money. he be:

 

 

 

into the coffers in. a long while; ,
Certain securities were wanted, and he
, was in search of them. now. ' ,
, He was a systematic man, and he'sup—
1’ posed hie/could place his hands, on the
. papers at once. Somewhat to his surprise
he did not see them where he expected
He looked about to see where he had

  

“Ween not .

«,j . covery of the lost box he stared in amaze-
,gr mont. , ‘
 “Got it back!” he gasped.

12; « M Yes.” .

lieved, with good reason, than had flowed".

, dried his tears, but didnot seem any [more

 

put them, if not in their proper place, and

 

A startled look twerspread his face. The
valuables Were not to be seen.

Ills hands began to tremble, but he was
steady enough to make a quick and
prompt search of the whole interior of the
safe.

The valuables Were not. there!

Dale and dismayed, he turned to Levere.

“ (lo an' get tiirdwood at. once!"

Perhaps the young man addressed was
not in his usual discerning mood; certain
it was that. he did not perceive anything
unusual in the speaker’s manner. He
marched across the street. to the oti‘lce
which (lirdwood still kept, and delivered
the message.

I‘rewntiy Uirdwood came over. He was
calm, but this was not: the mood in which
Morreil met him. The elder man was
simply on the verge of a breakdown.

“ The safe has been robbed!” he cried,
piteously.

" What?” demanded Girdwood, as if he
did not understand fully.

“Robbers have been here and gutted
the safe. All the papers are gone which
We were to send away!"

“ impossible!" exclaimed the new—cemer.

“ lt is true!"

“ Robbed! How did it happen?"

“That‘s it—how? The safe was closed
an' locked, jest ez I left it, so how could it
be done? ’i‘har’ ain’t a mark on it te' tell
0’ its bein’ tampered with, but, the papers
are gone. Girdwood, I am beggared!”

Mort-ell, the man who could bully all
others in his hours of prosped-ty, burst
into tears.

“A beggar, a beggar!" he groaned.

“ Surely, there must be a mistake.”

“Look for yourself! Look, an‘ ef you
kin find: the papers I’ll be your slave for
life. Find them—find them, or 1 am ruined
forever 2“

Mort-ell threw up his hands with u gest-
ure of despair.

" Are you sure you put the papers in the
safe?" asked. Girdwood, with considerable
coolness.

"Why, of course."

“ This is a serious matter.”

“ Serious! It ruins me!" ,

“I believe I lose something."

“ Nothing like what I do. By your ad-
vice Iiput all I had into. this venture—yes,
I may say all I had—fitn‘ what" is It now?
Girdwood, this bankrupts me!" '

It would have surpristd Mort-oil’s ac-
quaintances in Climax Claim to see him
then. His tears Were flowing freely, and
the man who had ridden roughshod over
all others was in- danger of total collapse.
‘°0hl you'il‘ pull out,” encouraged Gird-
wood. ,
, “ With what? I tell you, I’m dead beg-
gar-ed. But: how, how did they get into
my safe? I never told anybody the com-
bination, yet. it was opened without trouble,
it seems. Oh, how could it have been
d0m?i! ‘r  V .

“ This must .be looked into." _ ,

It was looked into. but nothing came 'of
it. The papers were gone, and the thief
had not left one sign. The doors and win-
dows of the otiice were as unmarked as
the safe, and it was to Morrell simply,
amazing that any onecould do what had

been done“

An officer of the law was sent for, but '

it was Girdwood‘ whode to receive him.
Morrell (towered in the inner office, bent
and tear-Stained, and 'us really of no use.
Girdwood bore up with fortitude, it
seemed. and was practical and sensible.

Why should he not‘ be? He had lost
something in the affair, if the papers were
indeed gone beyondrecovery. but only just
enough to spur him on to action in seeking
to effect a recovery of the things time
taken. ‘

The local detectives took the ease up,
but it would have been a sanguine man
who would have expected anything from
them. When. they were gone Girdwood
went back to his partner. Morrell had

happy \than- before. ‘ . n

“ Is this matter really soscrious'!" asked
the. junior partner. - = v

“ Girdwood, I’m done!" David Honing
lously replied. “This settles me unless .I

.one would believe possible in the c

 

can get them papers It dearegfimc A

i

   

    

  

‘25

simply a be rgar. The losses I hev‘ had be—
i'ore hev' dug in (array funds until i was
hard up. . You caiue along au‘ put money
inter the iirm, an‘ i got on my feet again.
Now comes this. i don‘t blame you, hilt.
it was by your advice i took the last step
an’ iixed things as 1 did. 'i‘hem papers
are gone, au’ the only thing i hev’ left in
the world is my house!"

“ That’s hard. luck!"

“ Ilardl lt‘s ruin!"

“ The lost may be found." .3'

“ it won't be!" '

Mort-ell bowed his head on his hands
and relapsed into silence.

Girdwood sat. looking at him with com-
posed face and steady eyes. The partner, 
did not seem to feel so much pity for the . as?
fallen man as some partners would, but 
then, Girdnvood had his ptxzuliarities. As ‘
he sat there surveying Morrell there was
a singular light in his eyes. It might
mean nothing; it might mean a good
deal.

Possibly he might be abridging and rt.»
peating the old Biblical assertion, “Venge-
ance is thine!"

Anon, David spoke again:

“ I’m a begga r at my time 0’ life, an- old
man gone. ter the pool-house steps. I
started there, when a boy, an' then I went
in ter win money. It was a passion with
me ter git out o’ the rut o' poverty, an'
hev' a few dollars ter my name—yes, ter ,. »-
git rich.

" Et was slow work, at first, an’ I didn’t
hev' scarcely nothin' when I come tcr
Climax Claim. I had been a minor for
years, an' I was'one hyar. With pick an’
spade I labored early an' late. I warn‘t
long in scein‘ thar’ was money ter be “
had at the town. for some, an’ I set out ter
be one 0’ them.

“How I lived through it I don’t know,
for I took no rest. Early 311’ late 1 swung
the pick, an’ I grew old fast under the
strain 0’ such labor. .,

“ I had my reward. At last, after long
years, I struck it rich. an’ laid the founda-
tion 0’ the fortune I finally got. Even
then I took no rest, an’ men will tell you I
fairly haunted the mines by day an‘ night. -, ‘ '

“The day came, though, when I let;
mining alone an’ went inter the bankin‘
business; Then I was a big man in tho
eyes 0' them who knew me, an‘ things was'
a good bit easier ' I had my day 311’ did
wal until—until— ’

He hesitated and was reluctant to say,
until Lasco Girdwood had come to town,
entered into competition with him, and;
taken his business away. ,_ '

A faint smile curled Girdwood’s lips—it:
hovered there, and was gone, leaving him .
calm as ever. *

Suddenly Morrell broke forth: , '

“ What am I now? A beggar, an‘ at my
time o’ lll'e, an’ after all the slavelikeu
work I’ve done! A beggar, an' after bein’, ,
a rich man! on: this is too much—toot.
much!” a v

“How do you account for it?"_ ' .1 '

Coolly came the question after, uhe. wild
cry or the, old banker, with a strange ins
fiection to it. , ’ - L: .,

“Account for what?” mechanically » ‘
asked Morroll. . “ ' f

“Such ill luck. Can it be a judgment?!

t‘ Eh?” ‘ 1 ‘ V

“ I was wondering,” slowly replied Gird-'
Wood, “it you ever did anything which
could have brought this upon you“ as a.
judgment.” ‘ _ '

David was not ready with‘his reply. . ,

“It sometimes happens. that men do“
deeds which recoil on their own heads”,
pursued Girdwood, .stoically. “There is
such a thing as judgment. Don't you
think so?" » p ‘

The line of argument was suggestivesf
but Morrell was. not then. in mood to 10mg.
into it critically. He could only think of
his desperate financial condition. " 

The blow had fallen much harder than
such a hard-headed person, but overg.’ or».
roll- was not proof against the diumay of,
seeing his allswept to the winds- ‘ '

“Can’t you do something, Girdwoodz’t
he asked. , i , > - '
, “We can try.” .,  .
...“\You are shrewd an"'eum-in’. . Go '

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M

 
   

 

' '26

  Yellow Grid":

  

of park Divide. » '

 

 

an’ tind out what. We must do to get. on our
feet again, will you?"

“I am on my feet already,“ answered
lirdwood, with the shadow of a smile on.
his grave face.

“Yes, I know; this- hits me alone.
, Strange how all the ill-luck goes: one way.
3 . But, Gird'\\'-<x)(l, something must be done.
‘ or the bankng house of David Morrcll will
go to the wall. Money is needed, and at
once. I can’t furnish it, fer I ain’t got
it. Hev’ you?”

Morrell began to clutch at hope again.

 
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
  
  
 
 
  
 
 
 
   
   
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
      
      
      

{if} , He had an idea that the wealth of his new
 partner was unlimited, and that he had
 only to plunge his hand into his pocket, so

» to speak, and he could pull out money
in without limit.
'1 - Evidently Gird wood was not of the same
opinion. '

“It seems yours is 3.105ng venture," he
replied, quietly. “What I did before had
no permanent good effect, and it would be
simply throwing more funds away, it I
read the signs alright, for me to try it
again.” ’

“ But my house is goin’ ter ruin, quick,
ef you don’t!” cried David. in dismay.

“ You ought to pull something out of the
wreck.”

“I can’t save a thing, unless you tide
me over the crisis. Come, Girdwood.
don't desert a fellow when he is in need!"

Morreil was talking feverishly, but his

v companion remained a man of ice.
. “ Good money ought not to follow bad.”

‘f But you won’t see me fail?"

., “Oh! you may be able to get around
. yet," v .

“ I can’t. I tell you, all is gone but
'what you advanced before, and that is
safe because it is so arranged that nobody,
' not even mySeli’, can get at it."
_. ‘ “Yes; I arranged it that way,” dryly
I replied Girdwood.

“ Must I go ter the wall now ‘2” ‘

Plaintive was the question, and Morl-
rell’s voice trembled as he put it. He was
pleading for his business life, and all his
Isoul was in the plea.
; “ I don’t see how I, can help you!”
_. Unmoved as the rocks oi.’ Dark Di-
vide was the reply, and Morrell felt his
{hopes go even lower down. I

.“ What am I to do?" he demanded. ’

-‘ “(Brace up and meet the emergency.”
 Itwas not encouraging advice to give.
but it was the best that could be gained
from Girdwood. The conversation, as it
continued, gave no ray of hope, and David
was left to see. he must fight the battle
5 alone, unless some sudden change came.
iGirdWOod said a little to encou , him
«editeap words—and then went over to his
own oflice. " ; - '
Mon-ell sat with bowed head, and pale
face. . Levere tried to console him,‘but
without remit. ~ .
. ’Mr. Levere was notso sympathetic as he
seemed, for he had seen himself, crowded
1:0 the rear oblate, and saw revenge loom-
ing up now. 211 he couldget some satistac-
‘rtion out of it he thought it would not 'be
«sohad a stroke after all. it. t ere was a
rupture between the other /pa 7 ' v‘
“Ha; ,uld not think the state of stairs
(was so desperate as was, claimed, and if
anything was saved from thetwreck‘ he
 ighguyéet' regain his old power'withj‘h ’

  

  

  

  

   

  

  

  

  

 

  

 

. . ‘r' . . ' l
 _ CHAPTER xxxmn --
' ., . V GATE-s GIRL: f ’ r '
Horace Graham was seated in his 

   
  
  

When-one of, the miners called, .

it"Pci-tessu‘," said he, "I've come ,a
matter or bizr I'm a poor :man, but I ev.’
Wen that are. 0' some promise, ‘I
 {1/ want ter Ydo_.“unsettling fer

,ifhey'are‘: bright children," Mr. (the
ham-agreed. “Your Jimmy ,is especially
‘80; Avery-bright boy."  , U 1' ‘

{father’s face glowed with pride;
'1’ think. perfuserrso I'th’inki , Now,

  
   
   
 
 
    
 
   

 

  
 
 
  

.‘o"s'endin' ‘hhniaway to comet-allege; ef-
mape'gé) the 631811.: What 'I'ver'cmne
this:“ in I get you tet- am i In at

 an! atrium! Loci-legal. {ink
' - or: do it, and!

| ' troubled by this.

I

filmmyiis gettin’ quite a boy, pn’ rl’mthlnke

  

“ He is quite right.”

“ Wal, the question is about the terms.”

It was a poor man lookingr to the inter-
ests of his son, but. he had a ready sym-
pathizcr, and: the conversation was going
on briskly When a step sounded at. the
door and a lady euicl'cd. It was Bianca
(lath. She paused on seeing the caller,
but Graham. rose politely.

Mr. Hopkins, allow me to introduce
Miss Alice Mayton,” he said.

The girl bowed and responded properly,
but Hopkins, after first making an. effort:
to flounder to his feet, came to a full stop

and stood staring at her blankly. His
eyes were very large and Wondering. Mr.

Graham noticed this, and, with a pardon-
able pride in his prospective daughter-in-
law, thought. the simple—minded man had
been struck speechless by her beauty. He
smiled gravely.

“ An cspmiavl friend of my family, Mr.
Hopkins." he added.

“The tarnaltion she is!” exclaimed the
minor,

“ You seem emphatic.”

" Wal, I should say thar‘ was cause."

“ What cause?"

“I never knowed before what had be-
come, 0‘ Harmer Gath’s gal." ,

“What?” ‘ '

“ I know her—it’s old Gath’s gal!”

“Hopkins,” rctortcd Graham, with so-

, verity, "have you gone insane?"

“Wal, I reckon not, but I ain’t blind,
either. I knowed her at first sight. Say,
this bewilders me; How does Gath’s gal
happen ter be hyar?"

There was .no ill-will in the speaker’s
voice, and, in truth, he was just as much
bewildered: as he claimed.

“You have made a big mistake," an-
swered the professor, far from being
‘pleased. "Your charge is really an insult
to us, but I know it is not so intended.
This lady is Miss Alice Mayton, as, I be-
fore told you. Harmer Gath’s daughter?
Absurd! Don‘t repeat it, Hopkins.”

The miner turned his gaze upon the girl.
So did Mr. Graham, for the first time.
He was surprised to see she had grown
‘very pale and seemed frightened by the
conversation. ‘

“ My dear!” he exclaimed, “don’t be

It. is an awkward mis-
take—a most awkward mistake—but Mr.
Hopkins did not realize how it would
soun ." ‘

Hopkins was alarm'ed to think he had

' thus put his own‘chances in peril, and he
made a. desperate, effort to get out 01." the
dilemma.  '

“Don’t .mind me." :he insisted. “Of
course it ain’t any 0" my business, an’ I
won‘t give it awayythat she’s hyar, but. I
couldn’t help knowiu’ her right 011'. I’d
seen her mauya time when she was
young, an’ I was one 0' the men who was
with Morrelal the night Harmer Gath was
killed. I couldn’t help recognizin' her, but
you kin rely on me not. ter give it away,”

He, had made a: bad matter worse, and
there wasnn awkward silence.  .

. Hopkins floundered again, and added:

in’ ye’r brother, miss. be they? No; nor

I don’t reckon they will.” I

‘ Graham saw they must end such an in-

terview. and he turned toithe still silent
and;,embarrassed girl.  " t

' v, "I will .see‘you whenthis gentleman is

I V’ gone-myrdear,” he remarked.

 
  

Bianm went out of the room. She had
not yet found a word, but the tuli‘meas-
are, at. the misfortune was plain to her. { In
herdistress; too, she had talledxtoinotice

   
   

professor, and to see that he did not be:
.lieve the miner’s assertions, ., v . ~ ‘
, “.I-Ie knows all.” she murmured; break:
~ ing’into tours. “The deceit is laid bare,
and no hope- remains now“, What must he
think/of meiv m, and’w’hat’ ,will he say
to'Allen? Poor Alleni' His, efforts to help
~mejwillr ruinrhim‘and bring down. his

'0: Allen,

 
 
   

 

“father’sanger upon his head!"
 It‘wap hke‘hcr 'to' think only
an
-.a rap atithe‘doorh 
villain“, however.
she did‘not wait! 1*
AM and hm , .

 

 
      
 
 

kn to‘s'p'ea'k;

 

“They ain’t havin’ much luck in catch-'

the kindnessof the last words mm the.

smwasmn in. tears Wheathem came lum—
‘bpea laid (and

 

“0h! Mr. Graham, i am so sorry you
have been deceived! i know you must de-
spise'me for doing it. but 1 was Weak in
my sorrow. If i was named Goth I still
was subject to human feelings, and the
peace of your home was not to be re-
sistcd. I have disgraced that home by my
presence, but I am sorry for it, and [’11 do
all I can to make amends. I’ll go away at
once, and it‘ the miner will not. mention
the fact, no one, need know I aim Harmer
Gath’s daughter!"

Graham was starng with wide-open
eyes.

“ What?” he gasped.

“ I'll go away at, once.”

“ You will——”

“Yes, yes; I’ll go immediately. I‘ll go
within half an how. Let me go and hide
my dishonor i“

“ But," exclaimed Graham, “you don’t.
really mean to say you are—you ure—
Gathls (laughter '1"

Her head (lrrooped.

“ I am," she whispered, faintly.

“Then, how~why~what does this all
mean?" , '

“ Oh! I can’t tell you—I can’t, I can‘t!"

“ You, my son‘s promised wire'you,
Harmer Gath’s- girl!” '

“ I am Bianca Gathi" she falter-ed.

Graham passed his hand over. his fore-
head in a sort of blind gesture.

“And Allen-Aloes he know of this?"

Bianca was silent.

“Tell me," Graham directed.

“ I cannot."

“ The answer is enough. It is 'clcar that

the rash boy brought you here with a full.

knowledge of the truth,"

“Don't blame him! Don’t blame any
one but me! I am used to it, and he has
always been so anxious to have your good
opinion and to do so as to please you. You.
won’t condemn him, will you?"

She looked imploringly into the profes-
sor‘s face. unconscious of the fact that it
was not a severe face then. In point of
truth, there had been little there but dis—
may, and he had done himself much credit.
by not making hasty condemnation. This
ids; was in his mind now when he re-
p .

blame until I have heard all.
tell me the story '2”

“Ask Allen, sir!" .

She made the request timidly, and it did
her credit. Graham did not seek to urge
her, but, the situation was solved by the
timely return of Allen himself.

“I ‘will see him,” observed the father.
:Stély here until I return. Do you prom-
Se .‘1 i -‘ .

‘ “Yes, sir.» VI ‘ t I I

He. Went out without further speech,
and there was along lull. . She waited, ac-

Will you

cording to promise. ‘ There was no hope ’

in her mind, and she simply expected to
go forth condemned and ostracized. More

than that, she expected to learn that the- 1‘

elder Graham had notified his son to have

no more to do with her. Then—she dared- r

V of Allen’s future she al-3
ways had been willing to give him up. she I , a
thought. but it did notvseem so easy now‘ ,
thertime was at hand. Bitter, indeed, were I
the thoughts in her mind. . - ..

not go further.
For the sake

. Many minutes passed before'anyquy
came .to her. It was Horace Graham who

’.‘flnally_ appeared. She looked at him anx-

iously, eager to read her fate in his face,

but he came to her and‘ltook her hand with . ‘

a grime expression. . ..

“Child? he remarked, “do not look-so "‘
.downéast. , ~‘
,what your future 0r anybody else’s' will: 
,be,»but of this-[rest assured: .
severity toward you. tI know all, and-1"

I am not ‘yet "ready ’to say
[have no
must say. you have but acted like arr-cm:

v an in the aflair, while many of the things I ?

I. have learned artermuch: toymr gored“:
I am, not here as a severe. judges! . 

; .“And 111161113";   w A  '
’n‘Islmy‘soQ'n' .-)  .1 l",  ‘y' ' I I"; ‘
-‘ 91?}: will . , t, ' you. i must...  blaim

.\.
i,,. .v

     

“IIhave nothing to say in the way oi.’ ‘

   
 

 

        
        
      
   
    
     
 
       
    
    
    
     
   
     
      
  
    
     
 
 
 

   
  
  
  
  
 
     
  
  
  
   
  
 
   
   
   
   
  

   
 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 
 
 
  
 

 

 

ment. of the town in general, but I am.
glad I have not that temptation before
me.”

“ I am still Bianca (lath—1’

“ ()f whom I never heard anybody say
one word of blame. Child, there is no
need of haste in this matter. I have my
son‘s good always at heart, and now I
know you, I can see i may well have an—

other’s. (live the time to think what is
best. Let me plan for you and Allen, and

fI‘Olll it may come happiness for both of
you. You will remain under this roof as
my honored guest, and I trust you will
never go out in sorrow. Now, Allen is
awaiting you. Go to him, child.”

Again he gave his hand, and she hur-
riedly raised. it to her lips.

“You are kind and noble!” she ex—
claimed.

She could say no more, and she went
hurriedly out of the room.

Allen met her and conducted her where
they could speak freely.

Then he took her in his arms and tent-
derly murmured:

" Be of gmd checri There is nothing in

the future which need alarm us. My
father has heard the truth from me with
forbearance which does him great credit,
and though a final decision is postponed,
I have no doubt as to the result. All will
be well.” .
t For a while their conversation ran upon
things of more interest to them than to the
vital points of the case, but Allen had
something else to say. Matters had reached
a stage where all things must give way
to the common interests, and, us a Certain
secret was already known in a degree to
those not in sympathy with it, he did not
think he was unjustly betraying any trust‘
when he introduced the subject.

“Bianca,” he began, “did you ever see
a peculiar box about your home when you
were with your father ‘3"

"A box?" she repeated, wonderingly.

“ Yes. ’

“ I remember none.”

“ Think again.” ,

“ It you could. give me a. clew to your
meaning—4’»

“I would rather have you meditate and
get the secret yoursult. Consider. Was
there no box?” ' ,

Bianca did consider. For some time she
did not succeed in making any discovery,
but her face suddenly lighted up with an
idea.

“ Was it one of silver?" she demanded, ‘

quickly. : -

“ or silver, or something which looked
very much like it,” Allen quickly re-
sponded. . , ' _

“I remember it well. It was around
when I was a. mere child, and I once, had
it to play with, but it was taken away
from me.” .

“ Describe it.” ~ ’ . i

It was} a task Bianca could not perform
with exactnessbut when she was done
Allen’s mind was clear on one point—he
did not doubt that it was the same box
which he had in his possession. nor did he

' doubt seriously that it was Gideon Goth
who had brought it to him and acted the
part of “Moloch.” . - ‘

Considering himself released from his
pledge by the inexorable march of circum-
stances, he
curred. ' »

Bianca listened eagerly, and with many
comments. v- '

“If Gideon is alive, and near Climax
Claim, I believe all your ideas are correct.
I believe it was he. But what can be in
the box?” ‘ I . ‘ ‘
 “That is what Ivdon’t know. He says
it is the honor of a man that I hold,” he
replied. v v ' .

“How; can that be?" . ‘ '  t

“ I don’t know.” ', l ' ' i.

-“ If he really is thermal: who is acting

. as the new Vandal—” ' ‘

She paused, aha did vino: finish the sea:

tence. . ‘ ‘ , . ~,
The same idea. was intench mind—how
could Yellow Gid hope to main-tainhia

.' . honor it he was the new road-agent?

“One thing is sure." decl 'red Bianca,
suddenly, “it my brother is a ivc, he must
befionnd; Hawcan we do itrj’ . .

   

  

told her plainly what had oc-fi

‘ Yenow old of Dark Divide.

CHAPTER X XX 1 V.
“1s Timur: AX AVFNGER?"

The loss of the box from the Morrell
house had been discovered at once, and
no explanation ot’ the. ail'air had been. ar-
rived at, but all other things Were dwarfed
by the new calamity which had fallen
upon the family in the robbery of the
safe.

The banker and his daughter contem-
plated this calamity with the utmost dlsr
may.

“ The only hope now is that I can marry
Girdwood!" declared Rosamond.

“ Somehow, he don't seem so sympa-
thetic as he did," retnarked David, doubt.-
fully.

“ IIe's your partner now."

“I know, but only to a certain degree.
The money he put in is tied up so he will
lose next to nothing. Rosie. I am won-
derin‘ of I hev' fell into a trap!"

“ What trap ‘3"

“ I’Ie \ 'as uncommon willin’ ter advance
me cash beft‘ire. an' I wondered at. it. Sup-
pose. he only did it to trap me? I was
his business rival, an‘ i had give him hard
knocks with my tongue, an’ tried to with
business methmis—only he got the best 0'
me that way! Now, wltat of he come ter
my aid only ter wipe the out? What of he
has been )lanuin’ ter git rid 01' a rival, in-
stead of g vin' me a lift?”

“ Have you any evidence of this?" asked
Rosamond, with a sinking heart.

it No."

“Then don’t let us think it.
agreeable."

"Mebbe it ain't. so. I don't see how
Girdwood is responsible for it really.
True, he it was who induced me to put
my money inter the securities that was
lost before I could get them out 0’ town.
but he couldn’t have known 0’ the robbery
that was comln‘, of course.”

“Isn‘t it possible that it was Yellow
Gid——”

“ The work was not like him.”

“ He is capable of anything."

“All men are capable of anything when
I am the victim. All are Jumpin’ came,"
declared Mort-ell, querulously. "when 1 am
the victim. It's as ef the Whole world had
conspired tcr pull me» down!” ‘

“ Which goes to. show I must. marry
iGirdwmd," asserted Rosamond. “It is
the only hope open to me. Marry him I
will!”

She did not see her my clear, but she
had developed resolution out of difficulty,
and meant all she said.

They were interrupted by the coming of
the local officer who had undertaken the
detective duty of finding the robber of the
safe. He had another man with him—a
humble citizen—and he proceeded to make
known that he had something to say. _

“I reckon I’ve got the burglar,” he do-
clarcd. “Anyhow, Sam, hyar, seen a chap
comin’ out 0’ the shudder 0’ your office at
eleven o’clock that night, an’ the man
ain‘t one'I’m stuck on an a sample o’ hon-
est looks, by thunderi" . ,

“ Who was he?" \ ‘ ‘

“ His‘name is God Jackling.”.

Mot-rail brightened up. For the’time be-
ing he forgot that he dared not antagonize
Jackling, and was ready to grasp at the
chance to do his enemy an ill turn.

“ Jan that be so?” he asked, quickly.

“ Wal, Sam says he saw him oomin'
away from the office door.
errand could he have thar’ .at. that hour?”

“ None, by thunder!" ' ‘ x

"t Then we will interview Mr. Jackling
on the subject. I have an idea we have
our man right hyar, a’n’ the sooner We
arrest him the better.” .- "
.“Goodi Goin‘an' do it!" ' . y ;

At. that, moment there was 'another ar-
rival in the shape of Mr. Lnsco Girdwood.
Morrell’s half-expressed suspicions of-his
partner were not so definite; but, hohafled
his mining. and the new idea was duly
made known. I ' I , .

“Don’t you‘think Jackling is, the rob-
ber?” lilomll asked. .

'» Girdwood remained calm.

( “No.” he answered. . ,r'

“But it looks/that, way.”  '

It's not

 

I " coming away fromthe om

   
  

“ At what hour do ye" say-’hg‘qu seen

 

    
 
 

What. honest .

    

27'

    
  
  
   
  
    
   
   
   
    
    
  
    
   
 
 
   
   
    
   
 
 
 
   
     
   
   
    
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
     
   
   
   
  
    
 
  
    
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
   
   
   
 
 
  
 
  
  
    
     
   
    
    
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
     
    
   
    
  
    
    
 

 

“ Eleven o’clock." '-

“ It is a. case of mistaken identity.”
calmly assured (iirdwood. “(lad .lackling
and i wore playing chess at my room un’
til nearly one, and he did not once leave
me."

The trio sat downcast.

“ Blame it!" exclaimed the citizen, "1
could have sworn it was him that I saw
by the otfice.”

“That shows how easy it. is to be mis-
taken. He was with me, and cannot have
been anywhere else."

The citizen scratched his head. lie was
not yet: convinced, and it came hard to .
give way Well to a man great in local. 1
affairs. /

“ The chap mus-t hev‘ a double, then,"
he returned at last.

" Oh, mistakes are common," easily au-
swered Girdwotxl. "‘Ihm't you think so,
Mort-ell? I think i have heard Jackling
say he was an old acquaintance of yours.”

David iwnemiwred the secret, and was
not slow to get under cover. ‘ -.

" That's the truth." be admitted. “'I 
knew him before we ever come ter Climax ‘ “
Claim. Not intimately, you see, but well.
enough so that—"

The banker hesitated, thought of the sc-
cret Gad held over him, and added:

“ i wouldn't think he. would do a rob- ,
hery.” ,

“I know absolutely nothing about the
man," went on Girdwood, “and my tes~
timony in the case is to the effect only
that he was with me at the .time mcnr .
tioned, and cannot have been the person . -
seen at Morrell's office." ' ‘ t

“ Wa-l, l’il be blamed!” * V x

The citizen was still unconvinced, but.-
thcre was no more to say or do. The.» :
case was going against him, and as he had
no especial interest. in the atl'alr, he con-
cluded to let it go.

The officer felt grieved that so promising
a clew had come to nothing, but as both
partners had pronounced on the wronir
side, he was out of the race, it seemed.
He took his witness and beat a retreat.

“ Sam, hev’ you gone blind '2" he asked.

“Not much!" was'the stout declaration. '
‘,‘I'd take my oath I see jostwhut I said ‘
I saw.” - I
.In the meanwhile Girdwood was lot,
with Morrcll. The latter did “not give
much thought to the alibi which had been.1
established, justly or Otherwise, for Gad
Jackling. As he dared not prosecute the
.wcird‘man with the rope it did not‘nmt-ter"
much how the fellow was cleared. - ' ‘

The two bankers were talking on trivial,
subjects when the servant appeared with.
the announcement:

“Mr. Gad Jackling, to see you, sir." . >

David docked at Girdwood. He was not“:
pleased that Gad shouldcall on him. then
or at any other time.

“Perhaps”. suggested *Girdwood, “he:
has heard of the charge against him
broughtby the man who thought he saw
him, andis inclined to be ugly. I 11113;,“
younger than you; and capable ordean
with the man effectually. Bear‘in mi , 2‘
that though duty has made me his means .
of alibi, I have only a passing acquaint—7'.
ance with 'him. If he is troublesome, call.
me from member room." ‘ ‘t-g'  ; 

The speaker rose as if to go to' the no!
room, and Morrell caught at the aid? ids
that he might be useful some time tovbcdt'
Gad Jackling out.- ‘ i ‘

“I like that notion." he replied, quickly..
“Keep in' thar’, but don’t enter unless I
call you. I rocket: I shall be abie'ter take:

‘11

MW

 

 

care of the teller.” . 
The last words were brought about b
the recollection that he might not. dare to
bring Lasco inimthe case openly, but him; «
partner seemed to suspect nothing. and;
was soon gone. ~ 3 . f t’
' . Gad Jacklingentered. 3 3t
Almost as soon as Morrell saw the vial
tor he also saw the rope, and this tune it.
was wholly uncovered. He had it coiled
loosely around his hand, and had bar ‘
entered when he gave it a twirl and deftl
landed it on the, banker's neck. , The mil ,
hid in a measure become used to thls'ec
centriqu of the man", and realizing tint;

    

    
 

    
  

   
   

 
 
 
  
 

 
 
 
 
   

 
    
   
  
 
  

 
 
 
 

 

- ans nervwsly as usual. at I

  
  
 

it‘was harmless in itsalr, he didth

   
 

  

 
   

.28

Yenow Grid mark Divide.

 

 

Casting it off, he sharply directed:

“ Keep the occurs-ed thing away!"

Jackling laughed mockingly.

“ Arouses memories too good to think of,
does it?"

“ i only ask you to keep it away. Your
notion is absurd."

Gad would have been blind not to see
there was rebellion in the air, and be looked
at his companion with more than ordinary
keenness. He sat down and quietly ob-
served:

“ Stephen Darrow would have been op—
posed to the rope if he had been given
time to see. what it was to mean to him.”

“Will you neVer cease to harp on that
I“? ' subject?" demanded Morrell, still more
7' ' 'firmly.

I I“ Gentle, friend. I have not yet said all
'v' I have to say. Hear the rest! Did you

ever know that Stephen Darrow had rela—
fives?"
_ “ I know nothing of his relatives."
} I, o“ Yet you’ve met some of them."
“ Are you one?"
“ Gums again. The one to whom I refer
has figured. much in your life at Climax
 Claim."
 ’« “I don‘t know who you mean,” an-
} swered David, thoughtfully, yet with a
natural doubt if anything was meant.
, “ I’ll tell you who. Listen with all your

«ears—even if you are profusely sup-
plied with ears." and Gad sneered beyond
his limit. “You see. Stephen had a broth-
«cr. The name of the. brother was—"

Jackling leaned forward and spoke the
next words in a deep voice: ,

' “The name was Harmer Gath!"

A deep pallor overspread the banker’s
face, but the momentary horror quickly
“gave place to unheliet’. The idea seemed
so absurd. and the chance that Jackling
would lie on evory conceivable occasion
was so probable that it was natural he
should doubt.

“ Is ye’r hold so weak that you must re-
:sort tor lies?" he demanded.

 

 
  
    
   
    
   
    
  
 
   
  
   
 

; Gad. “All I claim is true, and can be

' proved. 'In this region the. first Vandal
was known as Hanmer Gath, but it was
not his right name. He had dropped that
by which he was reared. He was really
named Anson Darrow. Have you neve
.h'eard of such a man?" , ‘-

‘ 'Morrell moved uneasily.

“Mebbe.” he admitted.

; “Brother of Stephen, you know.”

 . “I don’t know it." V

“ Su‘dh is the fact. You never saw the

gay and festive Anson, for he was the.

black sheep of the flock. and had run

,tnway from home when young. He never

" troubled his relatives again. nor they him.

He-‘was abroad as a 'rover when you were

about where Stephen lived." ,

w“ What in thunder had I to do with the

brother?" . p y

' “If the traditions of Climax Claim are

correct you, had good deal to do with

him.” drny replied Jackling. “I am told
you set the lynchers on him, and the only

‘Ieason they didnot serve him in your
flavorlte way—withvthe rope-was because
she quicker-paced rifle got in its‘,work
first. Anyhow, you and your gang killed

' "Harmer Goth, and he was brother to Ste-

uphe‘n‘ Darrow!"

’ “ I don’t believe it!»" declared Morrel-l.

" Doubt'costs you nothing in money, but

at my in other ways. I want to sum up on

your case and let you see right where" you

stand. You killedboth brothers. Stephen

A met his fate with this rope. while Anson,

"better known as Harmer Goth. died in a

, style well known in. Climax Claim.”

‘ ‘ sat in sullen silence.

 “Both murdered by your!

Moi-roll looked up quickly.

“ I deny it all!” t

“ you convince the avenger?"

, “ Wight avenger '2" asked the'banker, un-

  
    
   
    
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
   
     
 
  
   
     
  
  
    
  
   
    

 

 
   
    
  
   
 

you see it in every way? Are- not strange
 occurring all the while? Do you

We?” . V I
 Bryon?" demanded David. suddenly.
.v ~Whatever I may be in your life, I do

 
   
 

“I have told no lie," coolly responded,

' anything ’of the kin

easily: , p
i “Isn’t. there one’ on your track? Don’t“

prosper? "Are'you not menaced in certain

 

 no! You haveseen inc

and know the extent of my work. If
there is an avenger—41' there is one. I say
—it is not I whom I mean. How is it,
slayer of brothers, is there an avenger?"

CHAP'J‘ER XXXV.
YELLOW Gin's DEMAND.

'I‘o David Morrell the visitor at that.
moment looked like the fiend incarnate.
He had always smacked of that appear-
ance, and now he had adopted an unusu-
ally ‘apt line to further the impression.

“ Is there an avenger?" slowly repeated
Jackliug.

" What avengtu' is there?” the banker
asked, in a hushed voice.

” People say Yellow Gid is giving you
some attentitm.” '

" It's true."

“ Then. there's an avenger, is there not

H Y‘JSI'Y »

“If he succeeds. both Stephen and An-
son Darrow will be avenged. It would be
wholesale work, would it not?"

“ Mockin' devil!" David cried, “you set
that" an’ sneer at my misfortunes like the
demon you are! I ain't sure but you're at
the bottom of it all, and in league with
(lid Gath right from the start. I now re~
member you came the same time tin-Se
troubles began.”

“ You guess wildly, as usual.,

 

1;"

I have

never even been up on Dark Divide. and '

the Vandal of that region is unknown to
me. Where he lives I cannot even guess.
Still, he and I seem alike engaged in good
work. We know you, David!” ,

" Man, what. do you want, anyhow?
What power will persuade you to leave
this town and leave me alone?"

“ No power can do it. I am here to en-
joy your sufl'erings, and this I will do until
I feel glutted. David, I shall always be
near you in the days to come, and al-
ways on the watch in your interests. Go
where you will, my eyes will be upon you.
Yes, and the rope will be busy, and await»
ing a victim!"

He gave the rope a twirl, and it writhed
along the floor as if possessed of life.

" For Heaven’s sake, leave 'me!" Morrell
exclaimed.

“ I am with you. .I have outstayed my
limit already, and must get away to other
scenes. I won’t forget you, though, and
you shall hear from me again. I’ll look
in on you often, and I fancy we shall get
a good deal of comfort out of our calls and
communions." , -

What the words meant, it they had any
especial meaning, David did not know,
but the smile which accompanied them
seemed to the banker more than human in
its tantalizing power.

He shivered, and was silent as Gad J ack-
ling prepared to ‘go. The latter knew his
power well, and did not scruple to use it
all. He went to the door. and ‘ there
paused and t a long look. This done,

he went out with a cat-like step, waving t

the rope as he coiled it closely again.

As the last sign of him was taken from
Morrell’s eyes the latter breathed a. sigh,
of relief. . t ‘

“'l‘hedevil himself!” was therbanker’s
exclamation. 1

Another footstep sounded, and Girdwood
returned. '

“Have you beat him out?” was the ’

question. .
“ Inever beat anybody out now!" cried
David, in sharp agony of mind. "My luck
an' all else hev’ gone back on me. No; I
did 'not bearhim out, for he got the best
of me." ,
“How?” ,

"‘ He is my enemy." /

The evasion was impulsive rather than
studiedpbut‘if Girdwood was aware of
he did not heed it.

“Thefellow must squelehed. I‘think
I agreed tod'o it if you needed help. I'
am situated just right to deal with such
a fellow, for, to be frank, I fear neither
man nor demon. I wilht e Mr. Jackllng
in hand. Hetshall'be downed.” ~

“'How?" asked Morrell. dubiously. »

“I'll find a way." calmly assured Gird-
_wood. “This reminds meuof another at-
fair.» .I- have been studying how to help
you out of your financial-troubles.” ,‘ .
‘ David'hrighton-ed suddenly. ‘ 

 

  
  
 

    
 
  

 

 

 

“ Jan you do it?" he eagerly asked.

“ I think I see, the way clear. But what
is to be my reward 2'"

For the first time he smiled. He seemed
to have found some idea which was
worthy of it. Morrell saw nothing of the
kind. Neither did he see how he was
going to give a reward of any sort.

“What do you want?" he. inquired.

Girdwood leaned forward and coolly an-
swered:

" Your daughter!"

“ “'liat?"

“Matrimony is the lot. of man. WVhy -

shouldn‘t I indulge as well as other mor-
tals? Yes, the plain amount of it is, I
am desirous of marrying Miss Morrell.
Have I your permission ‘2"

There did not seem much anxiety in the
speaker's voice as he awaited the reply.
but no observing man need have been
anxious. Morrell's face told the whole
story. He was so stunned at first by what
seemed to be a veritable god-send to him
that he could only look blankly, but the
mood soon passed. His expression became
beaming. Salvation appeared to be before
him, and be caught at it eagerly.

He also caught at Gird‘wood‘s hand and
wrung it warmly.

“ Bless your soul!" he declared, “I won’t
put. any obstacle in your way. You and
Rosie are young people, and you can settle
your affairs to your satisfaction. I—-a—I
can’t say what she will answer, but I
know she 'as much impressed with you
in a good many ways. I don‘t pretend
to know women as I did once, but now I
think of it, I believe she must think well'
0’ you."

David was not a diplomatist, and he
had a good deal of trouble in expressing
himself as Well as he did, but Girdwood.
seemed perfectly satis-iiml.

“Oh, I reckon we can make the bar-
gain,” he said, without an undue display
of modesty.

“ You can see her, my boy.”

“ I will!”

The strong-faced banker did not look the
eager lover, but he had a faculty of com-
ing to the point which. was refreshing.

Morrell was not going to let the chance'
slip, and he made immediate action to
help the good cause on. He called a serv-
ant and had Rosamond notified, and then
took himself out of the way. Once alone,
he executed a dance expressive of his joy.
' “Wal, this is the greatest yit!" he do-
clared.
Girdwood never gave any sign 0’ bein’ in,
love With her, as fur as I could see, but

then, he’s a peculiar man. Thunder! but , .

ef he keeps his promise and marries her
he will have ter get me out o' my financial

‘flx—he can't do otherwise. I wonder why

he refused of he was goin' tar propose ter
Rosie? .Thar’ are some things about Gird-
Wood that I can’t understand!”
Davidmeditated on the point, but failed!
to get any light. In fact, he‘wns so bound
up in the new departure that he wasnot
fit to think clearly on any other subject.

He waited: anxiously until Girdwood,

went away, and then hastened to his
daughter. Her face was radiant.

“ The fish is netted l" she declared.

“ Hev’ you really got him?” ‘

“ I have!”

Mort-ell seized her hand and shook‘it
rapturously. ‘ ,

“Rosie, you’re a trump!” he exclaimed.
“You make me proud, by thunder! . So he
did propose?” .

“Yes; and. I snapped him up so quick

he couldn’t say JackRobinson. Not that v

I showed undue exhilaration, but you can
bet I didn’t let the fish 1001 too long with
the bee .” - r
“We are saved, saved!" , '
“ We are!” , _
“So he won’t let me have the money?”
cried David. “Wal, we’ll see. vHe‘s a

\

shrer one, but once he’s your husband; .

I'll be on equal terms with .him, an’ I'll

 

manage it so he won'tget onto! it without ’ /
Husbands ain’t al—A‘ I
ways given ter,livi,n’ their lives out with t . '

leavin’ us a. hood-1e.

their wives. so We must bleed himtrom,

the start. so. we’ll have 3.3299(1me laid:

by fora rainy day.” : u
"Let: me get my 111

.7 t n

“Who would have thought it! .

  

 
  
 
  
  

     
 
   
   

   
 

i

.......H.m-sp“ :
«I

 

 

W-W. «W _ , ,.

._ s... _   
"M1 fl..-“ '

.. am...“ w .w A

Yellow Gi of Dark Divide.

    

29

 

bags, and I‘ll see that I don’t get
left!”

The Morrell selfishness broke through
everything. and the two were scheming
even in the. hour when they could see no
need of it. It Gii'dWood imagined there
was any happiness to be gained by uniting
with such persons he was much in error,
but there was a strong possibility that he
E‘as not so much taken in as he seemed to

0.

Rosmmond was exhilarated by her vic-
tory, and did not feel composed enough to
stay in the house.

“I am going to walk," she remarked.

“Don't go too fur. Remember Yellow
Gid,” cautioned her father.

"He didn’t keep me, when he had me,
which is proof he don’t care for me. i
think I shall be safe."

“Which way are you goin’?”

“ mlontg Rocky Gulch, to the ground be
yond."

“I'll follow you in about an hour. I
want to drop around and see (:ll‘tl‘VVOOtl;
then I’ll come ter you an‘ walk home with

e"!

y It was an unusual offer from him, but.
he had been put in high spirits by the re-
cent events, and felt like rewarding her
for being so successful in trapping Gird-
wood.

Rosamond went as planned. She passed
Rocky Gulch and sat down to meditate.
Her thoughts were hardly so unseltish and
joyous as those of most girls after having
selected a husband, but she had not chos‘en
in like mood. She now thought of Gird-
wood, but only as one who had put a life
of luxury within her reach. Carefully
she planned how she would make the
most out of him.

“ This is better than being the wife of
a poor count,” she decided. “The title
is the only attraction Levere has. It
would be a good deal if father’s money
had not got away from him. but it
amounts to nothing when poverty is
around. How will Lever-e take this? I
am not having the success I hoped for in
managing him, and he sometimes looks at
me in a.‘ way I do not like. To tell the
truth, I am a bit afraid of him!”

Her doubts made her more oblivious to
passing scenes than she would have been.
but even at that it was remarkable that
she did not hear the footstepsof a horse
that sounded on the ground, half-deaden-
ed by the sand.

“Then she did hear something and looked
up, she had cause to be amazed A horse
had come to within a few feet of her, and
was then at a standstill.

But he was not alone. In the saddle
was a man, and her face paled as she saw
the was no stranger to her. i

It was Gideon Goth.

The Vandal did not wait for her to re-
cover from her alarm, but sprang nimbly
to the ground.

“I am with you once more!” he an-
nounced.

She had nothing to say. ‘

“Am. I welcome?” he added. “Is the
haunted and hated road-agent company to
be desired, or would you rather not meet
me in this lonely spot where I am absolute
monarch and master of your destiny ‘2”

She had the events of her period of cap-
tivity to remember, a time when she had
been treated with surprising considera-
tion in spite of her captivity; but this did
not reassure her now; There was in Yel-
low Gid’s utterance something which
frightened her. I t

“.I don’t see that my wishes have been
consulted.”

Thus she answered, feeling that some
reply was needed, and trying to put a
measure of lightness into what she said
—,—a plan which was a complete failure’.

“They were not." the Vandal harshly
agreed. “My wishes: are the only thing
that count here. I have come without in-
vitation. and I care not how my presence
1mpresses you. In fact. I have come‘for
vengeance!" , z -

“ Vengeance!” echoed Resamond, feebly.

“Yes. You are the daughter of David
Morrcll. I am the son of. Harmer Gaul,
Your father killed my father. I am here

for vengeance!” . .

. you.save him?”

 

“ What do you mean ‘i"

“ Do you see yonder chasm
earth?”

“Yes.”

“ It is to be your death-place!"

Rosamond looked in mute fear at the
speaker. Ills masked face told nothing,
but his voice was inexorable and harsh. A
terrible dread was upon her. Would he
keep the threat?

" in the future the members of your
family shall have something to remember
as well as myself, and this is one step of
revenge. Girl, you must die!"

Still Rosamond said nothing. Power of
speech had deserted her wholly, it seemed,
and she. could not command her voice even
to appeal for mercy. Her companion stood
by his horse, as Cllllnl‘ils if nothing un-
usual was occurring, but like a judge pro-
nouncing sentence upon a criminal.

Yellow Gid went on remorselessly:

“When Hanmer Gath was murdered, 1,
his son, swore to be avenged, and this has
been the purpose of my later life. Step
by step I have gone on, and now the work
is about complete.

"When I took you captive it was only
an earnest. of what was to come. I did
not then intend to harm you. and you were
not harmed. It was to frighten and worry
you and David Morrcll—mo more.

" Now there isnothing theatrical in my
steps. I mean just what I say, and on this
day you and your father are to reap as
you have. sown.”

Quickly Rosamond cried:

" How did I ever harm you?"

" ‘ that Asher

in the

xirl, do you remember
Bradstreet and Yellow Gid disappeared
from view at the same time, seven months
ago?" .

“ Asher Bradstreet?" she repeated, with
a start.

“ Hal does it impress you as peculiar?”

“ Why do you connect. the names?”

“Dull, indeed, you must have been if
you have not guessed the truth. Know it
now! Asher Bradstreet and Gideon Gath
were one, and I was both. Ay, this is the
fact. Now, is there nothing for which I
have occasion to hate you? Did you never
do me wrong?” ,

He received no reply. Rosamond knew
she had usod Asher Bradstreet basely, and
it was a fresh horror to 11nd he was the
avenger of the occasion. What hope was
there for her now?

He,pointed to the south.

“From that direction David Morrell is
coming. this way. I can see him, if you
cannot. I have shown what I can do for
my father: now let me see what you can
do for yours.”

“ What do you mean i?”

r “ For Asher Bradstreet you had no feel-
ing after a man with a title came along.
Do you care for any one but yourself? If
you do, prove it! When your father turns
the point of the rock a shot from this re-
volver will drop him as if by magic. Will

“How can I?"

“By sacrificing yourself.”
.ROSamond did not. respond to the invita;
tion, and, after a pause, the Vandal went
on:

_ “ Prove your love. I want but one vic-
tim now. Go on. and leap into the chasm
and I will sp David Morrelli Dare you
die for him '3” '

The enormity of the suggestion left
Rosamond speechless again. Shewas not i
of the stat of which heroines are made,
and if she had been, the demand upon her
might well have been more than she could
hear with strength to consider, not to men-
tion obedience. p ,

Like one in a horrible dream she saw
her companion draw a revolver and point
toward the point of rock. ‘ ‘

“ What is your deciion?” Yellow Gid
sitterpiy asked. “Will you save a human
l e.” v , ' ~

“ At the peril of my own?" ,

u Yes.” ' ‘

“Never!” Resamond declared. “I have
nothing to do with the quarrel between
you and my father. I decline to sacrifice
myself for anybody.” - ‘

Yellow Gid brokednto a/Iaugh. , ~ ,

“I am satls ed, with your decision;

    

 

 

~stead, he turned quickly and re-entercd‘

    
  
   
  
  
    
   
  
   
   
 
 
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
     
   
   
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
   
  
    
    
   
   
   
   
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 
   
   
  
    
   
    
   
    
  
  
   
  
   
  
   
   
   
   
  
   
     
  
 
   
    
     
     
   

all I ask for. I have no intention of fore»
big you to the awful step of leaping into
this chasm. The chasm you are to meet.
is one very different in all ways. I have
been tryng you new. and your unlimitai-
lug reply settles certain. doubts- which
were in my mind. Now 1 am free to act
as I see tit. You haven't enough dangli-
terly love to say one word for the father
you do not. care to help. Enough! The
future is settled!"

The Vandal turned and sprang into the
saddle. He spoke to the horse, and in a.
moment more they were coursing away at
full speed.

A little later David Morrell came into
sight. but too late to see the bold road-
agent who ’had again proved his ability to
appear whenever he saw fit and avoid all

trouble. _____ 
CHAPTER XXXVI. ». .
A DISCOVERY. ‘ -

Horace Graham entered the room where
his son and Bianca were sitting.

“ There is news to-day." be remarked.

“ Of interest. to us?" Allen asked. , u.

“ That is as you look at it; I cannot say \:
I am interestml. Rosamond Morrell is to.
marry her father‘s new partner, Lasco'
Gll‘thOtKl, and at once.”

“Gird‘wmd is calltd a shrewd business
man,” replied Allen, dryly. “but my faith in,
him wavers when he takes such goods at, -
full price."

“ If the vague rumors about Mon'oll's
financial circumstances are correct, the
price may be different from what some
persons Would think," shrewdly hamrdodf
Mr. Graham. . v

Conversation ran upon the event for "
some time, but Bianca did not find it es-
pecially interesting to her. She arose and.
passed out of the house.

Twilight was just falling. and the few
trees which sin-rounded the house made
a. darkness over all. This had been
her only ground for exercisesince she *6
came to Climax Claim, and each part of
the area had grown familiar and pleasant
to her. She wandered on, enjoying the-
air and the scene.

She hadi never seen any one but the
members of the household in the grounds,
and was not looking for anybody then, so
it was a surprise when she saw a man
come out of the shrubbcry and only a few— -
feet away. I ‘ , 

They almost came face to face.

Her first impulse was to turn away, but: '
second sight, brought a change to her pure
pose. She aw a familiarity in the figure-
and face, and stopped short. Her heart?
almost ceased heating, it seemed. With
enlarged eyes she gazed at the other
walker. , . {

He did not come on tomeet her. In-3 ,

the bushes. .
Then she stretched out her hands with a.‘ .
half-inarticuiate cry: .  v
“ Gideon!" '
But: he was gone, and his footsteps
sounded in rapid retreat. ‘ , r A
As she saw the danger of losing him en», :
tirely, she stirred into life and moved in" .‘
pursuit, again uttering the name,- but the 
way we rough for her, and she lost sight ‘
of him. , '
She was still searching when she met M
Allen, who had followed her. She called _ -
out hurriedly: '. , .
“Where is he?” I
“ Where is who?" was the light reply.
“My brother—Gideon!”
, “What?” cried Allen.
“ Gideon! I saw him heel” ,
Allen stood speechless for a while, but '
as the power of speech returned he ex,
claimed: . ‘
“ Where is he?” 
“Here! He passed but a moment ago;
going in that d rcctio ." ,
“ And,” cried Allen, “do you mean- to any
that man was your brother?” .  1

“Yes.” " . ; , g,
It was Lasco Gil-db

“Great Heavens!
wood! He. your brother? Impossible!
“Dc;

Your eyes deceived you." _

“It was Gideon,” she persisted.
you think I would not know him? Itasca
Girdwood I have never seen as far as ‘
know, but Gideon Gait]: was heroi'i- ‘ . ‘

 

   
    
 
  

      
           
  
  
   

          
 
     

 

  
  

 

3O

 

Yellow Gid of Dark Divide.

 

Again Allen was briefly silent; then he
recalled certain circumstances of the past
and his decision came quickly:

“ By my life. 1 see it all new! Girdwood
may be your brother in disguiSe, and he
has been with us all the while. Hare all
but. you been blind? Was there nobody
cbsr-rving enough to penetrate his identity '3
Mysteries fall away. and mysteries grow.
Be that as it may, Girdwoml is Gideon
(lath! I saw him plainly as he Went our
of the grounds, and I wondered at his
haste. More than that, no other man. has
been here—of that I am sure."

Bianca had lxignn to recover from her
agitation, and she increduloust asked:

“Can it be possible Gideon has all this
'while been inlClimax Claim and not been
l'ecogniu'd by any one?" '

“ 1f the man you saw was he I can as-
sert such is the fact. That person you saw
'was Glrdwoml!"

His confidence convinced Bianca. at last,
and both accepted the truth. It put mat-
.ters on a peculiar footing. lt was amaz—
ing to think of Gideon in such a role as
that which Girdwood had played, but it
was only in keeping with the extraordi-
nary (liniilities he .had shown in other re-
spects.

“ But the report that he is to marry
[Rosamond- Morrell'!” suddenly exclaimed
Bianca.

Allen was silent. He had not thought of
that point before. Now it did oecur to

'.him he did not for a moment believe Yel-
‘low Gid intended to take part in such a
ceremony, but the other idea which came
with the recollection was equally disquiet-
mg.

Gideon G-ath had proved his will and de-
termination to have revenge on Morrell.

What great. risky, mad scheme did this
yreporttxl marriage cover?

While he was considering it the same
athmight occurred to Bianca, and she men-
tioned it. With conversation thus started
there could be but one result.

"‘ We have been anxious to help Gideon,"
declared the sister, “and the chance is now
open to us. We must seize upon it at
once. Let us go to him!"

“ That is best. Whatever he may
think of me, he- must know you are his
most friend, and it is possible we may be
 .to argue him out of his rash purpose.
Bianca, he cannot succeed against a mul-
"tltude,.and there is no knowing what mad
:step he contemplates as a finish to his
campaign”

“ You are right. Come; let us go!"

They started to leave the grounds, and
for the first time Bianca was 'to risk going
on the public street, but at the gate they
met a strange man. He looked at- Allen
sharply.

“Mr. Graham, I think?”

"‘ That’s my name."

"‘A letter for you.”

With this brief announcement the un-
known passod over the article mentioned
and started away.

“With!” Allen directed. “Who is this
from?"

"‘ Don't know i”

'{I‘ersely answering thus, the stranger
made long steps in retreat and receded.
At first the young man was tempted to
{pursue him, but it seemed so absurd that
he did not keep the resolution. The man
was soon gone, and Allen went to the win-
-*'dow to read his communication in the
vatronger light. It was as follows:

“As I can’t see you at present, this is
written to say that all is Well. I still live,
and you will please hold the box accord-
ing to the compact between us.

“ MOLOCH."

Quickly Allen handed the note to Bianca.

“ Do you recognize the writing?”‘ he
asked.

She. shook her head.

“If I ever saw it before, I do not recog-
nize it."

“ That is natural, I suppose. Onc play-
ing the desperate game which the writer
has in mind would not. be so foolish as to
betray himself in such a cheap way as to
use his own writing, if he was capable of
any concealment. Let us go on.”

The girl was too much occupied with

\

 

thoughts of her brother to heed the sig-
nificance of the remark, and they resumed
their course.

Never before had Allen been so nervous.
The crisis in events was at hand. and he
hoped all would soon be. settled. Whether
it would be to their good or not he could
not tell. Gideon Gath had shown him—
self to be a man of wonderful nerve aml
will, and all things were possible from one
like him—most of all, stubborn determina—
tion was possible.

GirdWood had recently moved from the
hotel to a private. house, and when they
reached the place they were informed
that he was in. Declining to send any
name, the couple awaited in the sitting-
room, and in due time other steps than
those,of the landlady were heard.

(2 ird wm Id en tered.

His disguise was a wonderful one, but
Bianca had not recognized him before to
be in doubt now. One earnest look she
gave, and then she started to her feet.

“Gideon!” she exclaimed, excitedly.

He stopped short; he stood in silence.

Allen was shrewd enough to understand
that pause, and the last doubt as to his
identity was swept away. That he was
Gideon seemed sure, and there Were both
satisfaction and dissatisfaction in the
knowlmlge. The chance had come to talk
with the Vandal, but the boldneSs of his
deceit at. Climax Claim was almost over—
powering.

“Gideon!” Bianca repeated.

Lasco Girdwood folded his arms.

“The secret is a secret no longer!” he
admitted, quietly. “Your eyes I could not
hope to deceive. I am your brother!”

His manner was far from loving or in-
viting. yet she advanced toward him with
her hands extended.

“ Gideon—J

“ Stop!" he requested, almost coldly.
“Remember how things have changed.
Remember what I am!"

“ You are still my brother—my own dear
brother!"

“You had better not own me,” he re-
turned, vvith a glance at Allen.

“ I will never do otherwise."

“ Have you heard the stories of Yellow
Gid ‘2”

“I have heard all, and you are still my
brother.”

“ Blanca, do not look at it in that light.

You have found friends who are as non
orable as you are. Do not claim kinship
with the Vandal of Dark Divide, even
though you are with those who are dis-
posed to look with pity upon your situa-
tion.”
- “I do claim such kinship, and always
shall. Whatever I am, whatever you are,
you are still my brother. But, oh! Gideon,
why have you gone into this mad work?
Why are you—”

“The Vandal of the Divide?"

5‘ Yes]?

Gideon Gath stretched his hand out to-
ward the hills of the range.

“Remember what occurred there; re-
member how our father died! Can you
ask the question now? Was there not
cause for revenge? For righteous venge-
ance?"

“Was it that when you became a stage-
robber and took with violent hands from
all who had money on the stage?”

“ I have nothing to say.”

Gideon’s voice was inexorable and cold.

“But, oh! my brother, do you not see
you must come 'to ruin sooner or later?
Would you sink your name in dishonor?
Remember our childhood, and how our
mother prayed with and taught us—”

“Forbear!” he exclaimed.

“No, no; for your sake, for my sake,
think of those old days; of our determina-
tion to do what was right; of our high
plans. Think of the mother who loved
and cared for us.”

“ I think only that I am Yellow Gid, the
Vandal!”

The strong [man tried to speak with
harshness, but it was a failure.
deeply touched, and Allen Graham felt a
thrill of new hope as he saw such plain
evidence that all feeling was not dead in
the avenger.

“ Gideon, you will not repulse me—you

He was.

 

will not turn a deaf ear to my pleadings!“
implored the sister. “No one ever had
more love than we. It is not—l know it.
is not dead."

The Vandal turned his head away.

“I have heard," Bianca went on. “that.
you are to marry Rosamond Morrell.
What rash step does that portend ‘r"

“ Sister, do not seek to know too much.
Some things are better hid than: made
known. Don’t let us speak of this.”

He turned to Allen.

" You are very silent, Mr. Graham."

“To be frank, I think this is a matter
which concerns you and Bianca more than
any one else, and that you and she can
settle it better alone.”

“ I want to thank you for your kindness
to Bianca. I did not know of it until re-
eently; I had lost all knowledge of her
whereabouts and could not trace her; but
it seems she had a friend left who was
more "aluable. I rejoice in the fact, and
hope I shall not make it impossible for
you to continue that friendship. She is a
noble girl. Stand by her, and you will
never regret it!"

"Mr. Gath, I have a question to ask
you. Who is Moloch'! Who is the owner
of a certain box I hold?”

Gideon was silent for a moment, then he
replied:

“ You have guessed my secret, and I will
confess that I am Moloch. It is odd that
when I brought the box to you I did not
suspect you knew my sister. I came to
you simply because I believed you to be an
honest man. Yes, I am Moloch; more than
that, I am the person who returned the
box to you after it was stolen from you.
Who the original thief was I know not,
though I presume it was some ordinary
pilferer, who threw it away, after failing
to open it, as a worthless thing. It was
found by Rosamond and taken to their
house. Oddly enough, I was called in to
counsel when you and the other man
claimed it. I saw fit to have it left in the
care of the Morrells, but I only waited
until night, and then, taking it from them,
returned it to you. It took two house-
breaklngs, butI did the work.”

“ What does the box contain?"

“1 will remind you of Moloch’s direc-
tions. I cannot answer more fully.”

There was the some firm air about the
Vandal that always distinguished him
now, and Allen did not press the subject.

Bianca had more to say, and she pleaded
earnestly with her brother.

She might as well have talked with a
rock.

Kindly but flrmly Gideon declined to
give any satisfaction, and when they went
away it 111s in a very unsatisfactory

mood. ___.,__
CHAPTER XXXVII.
WHO WAS WEDDED?

“It’s a mighty queer way ter be mar-
ried, b‘gosh! I never was married myself
more than five or six times, an’ mebbe I
ain‘t got enter all the styles 0' the eel-like
saisslety, but I never heerd 0’ nothln' llke
th s.”

The speaker was Peter Potts, and he
addressed Allen Graham. .

The latter said nothing, and Peter went
on serenely.

"Thai" is some folks who are homely
enough ter be married in the dark ter good
advantage, but Lasco Glrdwood don‘t
seem ter be one 0’ them. He’s a sour-look-
in’ chap, an’ likely ter turn sweet milk
sour any time he raises his eyebrows, but
he ain’t homely. He’s got a face oz strong
ez Napoleon’s, by gosh! Yes, it’s funny!
Ali, why should he think 0’ such a strange
th ng?”

“ I don’t know.”

Allen did not like to discuss the subject,
and he answered with considerable curt-
ness. The word had gone out that Gird-
wood and Rosamond were to be married,
not as blunt Peter Potts put it, in the dark,
but in the twilight, which was nearly the
same thing.

While outsiders wondered at it, Allen
and Blanca were filled with dread. Both
felt that the arrangement covered. some
wild plan of Gideon’s conception, and it
was so much a matter of uncertainty that
they were exceedingly nervous. The

.  A ' i .-w
I ., .itr his ‘w 

 

l“ . ,.
u..-

a'M-«wwmaaryg Mot-3;. . .. 

 

avenger Seemed eapable of almost any-
thing, and they \vere prepared for a. crash.

“I mean ter be han-gin‘ around an‘ see
the fun," Peter \Vl‘lll. on. “1 may never
have another chance ter get on ter the
ell—like ways. Shall you be there?"

.6 N‘).!!

“ Sorry, for 1 should like a chum in the
watches 0’ the eve. By the way, than"
ain't no news 0' (lid Gath."

"We will let: him rest
eurtly returned Allen.

"You kin; but I'm goin‘ ier keep at. it.
(lid is hangin’ right close ter his mountain
roost, but I’m the boy ter dig him out
sooner or later. 0h! [‘11 iiud‘ him!"

Graham was not in mood to talk on the
subject, and he got away from Peter as
soon as he could.

With the coming of night there was a
stir and bustle. at; Mort-oil’s house. and all
Were on the alien to prepare for the wed-
ding.

'l‘he invitations had been general. and
all of Climax Claim was expected to be
there. Peter Potts went. early, but he did
not seek to enter the house. lie did not
want to go in. Ills one desire was to be
close at hand. and watch the progress ot‘
events, so he found a place by a window
and pl‘OCOflll‘d to satisfy that. desire.

At that time the was alone, but it was
not long before he heard the sound of
footsteps, and another man came close
to him and looked in at the window.

Peter was concealed by the bushes
which grew near at hand. and he remained
unseen, while his neighbor was clearly
visible.

it was Louis Levere!

The so—called count peered into the house
and looked long and earnestly. Wedding
things and preparations were there, and
he may have been interested in them, but
it.’ Peter read his expression aright he took
no friendly pleasure in the sight.

“ 'l‘arnation!" iii-uttered Peter, under his
breath. I

He had been impressed by the expres
slon on Levere's race. It was something
ominous and startling. The count's eyes
Were wild and glaring, 'too, and he had the
appearance of one not wholly in his right
mind. .

Peter shook his head. . .

“A dangerous man, by
thought. _

He remembered that Levere had been
engaged to Rosamond before she shifted

u

for the time,

mighty!” he

her fancy to Girdwood, and it was not‘

hard to see that Louis Levere was not
going to enjoy the marriage.

“Jealous as a Turk!” thought Peter.
“Say, 01’ I had a man starin’ at me in that
fashion I should want ter hev’ my life in-
sured. He is the picture of a blood-sucker,
by gosh!"

Levcre did not linger at the window,
and whenihe passed out of sight the guests
began to arrive. so that there were. other
things for Mr. Potts to think of. The
jealous count passed out of his mind.

The gathering was of all shades of
social position; but while the favored few
enteredthe house, 'the common people re-
mained outside and were content to watch
at a distance. Hence. the scene became

lgvely, and nobody was especially noticea-

1e.

Girdwood did not put in an appearance
until the hour of the ceremony was near
at hand. When he did come he was his
old calm self, and had a com , word
for all who saw fit to speak with him, and
this meant about all present.

It was generally agreed that it was a
brilliant match troma business point of
view, and that. the uniting ot' the once-
rival firms would be to the advantage of
those most concerned, as well as .for the
t .
was happy. ‘ ,

One person. was there who had nothing
to say. but went about as it his mission
was to sneer and not to talk. This was
Mr. Gad Jackling. I

Presently the time for the. event arrived
and the final preparations. were made.
With the- minister and. the principals at

grand; theiights were put out.
hour

a been Well chosen. and the

i As a result it seemed as if everybody,

Yellow Grid of Dark Divide.

twilight. crept: in. Just. as had been wished.
The minister could not. .tell the bride or
the groom from others. but. he did not.
doubt. they would iind each his or her line
paint-e. ,

’l‘he word was given, and the reverend
gentleman made ready. lie saw two per-
sons join hands, and then he began the
(wremon‘y. He had a sonorous voice, and
the l‘aet. that, he was uniting sneh notables
gave him unusual um-tiou. lle made his
voiee ring out. with telling ell‘eei, and felt,
quite proud as he saw how hushed the
people were. Even llie most frivolous of
them had nothing to say.

" (lo it, January!" thought Peter Polls.
“The eVent'. reminds me o' my fourth mar—
riage, only lhad a good look at her all the
way through. Let the eagle scream!"

'l‘he eagle did not amt-pt the. invitation.
but the minister was busy. lle wound up
with a great flourish.

“Turn on the lights!" ordered a man
chosen for that purpose.

The order ‘was obeyed, the room became
well illuminated.

’l‘hore stood David Morrell, beaming
upon his daughter. and Rosamond was
there in all her glory. and there 'was—~

Not, Last-o (lil‘tlwotxl!

The man who stood bv the bride's side,
holding her hand, was (lad Jackllug!

(llrdwood was several yards away, yet
not one of those in the room had moved
a foot since the ceremony begun!

The. sight put a spell on all who saw.
and in the silence which followed it grad-
ually dawned upon those who looked that.
Rosamond had married, not Girdwood.
but Jaekling!

What did it "10:11? Had they been the
victims or a joke? ’

Laseo Girdwood advanced rind cried in
a loud, clear voice:

“Fellow citizens, give three. cheers for
the bride and grtxinii"

But not a cheer sounded. for misamond’s
shrill cry suddenly broke in upon the
pause. ‘ '

“ Great Heavens!” she exclaimed, “what
the I done?" I

Like a machine Girdwood explained:

“ You have become Mrs. Gad Jaeklin-g.”

The brief opinion that there had been
a joke upon the general public died away.
The faces of the Morrcll tribe told enough
of dismay to remove that impression.
Rosamond was white and trembling, while
her father was dazed by the blow.

Plain it was, then, that they had been
made the victims of a plot, and the full
import of it began. to dawn upon the
banker. All his doubts of Girdwood took
form. and he realizod that the man had

for him which Morrell had been aware
he deserved.

Forgetting fear, anger came to the front.

"‘ Treachery l’" he cried. “By the gods.
Lasco Gindwood, you hev’ Sealed ye’r own
doom of you can’t explain this away!"

“ If you want any explanation, ask Mr.
and Mrs. Gad Jacklingl" coolly returned
Girdwood. r .,

“ Were you in this vile plot?"

“ I enginem'ed it. all!"

my daughter—" .

“I never had any idea of doing so. I
was working for Jackllng. who may not be
dead in tlove with your delighter. but who
will make about as good a husband as she
will a wire." v

you’ve done it ter ruin us-—"

“ I've done it to make amends for the
past. Consider where you now‘ stand.
David Mort-ell, and you willusee the object
of my work. You are a beggar, and your
daughter is a wire. How like you the
‘ situation '3"

The minister interfered. ‘

“ Have you really duped these worth
people?" he asked, severely. "

“I have."

“ What was your motive?"

“ Revenge!" \ r

“What harm did they ever do you. sir?"

Lasoo Girdwood stood more erect, and

 

power. .

as he spoke until it rang out. with startling

.. ,

really cherished all the malignant hatred-

“ You did? You, who were to marry

“You hev’ done this out o" revenge:

the human fwlingentered into histvoice ‘

 

31

“ 'l‘he greatest. wrong that could be done
to any one!" he deularml. "l aeeuse Mor-
rell of murdering my father; ol‘ breaking
up my faintly; ol' the business methmis oi‘
a seoundrel, though of tlnil l have nothing
to say now! lle killed my father! To
aveng - that wrong, l eame to Climax
Claim. and entered into business with one
object only in view—to ruin him linaneial-
ly, and then to strike at him in other ways.
Little by little l have aeeomplislml my
work. 1 made .him a beggar Where he had
once been rie'h. It. was a long and patient
task, but. i did it Well!"

Morrell knew at last; what uneant: the
rivalry which had been waged against.
him, and he saw only too clearly how he
had been trapped, little by little.

lie was almost ovmwvbelnuxl, but, satis-
iledlthat he was for once innocent, he
('i'lel : .

" l deny it all! I never harmed your
father—l never knew him!"

“ Did you not 2’" came the quiek’, tlrm re-
tort. “ Oh. men of Cit-max Claim. are you
all so blind? Do you not. know me yet
when I have told you my history‘ so plain-
1y? Do you not know 'me when. instead
or being an aequaintanee of a few months,
i have lived near you all my life?"

No one did. They grappled with the eo~
nundrum. but it was too obscure for them.

“Once,” he resumed, " l was a familiar ‘
tigu-re, here, in my true form, and your
tongues were busy with a wild young boy
who was often seen swinging from the,
(:11th like a thing unnatural. Don't you
know me yet?" .

And then he seemed to grow taller as he
clearly added:

“You ought to know me, for I am Gid-
eon Gathl"

 

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
THE CAST-OFF'S BLOW.

A hush fell over the people.

Yellow Gld (lath there?

The assertion was amazing. yet the most
skeptical of them believed, after a little
while. The fact dawned upon them that:
they were \in the company of the noted

tVandal. and it was a dumfounding fact,
00. ‘

Gideon gave them but little time to med- ‘ 

itate on the subject, but went on with
coolness: v

“When my father was unjustly and
brutally slain in the, hills of Dark Divide.
l swore vengeance. not on all, but on the
man who had been wholly responsible for
the. work. This was David Morrell—hw
man wolf that he is. '

"I was long in recovering from than
wounds I received on the occasion of the
revolting tragedy. which I tried so hard to
prevent, but when I did, I disguised my-
self elaborately and came here to work
my plans by ruining Morrell in business,
in reputation, in happiness—in every way.

“My entrance on the scene as a road?
agent was an after-thought. and done be-~ "
cause I wished to hurry the task I bad |
set. I was the robber of the trail. . ' . : x
“ In business I have got the better of ' '

the wolf at all times, and he is today ab- ' '

soluter bankrupt. For his sake I will say '
I was the. person who robbed his safe, and: ’
that I did it easily. because I had secured ‘
the combination of the. mic by Willem“: 

him when he did not think he was under ~

espionage. .- .
“Men of Climax Claim. I'will admit I'
have been an uncomfortable person for
you to have around, yet I have not;"
wgged you [as much as you think.‘

From under his coat he took a-smali. '
silver-hum box—and it might have been ,
recognized as that which had been nut in,
glitch Grgham’; care barnMoloeh. With the .

e‘moonoapecarke he -
it in the flight 01' all. ~ ‘y openold‘

“ In here."‘hc added. “you will find an
the treasure I have taken from any one--
all, except What belonged to .Morrell.‘ That!
I shall not restore until I see fit. I have.

never‘had any desire ,to «at the robber or ’ V

to deprive, any of you of your money. All
is inside. every dollar, and with it is a;
letter which explains what I have told
you. The latter was put in serum if '
ad. or was killed  _ "

 

32

Yellow Gid of Dark Divide.

 

 

know by my own statement that I was
not intending to keep what I had of
yours.

“ My story is told, but there is another
to say a word."

Pie glanced at Gad Tackling. and that
man arose with easy grace and his usual
smile.

“In David Morrell,” he spoke, quietly,
“you see a man whose first crime was not
committed. at Climax Claim. There's an-
other blot on his record, and it is peculiar
that the two deeds run into each other in a
certain way and degree.

“Years ago he knew a’ person named
Stephen Darrow. They were miners to-
gether in California, and it at one time
looked as if they had found a rich field.
Then it was that Morrell's true nature
came to the front. His family was in the
more civilized part of the State, while
Darrow had his wife with him.

“ Morrell fell in love with the wife, and
determined to have her and Darrow's
share of the mine. With this object in
view he strangled Darrow with a rope,
but arranged it so well that all believed
the case was one of suicide.

“Misfortune awaited the murderer. The
mine played out; he, fell ill; Mrs. Darrow
left him to recover or die, as he saw fit,
and that was all the good, he got out, of it.

“Now, honest Stephen Darrow had. a
wild brother, whose name was Anson.
The latter 'took a new name and was at
one time well. known to you of this town.

“You knew him as Harmer (lath!

“ Yes, that was his assumed name, but
he was really the brother of Stephen Dar-
row, so you see Morrell was responsible
for the death of both.

“ I know whereof I speak, for I was the
stepbrother of the Darrows. Some time ago
I met Gideon, son of Anson Darrow, and
by doing him a favor I earned his good-
will. In‘time we learned much of the
truth, and when I came to Climax Claim
it was to aid him. I have helped to worry
Morrell, and to—night I have aided to finish
.the work by marrying Morrell’s daughter
by a trick. It was planned by Gideon
Gath; how it has been executed you have
seen.

“Mrs. Jackling, as you and I 'are not
selfish, I think we shall make a famous
couple." '

Gad wound up with a sneer, but he was
r scarcely heeded. During his statement
those who had the law to uphold had re-
membered that Gideon Gath, fearlessly as
he had talked, was a man whom the law
wanted, and they had made an effort to
sa‘tisfy that demand. -

They new advanced upon him.

 “ Girdwood, you are our prisoner!” spoke
a l the leader. .

‘ “You are in error,” answered Yellow
Gid, easily. “I shall not surrender, and
there are not enough men here to take
me. 1
- It was a bold defiance, but 'he had his

' back tothe 'wall, and in that position a
, brave man could do a world of damage.

His ability was not put to the test, then.
When Gad Jackling thus claimed Rosa-
mend a. man had pushedhis way partly
through the crowd, and these thus el-

bowed saw Louis Levere, his face pale as-
' l

death. - -

It was well known he had been jilted by
Rosamond in order to secure for her a rich
lover and husband, but even his wild np’
pearancedid not prepare them for what
followed. «

Unseen by any one, Levere drew a re-
volver, and when it was raised be tired
three shots in rapid succession, one each

. at‘Morrell. Rosamond and Gad Jacklingi
, Hardly had the last bullet sped on its way
before he darted out of the room.

The next day the daily paper opened a
long article with this announcement:

V’ . “ The wedding of Miss Rosamond Mor- ‘

roll and Lasco Girdwood, which we took
, _; pleasure in. announcing recently, and
‘ .. which was to have been, consummated last
night,.endcd in the most deplorable trag-
vedy our town ever has seen.

,  “ Girdwood has proved to be none other-
than the notorious Yellow Gld Goth. and,

 

Morrell is dead, shot by his partner, Louis
Levere; and the latter. in his desperate
fury at losing Miss Morrell. shot at. her
and at one Gad Jaekling, but did not wound
either. He then fled from the house, and
was this morning found lifeless, outside
the town, a suicide. In the excitement
Yellow Gid escaped, and no one knows
where he is. It may not be easy to learn.”

David Morrell was buried, and people
were wondering what Rosamond would do
with the husband she had so strangely
gained, when she settled the question
most surprisingly.

She and Jackling disappeared from Cli-
max Claim, and there was ample proof
that they had gone together.

It was a. mystery to all how either could
have fallen into the arrangement, and been
willing to ratify the marriage so singularly
made, but gone together they had.

Another surprise came on the heels of
the first, and it was known that Helen
Chester, one of the most admired young la-
dies of the town, had left and joined
Gideon Gath. More than this the out-
siders (lid not know, but Allen Graham re—
ceived a long letter from Gideon, which
rave particulars.

He went on to say that he and Helen
had become warm friends while at Climax
Claim, and she was satisfied 'to follow his
fortmies; that. she had helped him more
than once when he was in danger; and
that he had promised her never to trans-
gress the law again, even for vengeance’s
sake.

“We go where I can begin a new life,”
wrote the once—Vandal of Dark Divide;
"and with my firm purpose to do right,

,’ supported by her example, I am not afraid

of falling by the way. ,

“The only blot on my record is what I
did at your town, and today every man
whose property I took has his own back
and with interest. I never intended to
take more than financial revenge on Mor-
rell; his miserable life was never in dan-
ger from me, wolf though he was.

“Do not seek to know where we are
going. I cannot live at Climax Claim, nor
in all the region of Dark- Divide, and it
will do you no good to know of my where.
abouts. Some time in the future, when I
have proved my right to be called an hon-
est and honorable man, you may hear from
me again, but for the present I must sink
out of your ken wholly.

“I go thanking you for your kindness
to me, and praying you may continue it
unto my beloved and all-noble sister.”

Then followed warm messages for Bi-I

adnca, and the letter of the tax-Vandal was
one.

Gideon’s declaration that he had restored
all he had taken as a road-agent was
correct, even the money of' the Morrells
having been refunded, though there was
no one to receive it, and it went into the
town treasury. The last fact so mollifled
the people that, after a. vain. but not very
eager hunt for Yellow Gid. they concluded
to abandon it, and thereuthe whole aflnlr
ended, by common consent.

Horace Graham stoodby Bianca and in-
sisted upon her remaining at Climax Claim
and living down the unpopularlty of her
name, and this was done. The potent
Graham influence saved her from being
worried or annoyed in any way, and in due
time’ she‘ won the hearts of every one.

When this was done she and Allen were
married, and act that time there was no
more popular person in the place. ‘ "

There has been unclouded happiness in

the family cvor since the wedding.
* As yet no further word has come from
Gideon and Helen, but Bianca and Allen
are sure it will come;
in her solely-tempted brother never wav-
ers, for she knows what his nature was of
old, before he had so much-to madden him
with the weight of unjust crime done to a
parent, and wrong done tohimself. i

Over-Harmer Goth falls the vailot kind-
ly oblivion. ‘ . _

Of Rosade and Gad Jackling no more
is known, but it would be absurd to sup-
pose they ,m‘e living happily. With such

naturesithcy‘ could not be or peace Wlfll.‘

I
one another, even under most favorable
circumstances.
l'eter Potts called on Allen and Bianca.
and wished them joy; then 'he mounted
the stage and rode away. Now and then
he sends little tokens of his regard to
Allen, but is seen no more at Climax
Claim.
THE END.

 

Nnx'r Dmn menv, No. 894.
Silver Sam, tha Shasta Sport;

Dan Duncan's Desperate Device.

BY GEORGE C. J ENKS.

Beadle‘s  library.

BY WILLIAM H. MANNING.

885 The Expert Dotective's Shake-up.
375 Trap inF the Race-Track Judge.
864 The 01 co Special’s Dilemma.
849 The Genteel Sharper-’3 Combine:
841 Graydon’s Double Deal.
838 The Sport Detective‘s Gri .
on The Athlete Sport About own.
808 TheCrook-lle tectlve‘s Pull.
790 Piun or Pete, the Race-Track Detective.
782 Boys. Rock, the Round-up Detective.
774 Steve Starr, the Dock Detective.
764 The New York Sharp‘s Shadower.
738 Detective Ciax ton, the 'Record Breaker.
714 Gabe Gall, the Gnmboher from Great Hump.
708 Spokane Saul, the Samaritan Bus ct. ‘
692 Dead-Shot Paul, the Deep-Range x lore .
655 Strawberry Sam. the Man with the in): ark.
646 Dark John, the Grim Guard. '
638 Murdock, the Dread Detective. .
623 Dan was Dave, the Never-Beaten Detective.
611 Alkai Abe the Game Chicken from Texas.
596 Rustler Ru'bo; the Round-Up Detective.
586 Dan Dixon's Double.
575 Steady Hand. the Na 0190!: of. Dotectivrs
563 Wyoming Zeke, the Ho stplur of Honeysuckle.
551 Gm can, he Man wi Back 6.
539 Old ubledark. the Wily Detective.
531 Saddle-Chief Kit. the Prairie Centaur.
521 Paradise Sam. the Nor‘-West Pilot.
513 Texas Tartar, the Man With Nine Lives.
v 506 Uncle Honest. the I‘encemnker of Hornets‘ Nest.
498 Central Pacific Paul. the Mail Train Spy.
492 Border Bullet, the Prairie sharpshooter.
486 Kansas Kitten, the Northwest Detective.
479 Gladiator Gabe, the Samson of Sassajuck.
470 The Duke of Dakota.
463 Gold Gauntlet. the Gulch Gladiator.
455 Yank Yellowb the Toll Hustler of the Hills.
449 Biut'f Burke. K 115 of the Rookies. '
442 Wild West. Walt, the Mountain Veteran.
437 has Duke: or. The Man of Two Lives.
on The veil of Montana Mill.
415 Hot. Heart, the Detective .
405 Old Ba! the Buck Basin.
885 Wild Die Tamil. we LeadVille Lion. ~
297 Colorado Ru . the Sum: Arm of not: ur.
, m The Gold Dragoon; or. nllfornio Bloc hound.

av amnion o. Janus.

880 The Silver Spon'l Double.
i 863 The Course Detective.
. 856 The Hayseed Detective. «
r a  . r err-isms  ..
O. ' e mutton Detective.

 

 

589 Rube Rocket. in

5:36 Death-Grip, the Tender-foot Detective.

507 The Drummer Detective.

482 The lant Horseman. ,
ans files on lye, the Pacific Detective.

“W ISSUBQ. _
894 silveer the Shasta Snort; or. Don Duncm'o
09:9ch hence. By Geo. o. my.

595 Br‘flalo Bill's Secret  or, The Team's

‘o. ByOol. Prenflu upon-n.

sooKent Keen. th Crook-Cranber- or Th M
from Mhneiglfew York.  Helms; ‘

um! moons.
898 Yellow am. of Dark Divide' or The Miner-
. Banker's Death-Trump. By rink. Mnnni g.

892 The Countrvmon Detective: or Strangler, tho
nigh-Myer Suspect. By Albert w, Aiken.

The hatefs “my 891 Genteel Jim. Sport-$3250; or, Doghole Dick‘s

Drop. By Wm. R. E

890 Buffalo Bill‘s Life-Stake; or, The fledged Three;
By Col. Prentiss lam-sham.

880 The SeaWraith- or The Priv I rln .‘ 1'!
Burn Brendon-d. ' m" P w i y

Bye: it. How Holmel.
A new have m Widmidqy.

 

Publisher-I. 98 William street, New  '

888 N litihade in éw York' or. Gideon Gale’s Hot.
‘Hilfltle. ard -

maw‘. 'thC Library is for-sole by All '|
Now-denies. ten whisper my. or rout-by mail ‘on- ‘
receipt of twelve cent- eacn. DEAD corms .

Chink: '45-:

.e 3:1,