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2

E: ,
 White-Horse Wheeler.

' THE REVENUE-DETECTIVE

on.
a Bouncing the Smuggler Boss.

A Bornance of the Northwest Border.

 

BY JOS. E. BADGER, JR.,

AUTHOR OF “OLD ’49,” “ SILKY STEELE,” ” Ron’-
wnsr NICK,” ETC., ETC.

CHAPTER I.
RIDING FOR DEAR LIFE.

i/ A BLADE of dry grass bent double, a little
puff of dust appeared just beyond, and glancing
upward, the bullet whistled shrilly as it formed
its parabola, the vicious sound almost dying
away before the report of the rifle came to the
ears of the two fugitives.

For more than an hour, now, they had been
riding for dear life, getting the best possible
servi;e out of their mounts, yet nursing both
speel and strength as only those can who have
been reared among horses. For more than an
hour they had been striving their level best to
shake off those bloodthirsty demons, but this
,was the beginning of the end!

“ They’re gaining on us, fatherl”

“ I know it,” came the response, in card, stern
tones; but the elder fugitive never cast so much
fas a glance backward, 'ving all his care to his
,Jaboring steed, aiding it through and over the
! rairie grass with knees and reins. “ The way
hat bit of lead squealed is proof enough.
Now—” ’

Slipping a foot from stirrup, Maurice Filley

turns his ankle so as to rake the weakening

horse sha ly with his spur, but the only result
was a slig t up—flinging of the poor creature’s
head, and Anderson Filley spoke a trifle more

shag-ply.

p “ 0 use, I tell you boy! His hide held just
so much, and I’ve taken it mighty nearly all!
The colt is good for as much

 

But you-
more.”

Maurice Filley cast another glance backward,
then brought his horbe a bit closer to his father’s
side speaking quickly, almost sharply:

“ Ve’ll chan e, father. I’m so much lighter
than you, that or an’ll think he’s running free,
then. Ready, and ’11—”

“ Don’t be a fool, boy l” hoarsely interrupted
Filley, his voice thickened by something deeper
than anger, as he forced his mount a bit further
away. “ I tell you Morgan’s played, and swap-
ping would only kill two, in place of one.”

“ If either has to go under, I’m that am,
father!”

Anderson Filley, for the first time in several
miles, turned his head to gaze at their merciless
Eursuers, and strongly as he had nerved himself,
is face grew a sha e aler as he saw how great-
1y that intervening d stance had been lessened.

Far away stretched the nearly level prairie,
marked here and there by a lone tree or a little
clump of bushes above which rose a few taller
heads; but if his eyes took note of these, it was
only because he wondered if they would not have
shown greater wisdom by elegting one of these
timber islands as a cover fo their death-fight
against yonder howling, screeching, sanguinary
pack of red—skinned demons.

The lzmg and hard chase had strung the ack
out, as a matter of course, but a dozen o the
Sioux were ridingin a fairly compact clump,
only scattering su ciently to prevent their cov-
eted prey from veering to either side, for refuge
or for more favorable ground.

Each one of the Indians seemed straining
every nerve of man and beast to gain Ithe lead
and e the first to strike the fugitives, but their
ponies u ere so evenly matched that the leading
dozen came on all in a clump, he who led in one
moment, losing that advantage as he flung up
rifle to send a bullet whistling through that
quarter of a mile of space.

“ I couldn’t do any worse than that I.” cried
Maurice, with a half-laugh, as a ufi' of dust
shot up to their right. “ Shall try ’em a
whirl, father f” ‘ ,

His .boyish face was a bit paler than usual,
but the battle-light was in his brave blue eyes as
he asked the question, and his fin ers gripped
the repeating-rifle which balanc across his
thighs.

Anderson Filley did not reply immediately.
From gazing backward, he cast a troubled look
ahead toward the far-away bills. If they might
only reach them! I

‘ If I can’t hit, maybe I can scare,” isted
the youngster, bringing the barrel of the rifle
into the hollow of his left arm.‘ “ If they know
we’ve got teeth, maybe they’ll shy off, don’t you
reckon?”

“ I wish I could think it, Maurice, but they’re
after scalps, and I fear they’ll— Save your
cartridges, son, for we haven’t any too many
of them—worse luck l” ,

Maurice made no reply. This was a fact

‘which had been troubling him ever since those _

l

 

VVhite-Horse Wheeler.

bloodthirsty demons first came into view, more
than an hour before. Not a cartridge shOWed in
their looped belts, and they had barely sufficient
ammunition to fill the magazines of their Win-
chesters.

Living as they did, far away from a news
center, neither father nor son had heard of the
terrible tidings from the Rosebud, nor did they
know how Sitting Bull, with his Sioux murder-
ers, was pressing hard for the Canada line, be-
yond which he knew lay their only chance for
life.

Important matters, of which more anon, had
taken Anderson Filley and his seventeen year
old son from home that morning early. One of
the items on their memoranda was a supply of
fixed ammunition, but neither father nor son
dreamed how sorely they would feel this lack be—
fore the ending of that very day.

011 swe t the fugitives, and on tore their pur-
suers. inute after minute passed, and with
each one a little of that precious vantage-ground
was lost. Frequently Anderson Filley cast his
eyes backward, and each look told him the end
could not be delayed much longer.

“The colt can run a bit faster, son?” he
asked, after one of those backward glances.

“ If Morgan only could— Yes, father,” hesi-
tated the lad, a flush leaping into his face, only
to fade away and leave it paler than before.
“ You surely don’t mean—”

“ Just that!” sternly cried the father, gather-
ing his nerve for the emergency. “You must
go, Maurice, for~—”

“Not without you, father! It’s both or
neither, sir! Why, how could I face mother,
or Linda, if I ran away without— I just
can’t!"

“You can, and must, my son. Maybe I can
stand ’em off—”

“Then two of us surely can, father! Don’t
make me leave you, for I Just can’t do it, sir!”
brokenly cried the boy, hot tears dimming his
eyes at the bare thought.

If hard for him to hear, it was even harder
for the other to say, but he had counted up all
chances, and knew he was acting for the best.

“ If we tried that, and failed, what would be-
come of mother and Linda, Maurice?” he asked,
moving a bit nearer and (gently claspin an arm
of his boy with a ban that tremb ed from
emotion, not from fear. “Unless they have
warning in time to flee or to hide, what would
be their fate? Think of them in the power of
such devils! Think— You must ride ontowarn
and save them, Maurice!”

“ And leave— Don’t drive
father!” '

The hot tears warp falling now, and Anderson
Filley shivered as one drop struck his hand.
It was hard, and growing harder with each
passing moment, to drive his beloved‘son away

mm is side with stern words: for stem they
must be, to conquer his reluctance, just then.

“You see that patch of brush ahead, Mau-
rice!” he asked, then adding, swiftly: “When
we draw near to that you must take the left
hand, then ride the colt for all he’s worth. No
words: I say you must do it! If you fail them,
mother and Linda are lost; but if you try your
level best, they may both be saved. ’

“ But—you, father?”

“ I’m a man, they’re women. Your mother
and sister, Maurice. Would you let them fall
alive into such hands? Kill the colt, but what
ygu get there far enough ahead to save them,

!

me away,

II can’t; change horses, father, and let me
fight them!” _ y

“ There isn’t time; and if there was, it
wouldn’t do,” grimly spoke the father, as two
bullets zip-21 pped close by them. “ My weight’d
break him down, after the race he’s had. No:
you alone can save them, son, and— Be ready!
You know the lay of the ground, and know how
to make the best of it. Get therefirst! Take
mother and Linda to the cave we found that
do. and wait there for me. ”

aurice attempted to speak, but his emotions
were very strong, and Anderson Filley leanxl
far enough’over to brush his lips with a hand.

“ Go! and God’s blessings attend you, my dear
boy! I’ll pull through, if any one man can, but
don’t tell them too bluntly how ybu left me.
Say I sent you back to care for them. Say I’ll
fetch heip, if possible. If I fail—we’ll meet up
yonder, trust!”

There was'no time for further speech, for the
dividing point was close at hand. Maurice
caught a hand, to kiss it passionately. He gazed
into those ray-blue eyes, like one hoping for a
reprieve; ut they only emphasized the words
already spoken, and then~father and son were
Barged by the little clump of stunted trees and

us es.

Wilder, fiercer than ever yel the blood-
thirsty Sioux as they saw this d vision and for
the first time since that chase began Anderson
Filley uttered a cry of bitter hatred and defi-
ance, swmginfiypartly around in his saddle and

n

bringin his cheater to a level.
W th he report, a pon plun headlong to
the ground, its rider effing a yes he shot

through the air with udicrously frog-like con-
tortions. More lucky still was the rancher’s sec-
ond shot, for it caught an Indian squarely be-

 

 
 

, m
__.__

tween the eyes even as he swung himself to the
right and sun lower to find cover behind the
body of his pony.

Again run forth that shout of fierce defiance,
blending wit the mad howls which burst from
the lips of the savages as they beheld the death
of one brother, the isablement of another.

“ Come on, ye devils! Here’s a man’s scal ,
if ye know how to win it! Come on!” hoarse y
shouted the rancher, adding in lower and far
different tones: “Send them, good Lord! Send
them all .’-after me, not after my poor b0 1”

But even as the prayer left his lips, An erson
Filley saw that his desperate ruse had proven
only partly successful. Although the majority
of the Indians came yelping along his track,
some of their number swerved to the left hand,
and were instantly lost to sight of the elder
fugitive. .

A strange sound escaped the rancher’s lips as
he saw this: a curse and a prayer, blendedto—
gether with a groan: and he fired one more shot
in the forlorn hope of thus drawing the entire
party after him, leavin his son to win clear and
save their loved ones. ut the lead was wasted,
and holding his few remaining shots in reserve,
Anderson Fille gave all his attention to helping
his failing ste along, hoping) against hope that
he might even yet gain the roken ground far
ahead, where he might hope to stand the red-
skins ofl’, at least long enough to exact a fair
price for his own life.

Blood will tell, and Morgan was running on
his courage, now, as he had been for the last
half-dozen miles or more. Even then, with such
terrible fears weighing heavily upon his soul,
the rancher felt a ipang of remorseful pity as he
raked those steam ng flanks with his 3 urs, bent
on extracting the last ounce of strengt , the last
burst of speed.

“ It’s death either way, I reckon, old boy,” he
muttered, hardly conscious of the sounds as he
cast keen glances ahead, like one searching for
some dimly-remembered spot. “ Eight to one,
and still others coming hot-foot to join in the
circus! Long odds, but—I wish ’twas still lon-
ger, though !’ .

That covered the keenest sting. The rancher
was not afraid of death on his own account.
But his boy! And, beyond Maurice, his wife,
his fair young dau hter!

“ Guard and shie (1 them, oh, Lord !” he prayed
in his heart of hearts. “ Never mind me, but—
spare them, for Christ’s sake!”

Still onward the chase led, heading for the
broken ground now so distinctly visib e. Once
gained, even a single man might make a stron
fight against heavy odds there: but it was fa
not to be!

' Riding like veritable demons came the Sioux
doubly infuriated by the loss of a brother, an
such a protracted race. Shooting as they came,
one of their bullets found its billet, and with an
almost human roan‘ of pain, the poor ' horse
reeled dizzil , t en plunged forward with re-
newed s . The end had come, but true to
his ancestry, Mor u would run untll he drop-
ped dead beneath is rider!

CHAPTER II.
A GALLANT CHARGE.

“WHITE in the lead, but reds crowding him
mighty close! Now, 'ust what does it all mean?
Sport, or tragedy?
ness?’ That’s the question before the house to-

 

:3”

da .?

Syo muttered one who leaned against a rock,
the top of which sup rted his elbows, his hands
steadying a pair of , aid-glasses, through which
he was keenly studying sundry little specks on
the prairie, far away, and something below his
present level.

A mist-like patch of rising dust had first at-
tracted his notice, and as Walter Wheeler was
in that northern Section for the e ress purpose
of keeping his eyes open and his ot er senses on
the keen alert, that was sufficient excuse for
bringing his glasses into play.

“ Red and white! Native, or imports from
the lower countr ? Does that poor devil de-
serve all he’s fee ing just now, or is it— He’s
got it now I” .

So werful was the glass he held to his eyes,

that heeler could note how spasmodically the
horse of the fugitive plunged on receipt of that
bullet. In his natural interest he lifted his head,
and for an instant it gave him a curious little
thrill as both pursued and pursuers dropped out
of his field of vision.
’ “ A good thrée miles, if a yard!” were hil
next words, as he caught sight of the chase one.
more, estimating the distance with his unaided
e es. “ You’ll never make it, poor fellowl
You’ll never make it, unl‘ess I chip in. Well-
why not?” .

The good lasses were once more brought into
r uisition, his time sweeping the (imperative-
ly evel tract of ground lying between himself
and the chase, lingering lon est on a shallow de-

pression which ran diago yfrom the foot-hills,
out and across the grassy lain. '
Wheeler had noted this ore, and his present

inspection was but the work of a few moments,
then he closed his glass and replaced it in its
case, rapidly moving away from is post of of»
starvation, muttering as he did so:

f

~49

anfaron, or pure busi- '

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

l
i.
a!

     
 

WV

White-Horse Wheeler.

3

 

 

 

___.A

“ Grit our teeth and stick to it a bit longer,
friend! ’11 have a finger in the pie, even if
you’re past enjoying the dessert!” I

A dozen seconds sufficed to take him to the
side of a noble white stallion which was stand-
ing untethered, just where its. master  left it,
many minutes before; and simply signing the
intelligent creature to follow him, White—horse
Wheeler led the way at a rapid pace through
the thick—lying rocks, heading in such a manner
as to strike the dry water-course without ex -
ing himself to the gaze of the yelling red-s ins
on the level beyond.

Fortunately, the lay of the ground was all in
his favor, and in but little more than one min-
ute, Wheeler was in the saddle, riding diagonal-
ly away from the rocks, his head on a level with
the grassy plain, his eyes once more peering
through the lenses.

Rapid as had been his movements, they con-
sumed time enou h to make a material change
in the condition 0 affairs, as he now saw.

The wounded horse was rapidly failing, and
the ravenin red-skins seemed fairly on the
heels of the ugitive, lined as they now were.

“ You can’t make it, poor fe110w,so why don’t

ou— Ha!”

“'hite-horse Wheeler gave a sharp ejacula—
tion, reining in his steed hastily, then steadying
himself for a closer look at the fugitive, whose
face was now more distinct] visible as a puff
of wind blew back the broad rim of his soft felt

hat,

“ Filley, by the Eternal l"

Closin the lasses and hanging them to his
saddle, hitc- orse Wheeler rode more rapidly
along the dry watercourse, his bronzed face a
bit paler than usual, his firm lips compressed,
his dark eyes seeming to fill with fire as he
watched that unequal chase.

He had recognized the white man, now, ai'i
he had all the more reason for interfering to
save his life if that were possible.

Too deerpxiv interested to even soliloquize,
Wheeler 6 swiftly alon the creek -bed,
seeking a point where be m ght welcome his
friend on his coming, and fitly receive those
bloodthirsty fiends beyond.

He uickly gained the desired
faced t e chase, which was now
distant.

Poor Morgan was still plunging onward,
though in his last desperate strug 19 to save his
master, and as the horse stum. led slightly,
Wheeler could see the stirrups swmging empty.

“ Ready for a leap when the fall comes! ust
a bit longer, old man! Oh, if I only had my
Winchester! If I only had !”

White-horse Wheeler gave an unconscious
sigh to accompany that muttered regret, at the
same time mechanically assuring himself by
touch that his revolvers were in smooth work-
ing condition. But he had time for nothing
more.

With an amazin burst of speed Morgan car-
ried his rider ahead for a few , but it was
an expiring effort, and death cut it short.

“On guard, Filley!” ejaculated the man in
the gully, us he saw the and coming; but the
rancher was full upon the alert, and as Mor-
gan plunged h ong to earth, Anderson Filley
shot over his head, with legs bent to receive his
weight.

Alighting clear of the dying animal, the
rancher instantly turned to receive what he
must have felt would be a death-rush his rifle
springing to his shoulder. But, instead of rush-
ing irectly on, the cunning Sioux divided,
circling around their victim, hiding behind the
bodies of their agile ponies, yelling and screech-
ing in devilish JO at their almost assured tri-
umph as they sp around to cut of! all possible
escape by flight to the hills.

As he saw the good horse fall, White-horse
Wheeler started his own mount up the bank of
the dry creek, and only their preoccupation
with the dismounted rancher prevented the
Sioux from sighting this new adversary on the
instant.

“ Stead , thirlygust!" and a pressure of his
knees he) the white stallion stationary on that
steep incline for the moment.

Instantly divining their purpose, “'heeler at
the same time saw how surely they were play-
ing into his own hand in their wish to scatter
the last saible hope of their victim.

“ If t ey don’t riddle him! Down behind
your horse, man !"

Stron as were his nerves schooled b ten
years 0 adventurous life, White—horse Vi heel-
er could hardly smother that warning shout, and
those few seconds of waiting were about the
most difficult of all his s D. But, an instant
later, he saw Anderson Fi ley sink out of sight
in the grass and a low laugh rose to his lips as
he div ned the cause: the rancher had madea
breastwork of his dead steed, and was prepar-
mg to sell his life as dearl as possible.

he two little squads of ndiansdashed around

and came together, face to their victim, backs

to the broken ground, never once suspecting

what a startling reception was even then being
red for them.

“ p and at ’em, Whirly usti” muttered
White—horse Wheeler, the re ha ng free,
his hands each filled with a heavy rev ver.

ition, then
y a mile

With a cat-like plunge and scramble the stall-
ion cleared the bank and then sped, low and
level, direct for the exultant savages ahead, his
smooth movements making it almost as sure
shooting from the saddle as from the earth
itself.

Never a sound uttered the darin horseman as
he sped nearer, his pistols ready or hot work.
Never a suspicion had the Sioux until this new
foeman Was almost upon their backs.

“Split ’em wide open, boyl” cried White-
horse Wheeler, as he saw that he was discovered
at last. “Hunt your holes, ye Copper devils!
It’s pale death on a white horse, and— Lie down,
ye bloodhound!”

Sw1ft as an an arrow fresh loosed from the
strin Whirlygust dashed directly into the
' squa , the Sioux scattering in dismay with yells

and bowls of angry consternation, no doubt
. fancying themselves drawn into a cunning am—
! buscude.
Several 01 them fired their rifles, but it was
5 hastily and without any attempt at taking aim.
' Then White-horse “'heeler was fairly among
[ them, shooting ri ht and left as he tore along,
giving a reckless augh of grim triumph as two
of the burly braves flun up their arms and
reeled backward with bu etholes showing'in
their broad bosoms.

Like a living wedge the daring rider split the
squad, turning back in his saddle to oend a
couple more shots at the demoralized red-skins
before shouting aloud to the rancher:

“ All eyes open, Filley! Catch a poan‘y, if you
can, and make for home! Save the l ies, and
leave these devils to me!”

There was no time for more, just then. Thor-
oughly surprised though they had been, the
Sioux were trained warriors, and, seeing but
the single foeman, the rallied and came with
a rush, sending bulle ahead of them, more
than one of which whistled uncomfortably near

 

the mark.
Nothin could have pleased White-horse
Wheeler tter just then, for he saw that the

savages had forgotten the rancher for the in-
stant in their hatred for the man who had slain
two of their best braves.

“Come and see me, pretty ladsl” he cried,
mockingly, deftly changing legs, so that he sat
in his saddle with face to the rear, shooting
rapidly, yet with hardly any attempt at secur-
ing an aim. “The latch-strin is out, if you
know how to rah it. Come an see me—do!"

He was sen in his bullets wide of the mark,

et he was not i wasting lead, either. It was

9 wish to draw t e entire party after himself,
thus giving Anderson Filley a chance to escape,
either afoot or by catching up, one of the two
riderlees ponies, both of which remained by their
dead masters.

Armed with magazine rifles and plen
munition, the Sioux ke t up a ra ng fire
while chasing that moc g rider, and as they
saw how many shots be wasted they rapidly
rallied from their first feeling of superstitious
awe, and now their sole thought was how to
close with him the soonest.

“ E es to the front, ye copper imps!” mutter-
ed W eeler, as he saw the rancher running to—
ward one of the Indian ponies. “ Let him get a
fair start, and—meant it, didn't ye?"

His tone abruptly changed as a bullet stung
him between arm and side, and for the instant
fancying himself really hurt, his right hand sent
a bullet straight through the chest of the Sioux
brave who had grazed him.

Instead of oowing the rest, this third death
sent their an er up to boiling pitch, and they
fiercely urg their panting ponies along, yell-
ilng land screeching hke veritable imps from

0 et.

ther yells answered them back and with a
startled ejaculation, White-horse Wheeler shift-
ed back to his natural position, lifting himself in
the stirrups for a keen look ahead.

He caught sight of half a dozen horsemen
Speeding toward him, and it did not call for a
second glance to label them: Sioux, and almost
certainly, a pOrtion of this band, who had been
distanced in the chase.

“ Wake up, thirlygust, old boy!" muttered
his master, sending a pressure along his knees.
” This begins to look like solid business, don’t it,
now?"

Veering sharply to the left, \Vheeler bent l0w
in [the saddle to lessen the target as much as
p0ssible, now that he was oifering a quartering
shot' but so swiftl did the white horse run, that
nearly every bu et passed behind its fioatin
tail, and cries of covetcus amazement mingl
with the vindictive yells of the savage pur-

suers
imly

of am-

 

“VVould like a home, wouldn’t ye?"
laughed the rough-rider, as he stole a bac ward
glance, to break off with an oath of rage.

As he rose erect in his saddle, he could see a
number of Indians racing straight ahead, evi-
dently after Anderson Filley, although a rise
in the round out off his view in that direction.

Fide ity to a friend was one of his strong
points, and Wheeler signed Whirlygust to
slacken his pace, meaning to turn and dash back
to share the fate of the rancher let that be
what it mi ht. but a second, and a fairer look
'11: that such an eflort could only

 

convinced

 

only add another victim to the list, without ef-
fecting any good to balance it.

He could see fully a score of Sioux braves,
part of them veering to cut off his escape, others
racing directly toward the bills for which the
rancher had been heading when overtaken.

“ To turn that way would fetch the whole raft
upon him, and then—what would become of his
wife, and of Linda! God protect the little lady
from those devilsi”

His decision taken, White-horse Wheeler no
longer hesitated, but givin “'hirlygust the sig-
nal to run low and level, e opened fire at his
nearest pursuers, resolved to sell his life at the
dearest possible price, if fate should be against
his giving them the slip altogether.

CHAPTER III.
COLONEL DARKE CRL’GER.

Tms gallant charge took Anderson Filley
fully as much by surprise as did the Sioux
braves, though after a somewhat more agreeable
fashion. '

Knowing by instinct what the ending of that
tremendous burst of speed must be, the sudden
collapse of poor old Morgan failed to catch him
unprepared, and almost instantly rallying from
the shock of that flying leap, he turned to sell
his life as dearly as might be.

He knew what that division and swift circling
meant, but was powerless to hinder it, and sink-
ing down behind the body of his horse, he cocked
his rifle meaning to protract his defense as lon
as possihle, since by so doing he would be ad -
ing to the chances in favor of his brave son’s
winning clear.

Lying low behind his still quivering barricade,
Filley saw nothing of White-horse Wheeler‘s
coming, until the Indians scattered like a covey
of frightened birds before his onset. Even then,
when he caught the words flung him by the
rough-rider, the rancher could hardly trust his
own senses, and he wasted a cartridge thro h
looking for the bold hearts who sure y must
following that reckless leader.

The reaction from grim d it tfi glad ho
fulnem dimmed his eyes an unsteadied is
hands, else the Sioux braves would hard] have
forgotten their intended victim so entire y dur-
ing those first few moments, and not many of
them would have lived to begin another death-
chase so soon.

As it was, be wasted a second shot before he
took in the full meaning of the words fiun at
him by White-horse Wheeler, but then hefioqt
little time in acting upon that hasty advice.

Two of the Sioux warriors had fallen to the
first shots fired by the gallant stranger, and
their ponies, true to their trainhizifi, stayed by
their dead masters; and as his -bewildered

ze rested upon these, Anderson Filley started
grward, his thoughts once more centered on his
loved ones.

One of the ponies shied away at his hasty ap-
proach, laying back its ears and making a
vicious show of gleaming teeth, but the other
one had less liberty, and the rancher gave a
short ejaculation of grateful joy as he saw how
the creature was held: the dead warrior not
only gripped the long halter in one stiffenin
hand, but his body lay fairly acres the braided

ro .
B‘Si’eady, boy i” soothingly spoke Filley, as the

 

wild creature backed away at his coming. ,

“ Help me out of this scrape, and you shall live
in clover all the rest of your days! ’

He bent over, then sprung forward, adding
his weight to that of the dead ndian, with diffi-
culty choking back a about of exultation as be
firmly gripped the halter, checking that back-
ward start.

He saw that the Sioux had been liberally sup
plied with fixed ammunition for his Winchester,
and as both weapons were of the same caliber,
he quickly transferred the cartridge—belt to his
own person, then slung the Winchester acrom
his back by the shoulder-belt attached, in order
to have the full use of both hands in completing
the capture of the Indian pony.

That was to be no my task, as quickly be-
came manifest. Snorting, striking out vicious-
ly with its fore feet, then wheeling about to lash
out with its heels, the wild creature did all it
knew to break away from this would-be master;
but Anderson Filley realized how much might
depend on mastery now, and unhesitatingly
took the longest chances.

Shortening the rope, foot by foot, holding all
he won, the rancher drew near enough to deftly
slip a half-hitch around the muzzle of the pony;
and after that each fierce struggle but brought
its subjection nearer. With its wind cut off,
the horse grew confused, and slipping in closer
to its side, Filley leaped fairly u n its back.

The pony squatted like a rightened cat,
shivering in every muscle as it felt that alien
weight, and the rancher cast a hasty glance
about him to take note of matters before urging
his mount to full flight.

A startled c broke from his lips, for he
caught sight 0 other red-skins hurrying that
way, almost surely on his truck.

“ Part of those we ran away from I” he mut-
tered, jerking the head of his pony around to-
ward the broken ground. then dashing spurs
fiercely into its flanks. “ It looks cowardly.-

r.

 

 

I

4

 

White-Horse Wheeler.

 

but—you're a man, Edgar lVinston, and they‘re
women!” .

He cast a brief look toward the quarter in

which the rough-rider had vanished, and where
the last of the Sioux braves were sinking out of
sight behind the gentle swell in the prairie,
thendlashsd his stil refractory prize to greater
s cc .
pScreeching, yelping, howling as only thor—
oughly maddened savages can who have a vic-
tim in view, the Sioux braves lashed their
foaming ponies in hot pursuit, all the more
eager to overtake him now that they had long
since despaired of coming up in time to share in
his death.

With a desperate plunge downward, and an-
other mad scramble upward, Anderson Filley
crossed the dry creek-bed, shaping his flight so
as to cross the line taken by Maurice at his com-
mands.

“I’ll keep ’em from following the boy, if I
can’t do any better,” was his grim determina-
tion, as his half—tamed pony once more began to
rebel.

A vicious shake of the head caused the half-
hitch to drop from its muzzle, and then the
struggle became more even. Only, each mo-
ment now was worth untold gold to the rancher,
and he knew that the loss of a. single minute,
even, might mean death or worse to his loved
ones.

The mustang acted like a veritable imp of
vicious perversity, only kept in forward motion
by the unceasing use of spur and rope. It
bucked, 1t squatted, to leap sidewise, then back
again; it stood on end, and more than once
would have flung itself over backward, only for
the heavy blows dealt it by the angry rancher
with his clinched fist.

Through all this Anderson Filley took note
of his enemies and their rapid gaining upon
him, and a savage curse passed his lips as he
saw some of their number shooting out to cut
off his further flight in the direction he had
chosen.

“ You devil! On with you, or—”

With a furious bound the mustang tried once
more to fling its unwelcome rider, but striking a
stone hidden by the tall grass, it fell headlong,
flinging the rancher clear over its head, to strike
the earth on his shoulders.

A chorus of exultant yells broke from the In-
dians as they noted this mishap, but Filley was
on his feet in an instant, still gripping the
braided halter. He jerked savagely at the

ny, but only that once; he saw that the crea-

9 had fractured a fore-leg, and the gleaming
white bone showing through the bloody flesh,
told " him how surely his second mount was

ed.

The red-skins were rushing forward seeming-
ly confident of an easy triumph now, but Filley
jerked the Winchester from big shoulders,
making sure it was still in serviceable condition,
then sent back a shout of grim defiance as he
breasted the slope meaning to stand at bay
among those thic -lying rocks, since he could do
no better. '

From wild excitement he shifted to cool deter-
mination, now that he could see but the one end-
ing. Further flight was out of the uestion, for
even on that broken und the loan, with
their catlike ponies, con (1 quickly overtake and
ride him down.

“ I’ll eat my bigness» I reckon !” he muttered,
looking to his rifle dpening and shutting the
breech-block, to make sure all was in working
condition. “ And while they’re doing me
the ’11 not be able tobother my boy—God guar
an bless him I”

The rancher was fully nerved to a desperate
fl ht unto the death; but it was not to be.

you as he raised his rifle to single out his first
victim, aloud hearty cheer burst.upon the air.
and a squad of well-mounted men dashed out of
an adjacent gully, pouring a demoralizing fire
into the ranks of the Sioux, just then collectin
togetlher for a headlong dash upon the bay

c er.
no or two of the warriors fell from their
nies, while others plainly betrayed their hurts
y clingin to mane and halter as their mus-
tan whee ed in hurried flight. ,

“ our it in, lads!” cried a clear, stern voice.
“Powder’s cheap, but don’t throw away your
lead! Mark every devil‘s imp of them, but—
steady, boys! It’s our picnic, as we hold it, but
theny too many for a free dance in the

11

Anderson Fille gave vent to a joyful cry as
he heard that vo ey and saw that charge, but
his face darkened anew as those notes came to
his ears, and something akin to fear shot into
his visage as the bold speaker turned in his di-
rection, shouting as he rode up the 310 .

“Just in time to save Our it, o d friend!
You’re all right? The in s ven’t marked
you, for keeps, I’m hoping ’ he added, a touch
of anxiety in his bold, reckless face as he took
note of that sadly dilapidated flgure among the
rocks.

“ Colonel CrugIer!” ,

. “ Ay, old neig bor, but the nickname fits best
just now,” laughin 1y said the other, as he
sprung from the sad is with outstretched hand
in friendly greeting. “ I reckon those red imps

 

I
yonder would vote for ‘ Colonel Cruger.’ if they

had time to cast a ballot! But you—you’re not
badly hurt, dear sir?”

1‘ No. Only scratched up a bit, but that don’t
count! My folks—I fear for their safety! The
land seems fairly alive with red demons, and if

any of them should— Curse them! where do
they spring from?”
“ From the Rosebud last, Ireckon. Of course

you’ve heard how they ate up the Seventh, un—
der Custer?”

“that! Not— But I can’t talk now, while
my folk maybe in even worse peril than you
saved me from just now. I’m grateful—I must
huge gone under but for your coming, colonel,
an —

“Don’t mention it, dear fellow: it cost me
nothing.”

“ I must go to Numb; but—can’t you save
hint?”

“ Who is that?”

Anderson Filley hastily described how a man
whom he called Edgar Winston, by which name
alone he knew the gallant rider who had charged
to his rescue, had succeeded in drawing oil‘ the
squad of Indians who were pressing him so
hardly, and begged the colonel to ride to his aid.

Cruger shook his head, at the same time sound-
ing a shrill whistle by way of recall to his men,
who were still sending lead in chase of the dis»
comflted red-skins.

“You can see for yourself. Filley, how fool-
hardy that would be,” he said, with a touch of
harshness in his tones. “ I’ve only got ascent
dozen lads with me, while yonder goes double
their number, to say nothing of all that may be
prowling beyond our immediate range. No;
he’ll have to hoe his own row for this once,
though I’ll wish him gOod luck in the harvest.
As you say, it‘s ladies first just now.”

Colonel Cougar—lo give him the title by which
he was far better known along the northern
border than by his own name—quickly mar-
shaled his men, and at a sign from him, one of
their number slipped over the cantle of his sad-
dle, offering the better seat to the anxious
rancher.

Filley accepted this, with a muttered word of
thanks, and without further dela the little
party started onward throu h the. chic out of
which the squad had charg so opportunely.

Instead of showing delight at his rescue, Fil-
ley seemed actually downcast, frowning darkly
as he caste glance across the prairie before it
was lost to sight for the time being. Nor was
all his forebodin concerning the man whom he
knew as Edgar inston.

Beyond a reasonable doubt, Colonel Cougar
had saved him rom death at the hands of the
red-skins, but t e rancher Would almost rather
have fought out his Own battle to the bitter end
than to have incurred such a heavy debt to this
particular neighbor.

_On_ the contrary, the colonel seemed almost
hilariously ga as they rode rapidly along
through the hills, and as he spoke of those to
whose aid they were ostensibly hastening, his
veice assumed an ardent tone.

But then came a sudden change. The colonel
lifted his hand as he abruptly drew rein, and the
man in front of whom Anderson Filley was rid-
ing flun both arms around his body, holding
him help one to draw a weapon, while the leader
thrust forward with a gleamin blade, as
though to bury it in the ribs of t e betrayed
rancher! ‘

“ Hands off, curse ye i” cried Filley, struggling
desperately to tear his pinioned arms free.
“ hat do you mean by this!”

“ First to pull your teeth dear fellow!”
mocked Colonel Cougar, as his keen-edged blade
cut the stout belt in twain, letting the arms fall
cluttering to the ground.

CHAPTER IV.
AN INQUISITIVE HOST.

“EASY, ye blamed critter!” growled his im-
mediate captor, utting on the pressure. “ Want
me to crao in t e ribs 0’ e—s—a—y?"

“Not too rough, Me ton, but just rough
enough,” coolly said Cruger, bending far over
in the saddle, to recover the belt of arms, which
he hung across his own mount.

Anderson Filley threw his whole strength into
aha effort and toppled both himself and is cap-

r out of the saddle, hoping thus to win free-
dom, heedless of his own bones. But before he
could regain his footing, several of the men

rung from their saddles upon him, and under
t 0 eye of their leader, quickly bound his arms
behind his back.

When this was done Filley ceased his strug-
gles, pantingly retum ng the mockingdsgaze of

is enemy with a glow of defiance in gray-
blp‘e e hes. d , i

y out cu put your quest on again
dear man?” askedCruger, showing a glimpse of
white teeth beneath his curlin mustachhos.
“Why don’t ou ask what sort 0 deal it is I’m
giving you, illeyi”

“Because you'd lie in answer, yofi curl”
hoarsel grated the rancher.

“We! I’m not so mi hty sure you’ve shot
wide of t e mark, old ne ghbor!”

As he spoke, Colonel Cruger gave/ a sign,
which was promptly obeyed. Lifted by strong

1

\

 

arms, Filley was placed nstride-a horse, then
bound to the saddle by sundry turns of a trail-
rope, part of which connected his ankles beneath
the animal’s belly.

Not another word was spoken while this was
being done. In that mute signal Colonel Cruger
had given his orders, and his men fully under-
stood their work. Anderson Filley was hamper~
ed beyond the possibility of escape, and appar-
ently seeming to ask for leniency, he bore his
harsh treatment in grim silence.

When the bonds Were applied to his satisfac-
tion, Colonel Cruger touched up his horse, and
the party rode along at a rapid gait, plainly
heading for the Lone Ranch, as the home of the
colonel was called.

Although not the builder of this house, Col-
nnel Cruger had occupied it as the sole owner,
for a goodly number of years. he passed for a
successful grower of fine stock, and was known
to deal extensively in lumbering operations,
having several timber ramps, and one or two
saw-mills, at different locations.

Outside of this, there was really little known
about him, as a man. He had but one neighbor,
to use the term as generally understood. An-
derson Filley owned and occupied a stock ranch
some few miles from his location, but there was
no other home within a full score miles.

Colonel Cruger was now nearing his fortieth
year, judging from his face, though a wild and
perilous life jinight have lent a finger in draw—
ing those lines and frosting the few silver
Ehreegis which marked his jetty hair and full

ear . .

He was tall and massively built, without being

at all cumbersome in his movements: indeed,

there was a peculiar muscular litheness in his

every movement which went far to fit his title
of “ Cougar.”

No doubt feeling that he could implicitly trust
his henchmen. Colonel Cougar took the lead,
heading directly as possible for the Lone Ranch,‘
which he n0w seemed very desirous of reachin .
Yet he did not neglect Certain precautions, whic
appeared perfectly natural after their little
brush with Sitting Bull’s Sioux braves. Men
were sent out on either flank to guard a ainst
a possible surprise, and the chiefhimsel kept
a keen lookout to the front.

Although he must have been suffering greatly.
in mind, if only on the score of his dear ones,
Anderson Filley braver schooled his face to a.
stern composure. Knowing h0w little he had to
ho from these men, now that their leader had
fa rly thrown aside the mask of friendship, he
was artoo proud to beg any favors, even for
his family.

Still, he was fully as eager to catch sight of
the Lone Ranch as was the colonel himself. If
nothing more, he would then know what fate to
e t for himse .

he ride was long and a rough one, but,
thoroughly acqua‘inted with every rod of the
round, the party made good time, and long be-
fore the afternoon sun was ready to veil its face
behind the western hills, the dark, forbidding-
looking ranch was sighted. .

Drawing rein be ore the building, Colonel
Cougar sprung from the saddle, turning his nag
over to one of his men, then watching with a

smile the removal of his captive.

Signs took the place of words until Anderson
Filley was lifted from the saddle and guarded
into the house, but as his feet crossed the thresh-
old, his forced composure gave way, and he
hoarser spoke:

“ Are you all devil, Darke Cruger? Haven’t
you Sven a spark of manhood in your catnpod-
tion ‘

“ Well, you’d ought to be able to answer that
question, Filley, if any man can. Surely you’ve
been studying me closely enough'of late!”

A hot flush swe t in and out of the prisoner’s
face but he that covert taunt by without
furt or notice, to say:

" I’m not begging for m if mind you, Co]-
one] Cruger, but—my fami y? Think what ma
be coming to them, even now! Think what will
be their fate if those hell-hounds——- Oh if you’re
white as your hide betokens, send and save my

r women from massacre!"

A short, hard laugh broke from those bearded
1i , and Colonel Cougar nodded his head. In
ogdience to that sign, the guards forced the
rancher through to another room, which appar-
ently had but the one mode of entrance or of

exit.

“ That’ll do, lads. _ Reckon I can manage the
gentleman, now,”said their aster, a
sign which speedily sent the rds out of he
apart to !

men .

Pointing toward a chair which stood at a little

distance from the one into which he himself
sunk, Colonel Cougar added:

“Be seated, my dear fellow! Nay,” with a,
quick gesture as the rancher was about to
speak in further pleading for his loved ones,
‘ i’ll hear nothing more until you are seated,
dear man.”

With a sound which rose only to his throat,
and ,which might have been curse or groan,
Filley obeyed. Reckless as to his own safety, he
was suffering torments on account of his wife,
his daughter, his son.

“ Now, my dear neighbor and priceless friend, I

l .

l

,. Cm

 

 

    

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i
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'5,"  t:

fi‘a‘fla

White-Horse Wheeler.

5

 

 

wil. you please answer me just one question, be-
fore I set your fears at rest? Where were you
riding when the red-skins jumped you, to—day l”

“ To town, for ammunition and other articles
of necessity.”

“ You meant to fetch those necessary articles
home with you. I understand that much, but—
what recious article was it you meant to leave
behind) you when ready to return home?”

Drawlingly though he prOiiounced the words,
lcareless though his whole carriage was, Colonel
Cruger coul not entirely conceal the anxiety
with which he awaited an answer.

But none came. Anderson Filley was once
more cold and hard to the outward eye. He
seemed far more interested in the bonds which
still confined his arms, giving them a restless
hitch or two.

“ You mean that you will not use your tongue
so long as your arms are hampered? Is thatit?”
asked the cclonel, springing from his seat and
drawzng in. long, double-edged dagger from his
belt. “ All right, and there you are, my fine
fellow 1”

He cut the rope, then drew back with a low,
contemptuous laugh as the rancher stretched his
arms and limbered his cramped muscles.

“ If you think to kick up a row, Filley, think
twice before trying it on. I’m alone in here
with you, but I never yet met the man who
could take the print of my back in the dust!
You can’t even be in to break away, so don’t

try it on. As your est friend, mind!”
“ My best friend! You!” bitterly echoed the
rancher.

“Certainly I am, dear man, else why have
you taken such a powerful interest in my com-
in s and my goings, of late?” mocked Cruger.
“ nd now, once more: why did you take this
ride, to-duy?"

“ I told you before. On business of my own.”

“ And lied in your throat while uttering the
words l”

Filley half-crouched as though to leap at the
throat of his enemy, but then he drew is stur-
dy form erect, coldljyr retorting: ,

“ Only 0. our won (1 use such words to an un-
armed man, Darke Cruger. Why don’t you
put the cap-sheaf on? Strike, since you threat-
en!" with a glance of bitter scorn at the gleam-
ing dagger which the colonel hud instinctively
lifted at his om..10us movements. .

“ Do you really reckon I need this bit of
steel?” mocked the other, re lacin the weapon
in his belt. “I’Vhy man, ear,i I felt so in-
clined, I could br your back without half
straining my muscles.”

“Talk is chea , but—”

“ Then why on’t you beabit more nimble
with your ton e, Filley? Why don’t you an-
swer my question, without further delay 3”

“Your asking an answer is sufficient reason
for my denying one,” steme retorted the
rancher his eyes glowing with poorly-sup-
pressed hatred as he added:

“ I’ll never forgive you for this action, Darke
Cruger! ’Twas a dog’s trick, when-3’

“ And this is—just what?" sharply interposed
the colonel. drawin a folded paper from his
bosom and flirting itfimfore the startled gaze of
his captive.

While springing this surprise Colonel Cou or
made the keenest possible use of his eyes, try ng
to read a confession in that stern face.

But in this hope he was doomed to disappoint-
ment. If Anderson Filley recognized the docu-
ment, or had good cause for dreading a revela-
tion of its contents, he showed no signs of out-
ward fear or dismay.

“ How should 1 know?” he quietly asked,
arching his brows in real or admirably counter-
felted indifference. “ Nothing that concerns
me, or that can even begin to excuse this out-
rageous treatment, I’m sure.”

“ Then you deny that your hand wrote these
lines?”

“ Let me see them, and I’ll answer you as you
deserve.”

Colonel Cougar laughed harshly as Filley
reached out a hand to take the paper. He drew
it back, as though far too precious to be intrust-
~cd to other hands than his own.

“ Thanks, but I prefer to keep it in my own
possession until the true owner is discovered. If
you admit having written it, that’s quite another
matter?i so—what made. you throw it away,
w on nsisted on our acce ' our company
on this little ridell”y pm

“ Who says I did that?”

For answer, Colonel Cougar uttered a shrill
whistle, which was quickl answered by the en-
trance of a man whom Filley zed as one
Milo Plunkett, the colonel’s right- wcr, so to

speak.

“You handed me this paper, Plunkett., I be-
lieve!” asked Cruger.

“ I did, yes, colonel,” bowed the young man.

" Tell us just how. and when, and whens you
found it, please.”

“ Just after we muted the red-skins, colonel.
I saw Mr. Filley toss it in between a couple of
rocks and quietly picked it pip... I gave it to
you just before we set out for lace.”

“ ncccsarywdoso,you 'mnkeoath
that this is the some paper on picked up, afta'
suing Mr. Filley out it adds" '

 

“ I can.”

Itertained feelings of no ordinary friendship,

“Be cautious, Plunkett. This is no trifling i should be the one to father such an infamous

matter. A human life may hang in the
balance, to be turned up or down by your oath.”

I lie l”

Anderson Filley cast a glance around the

“ I can swear to the paper, colonel,” was the I room, then at the severed cords which lay in

confident reply.

“ You mean b its contents, of course?”

“No, sir, for never opened the paper to see
what it might hold.”

“ Yet you can take your solemn oath that this,
and none other, is the document you saw Ander-
son Filley throw away i” persisted Cruger.

“ I do. I recognize it by the blot 0n the back;
you can see it for yourself, colonel. Made by a
thumb, wet with ink, I fancy.”

Colonel Cruger laughed harshly as he flashed
a glance toward ‘his prisoner, to address him di-
revt:

“ That may fix the first ownership, Filley,
even if your tongue tries to brazen it out. I’ve
known a slighter clew to hang a man!”

The rancher shrugged his shoulders in silent

, scorn, turning partly away from his captoi',
though his ears may not have been the less

pen.

Lifting the paper to a clearer light, the colo-
nel rapidly ran his eyes over the written lines,
breaking the brief silence by a short, hard
lau h, than saying:

“ t is a list of names, purporting to be those
of smugglers. My name heads the list as the
chief. Vhat do you think of that, Milo?”

“ While your name being there is a lie, of
course, colonel, I can only think this: Anderson
Filley, while claiming to be an honest stockman,
is really a spy in the employ of the Revenue Scr—
vicel

CHAPTER V.
run COUGAR snows HIS CLAWS.

THERE came a brief silence after that remark,
during which both the colonel and his lieutenant
gazed curiously toward the rancher, not unlike
men who anticipate a hasty denial.

Instead, Anderson Filley maintained his in-
different attitude, like one who is utterly care-
less whut opinion others may have formed con-
cerning himself or his actions.

“ That will do, Plunkett,” :finally spoke the
colonel, with a  Id of his head toward the door.
“ You can lc;.e us. If I want you again, I‘ll
call you after the same fashion.”

The young man hesitated as one hand touched
the fastening of the door, a slightly troubled
look in his darkly handsome face. A question
seemed upon his lips, but as Cruger made an im-
patient gesture, his next in command left the
apartment without further speech.

Anderson Fille had turned in that direction
as the opening oor gave a faint squeak, but
there was no sign of weakness viSible in his
bronzed countenance, and Darke Cruger frowned
as he noted that fact.

He would have been far better pleased had the
rancher once more burst into an a peal for his
endangered family. This dogg composure
boded ill for the plans he had ormed.

“You heard what I said, Filley, and you
heard what Plunkett said in explanation,” he
began his attack, speaking with deliberate com-
posure, still holding that paper in his hand.
“ What have you to ofl'er on your side, my noble
friend and' neighbor?”

No answer. Anderson Filley stood beside the
chair from which he had risen shortly before,
his hands restin lightly upon the wooden
back. Then, as f unconsciously, his fingers
closed and barely lifted the piece of furniture

from the floor. -

‘ A glitter of fire leaped into those watchful
dargd eyes, and Colonel Cougar sneeringly
asi. :

“ Is it heavy enough to make a good wea n,
Filley? Bahl You’re not altogether a £301
man! You’re smart enou to know when
you’re beaten, so why sulk Once more, what
excuse have you to offer for hatching up a set
of malicious lies, like this?”

One sinewy fore-finger sharply tapped the
sheet of paper, but its owner waited in vain
for a respOnse. Anderson Filley had taken his
coarse, and was doggedly following it to the
en . .

Recognizing this fact, the owner of Lone
Ranch took another shift, his tone that of a
deeply injured man.

“ I never would have behaved it of you,
Filley, on any less positive proof. Why, man
alive! it’s one of the most damning on es I
ever heard tell of! I, a smuggleri I, the cad
and front of such an evil gang of lawbreakersl
Surely you never intended to seriously press
such an unfounded charge against me, old
nei hbor?” -

mething like a snearing smile flashed new.
that stern visage, but never a word

those firmly locked li The time might come
for theaocusedtorcp y, but that time was not

yet.
“Ac asabcurdlyi pocsibleasitisont-
usly l” the oolone cried, his face flush-
ing with anger which was slowly but surely
gaining the upper hand of his prudence. “And
to think that you, a man for whom I have on-

' here bole w.

 

the middle of the floor. His lips did not part,
but words could not have spoken his mearing
more clearly.

“ Does that fact stick in your crop, Filley?
Well, what else could I do, under the circum-
stances? You know what a blessed h0wl there
has been kicked up of late over the smugglin
of opium and fine goods across the line, an
such a charge as this, no matter if utterly with-
out foundation on facts, is enough to ruin a
saint, let alone a common, everyday sort of
fellOu' like me. And 30—] brought you here,
hoping that you would listen to reason.”

“ You call it reason? I call it outrage!”

Colcnel Cougar tried to hide his pleasure at
having at last found his captive‘s tongue, ut
his success was hardly perfect.

“ That’s natural enough, or would be, if you
were innocent of the charge I‘m bringing
against you, Filley. Why did you make it?
W hat cause have 1 given 3 on for even suspect-
ing I helda connection: with smugglers, much
less that I ii as their head and from i”

“ Do you deny that connection, Colonel Cru-

er? ‘

g “ Deny it? Of course I do, man alive!”

” Then if you are innocent, why commit an
outrage ike this? Ii by, unless to cover up
your own guilty tracks?”

“ Then you admit that this lying accusation
is your work, Filley '1"

“I admit nothing, sir. I simply asked you a
question, in my turn.”

“ All right. I’ll answer it. Why did I put
you in bonds and fetch you here? Simply to
protect myself against as base a lie as ever man
forged! Simply because I, nor any other living
man, could afford to have such dangerous
charges sent abroad concerning me. They are
lies, all lies, and false as Hades itself! Still, it
might be difficult for me to prove them such
without losing both time and mono .

“ This is my excuse for acting as have acted,
Filley. Now it is your turn to offer an explana-
tion. Why have you attempted to cut my
throat after this cowardly fashion?”

Anderson Filley met that stern gaze without
fiinching. He must have seen the uselessness of
flat denial in the face of such clear proof, but he
was by no means cowed.

“You have treated me like a dog, Colonel
Cruger. You have abused your strength, by
taking me prisoner without reason or warrant.
Worse than that, you have added to the great
danger my family— Curse you, coward! I’ll
say no more until we can meet .on equal terms
again!”

“ And those terms, neighbor?”

“Give me back the wee us you robbed me
of. Open your doors an let me go forth, a
free man. Do this, and I’ll ladly face both
you and your charges, with 1 your ruiilanly
gang to back on u I”

With half-closed ids, the colonel watched the
rancher’s face while these sentences flowed
swift! across his lips. Then ' he coldly ans

' swer Z

“ That's all very fine talk, Anderson, but it
won’t wash. You ll neVer touch earth again
with living feet, unless you can read your title
clear; not to mansions in the skies, but to truth
In other words, you stay here, a
prisoner until you can prove yourself a man
worthy ilnerty.’

“ You'll never hold me long—alive, you
cur!”

“ Then I’ll keep watch and ward over your
grave l” fiercely retorted the colonel, springing
to his feet as the rancher grasped the chair-back,
like one who meditates a desperate assault.

“ Don’t you try that on, illey,” Cruger add-
ed, hastily, but in cooler and milder tones, put-
ting up a warning hand. “ Violence can’t save
you, but common sense ma . Even if you were
able to dawn me» which I eny—.—my boys would
nip you at your first step across that threshold. ‘
Can t you see it, man?”

Filléasr made no reply in words, but his fingers
relax their grip, and asCruger resumed his
seat he did the same.

“ ’ve pinned this foul calumny to your hand,
Anderson Filley, and an ocean of denials on
your part can’t wash your record clear. I swear,
what on already know that it is all a lie, so
far as am concerned. Imay not be an angeh
but I do honest work for honest money. I can
look any and all men in the face without blush:
ing for myself, past or present. Still, I’m no
fool. I know that I’ve got enemies: bitter, un-
scrupulous enemies who would be only too lad
to jump at a chance like thisto down me. nd
so— on are listening, Filley!”

“ hear you. but what’s the use!” '

“ I’m coming to the main point, now. You’re
white, in spitc' of this unmanly trick, Filley.
Even if you had good cause to think than
guilty, you would never accuse a member of
your own familv of law-breaking ” -

A hot ilth pod into the rancher’s face,
then fled. to leave it paler than before. His
voice sounded harsh and strange as he spoke:

y'a'aé-x a. f-‘AJ ’

.V}.

2331.

'givea

6

“What do you mean by that, Colonel Cru-
er!’

8 “ You have a daughter, Filley. I love Linda,
:3? age]: nothing better than to make her my

0.

For a sin 1e breath the rancher stared at his
captor, ha 1y able to his whole meaning,
but when comprehension id come, it brought
hottest rage in its wake, and he burst forth:

“You devil! Your wife! My girl ? I’d ra-
ther a thousand times over see her dead and in
her vel”

Co onel Cruger showed no signs of flinching
before that hot outburst, though he did lift a
warning finger, lest the prisoner attempt to back
his words by action.

“Go easy, Anderson Filley, if you care for
your own bones! You’d rather see Linda dead
than my wife is it?”

“ Yes, and if you weren’t as utterly idiotic as
you are evil, you’d know as much without my
repeating it!”

‘Well, I’ve marked your words, Filley, now
you can make a note of mine. You’ll never see
your child again. living or dead, unless you
come off our high-horse and Swear by all you
hold g and holy, that Linda Filley shall be-
come my lawful wife 1"

These were dangerous words to utter, in the
face of such passion, but Darke Cruger hardly
knew the meaning of the word fear, as applied
to his own actions. And his glittering eyes
seemed able to hold the rancher in check, so far
as open violence was concerned.

It was different with his organs of speech
however, and hotly came the words:

“ Your wife! Givo milpure, innocent girl to
your arms? You? A t ef, liar, smuggler, as-
sasein!”

How much further he mi ht have gone in his
mad indignation can only e surmised, for he
stopped short as a harsh laugh broke ,from the
heavily bearded lips of his captor.

“ Too late, old fellow l” the colonel cried, in
savage triumph, like one who has gained a diffi-
cult poiut through strategy. “Smuggler, eh?
Then you fairly admit bein the author of this
vile accusation, Anderson F ey l"

He whipped forth the blotted paper, but the
rancher hardly gavo it a passing glance. He
was past all rudence or diplomacy now, and
gave way to t e fierce rage which had sprung
up in his bosom.

“ Yes, I admit the authorship!” he boldly
cried rising to his feet in imitation of the
otherls action. “You are a smu ier! You
are the head and front of the devi s gang of
lawbreakers which has done more harm to this
part of the country than a dozen years of hon-

can smooth over!”

‘ Well, well, if he don’t act as though be real-
ly believed all this boshl” muttered the colonel,
as though to himself in his amazement.

“ I not only believe, but I can prove eve
charge I have b ht against ou, Cruger ”
mad y raged the -crazed ranc or his always
hot gemper fairly getting the upper hand of his

ence.

“ And you dare tell me this? You, whose life
I hold in in hand?” the colonel asked, with a
peculiar smi e dawninlg upon his stern visage.

“Bah! what car for such vague threats,
you our!”

“ If I was the criminal you safy, mightn’t I
put threats into execution, t ough ’ moc ed the
owner of the Lone Ranch.

“ You mean—murder?”
lo“ gall it punishment for treachery, dear fol.

w

“ Even that wouldn’t save you, you our !”
cried Fille , fairly beside himself for the time
being. “ on may murder me-’twould only
befit your dastardly record—but there are others
who—” ’

At last he saw whither his unbridled tongue

5

was carrying him, for even a madman could not
fail to right! in at that swift chan e of
countenance fore is glowing eyes. ey
clipped his words short, but the harm was
already done.

A short, hard laugh broke from the colonel,
and he mid:

“Too late, old fool! So others know this
precious secret, do the 9”

Filley made no rep y, thou h a less reckless
men might well have shrunk in his madly-
blazingdeyee, his ghastly pale face, his tightly-

“Others know, do they!” repeated Cruger,
showing his teeth. “ All right! I reckon I can
gees as to those partiee,and I’ll take
means ” silence their tongues, as well as

With a catlike leap Anderson Fille was upon
him, matching the dagger from h I belt and
striking viciously as he cried: ~

“Die, youdeva! Die!”

_

CHAPTER VI.
caucus is A DEATH-TRAP.
HARM? one man out of a hundred could have
death at the hands of this maddened
ran er, but Colonel Darke Crn er proved him-
self that exception, though even e was not able

,1

 

White-Horse Wheeler.

to entirely foil Anderson Filley in his desperate
effort at ven eance.
He lost h

dagger, but agiler evaded that ,

deadly stroke, at the same time dealing the ‘

rancher a blow that sent him reeling back; and
with a harsh laugh, the colonel touched a hidden

spring which caused a square of the flooring to ‘

open, and his
giving an invo untary cry of angry dismay as
he disappeared from view.

The fall itself was not so great, but Anderson
Filley was taken wholly by surprise, and had no
time for nerviug himself against the shock. He
struck the stone-paved bottom on his feet but
then pitched backward , his unprotected ead
striking the rock wall With stunning force.

How long he lay unconscious, the rancher
could Only dimly guess, but when his senses be-
gan to rally, he found himself lying on his back,
chilled to the bone, staring vaguely at a burning
lamp which was suspended from the wall by an
iron bracket.

For a few moments he was unable to recall
aught that had happened, or even give a guess
as to his whereabouts, but as he mechanical!
lifted his right arm, a clinking sound follow ,
and abruptly lifting himself to a sitting posture,
his dazed eyes Were caught by a leaming blade
at his side, from which the ye ow rays of the
lamp were reflected.

It was the dagger which he had snatched from
the belt of Colonel Cougar, and that sight recali-
ed the past.

With a hoarse, choking cry, Filley scrambled
to his feet, weapon in hand, glaring about him
in vain for his mocking enemy.

He was alone. Only the four walls, the stone
floor, the dark Ceiling through which he had
been so adroitly dropped to—whati

A cold shiver ran through his frame as An-
derson Filley asked himself that question, for
there could be but one answer given: to his
death!

That grim belief lent him fresh strength, how-
ever, for he was never a man to wholly degmir
so long as the breath of life remained. nd,
grip ing that dagger firmly, he hacked to a cor-

ner, is first impulse being to make sure,no other

diabolical snare was being prepared for his dis-
comflture.

The lamp only imperfectly lighted up that
square cell, but is rays were sufficiently wer-
ful to assure the rancher he alone occup ed the
den, and that fear set at rest for the time being,
he itted his gaze to dwell longer on an o
jec over which his eyes had elinseed a few mo-
ments before: an iron-studd door set in one
side of the cell.

He could see, without stirring from his ree-
ent position, that the door was supplied th a
heavy lock, and as his eyes grew better accus-
tomed to the dim light, he noticed a. darker s_ t,
doubtless the keyhole through which that ock
was manipulated.

He had time to take note of this much, but
nothing more. A heavy footstep echoed on the
floor above his head, and a moment later a tiny
crack opened, as the faint light assured him.

“ I say, old man i” came the well-known voice
of Colonel Cou ar, at the same instant. “ Woke
up yet, down t ere?”

‘ Come and see, you devil!” cried Filley,
almost without thought, although an instant
later, he felt sorry for his impetuosi . -

Why had he not feigned insensib ty? Might
be not have drawn his enemy fairly within reach
of his aven ing weapon! But it was too late for
such thong ts, now, and gripping his dagger
tiglhhtly he waited the next move.

0 trap-door was lifted higher, and the face
of his enemy appeared at the opening, to give an
affected start as he cried, sharply:

“ Don’t throw that dagger, you fool 1”

Possibly the cast might have been made, only
for that warning, for the rancher had drawn
his arm back, every muscle stroked. But now
it lowered, its owner grimly retorting:

“ Come down here if you want your blade,
2:3: Crager. I'll give it to you—to the

t

The colonel laughed lightly as he retorted:

“ Keep itto let out your Own hot blood dear
daddy; I’ve a better use for mine than to bathe

our ands. i’m going to pay my sweet young

ride a visit, don’t you see!

Uttering a savage c , the rancher crouched,
then leaped upward wi b all his powers, striking
as he came, hopingsmnst hope that he might
be able to make h b e strike home. It was a
marvelous eflort in one of his e and build and
despite his courage, the smugg or back
wit an involuntary cry as he saw that flashing
I

too].

He rallied as quickly, covering his actual fear
with mockery. .

“ 0h, don’ I How can you be so impetuous,
my dear daddy-thatis-to-bel Wml’m all a-
sh ver with— Didn’t bark your e , I trust!"

Anderson Filley cked himself up from where
he had fallen, hav g struck heavily against the
further wall. If hurta he vs no s to that
m1.Ct £51m" Shams‘m «30:53: dswityli
on y op n
h ‘ 85g eh! Well ha ’11 be i

‘ , ma on n a
more amiable mood ’the daytime I cell. By

risoner fell through the trap, 

 

the way, what message shall I deliver to your
wife? I omit Linda, for her dainty little ears will
hardly hold all the sweet sayings I’ve been stor—
in up for her delectation. Still, if you insist,
1’? ive her your love.”

“ ou devil! If I could only reach you—just
once!"

“ But you can’t, so what’s the sense in raving,
daddy? You surely ought to be able to cool off,
down there; but perhaps i haven’t given you
quite enough rope. I’ll leave you longer, this
time, for—Linda sweet will be my excuse for
tarrying.”

“Harm her—”

“Couldn’t think of it, even at your request,‘
Filley. 1 know a far better use to put the dainty
little darling to, I assure you! And now Ireally
must be going.”

He madeafeint as though closing the trap,
but quickly raised it again to add, as if by an
after~thou ht:

“ I say, ‘illey, if Linda and the old lady join
their prayers to mine, won’t you listen to rea-
son? Won’t you make the best of what can’t
he mended otherwise, and amid the merry wed-
ding bells—”

A fierce curse cut him short, and in hoarse,
barely articulate tones, the tortured rancher
flun upward:

“ ou’re on top, now, but lock out, you
devil! I’ll drain your black heart dry if ever
3’0 '—

“ Bah l” interrupted the colonel, in his turn.1
“ You’ll be dead and in your grave, man, dear!
You can’t get out 0’ that without help, and I’ll
take precious ood care no one lends you a
hand. Better ie down and die quietly, for
you’ll never leave this den alive!”

Without waiting for a reply, Colonel 0011
closed the trap, and as he listened, Filley ‘
tinctly heard him applying some sort of fasten-
ing, as though to make assurance doubly sure.

. Then his footsteps crossed the room above, to

die out as a door slammed shut. ,

For many minutes Anderson Filley was too
deeply wrought up to do aught but silently
rage at his dastardly enemy, and the better
part of an hour had crawled by before he re-
newed his examination of his place of living
burial.

Durin that ion interval, his thoughts were
dark and gloomy, ut only a few of them need
find a record in these lines.

He knew that Darke Cruger was head and
front of a smu gling band, and indisputable
proof having fal en in his way, he reso ved to
aid law and order to the best of his ability.

Making a list of the names of those whom he
had convinced himself were working in concert
with the chief of the smu lers, he added such
other information as woul likely prove of use
to the authorities, and set out to mail those
char es; only to be driven back by the Sioux,
to fa i into the hands of the very men whom he
was denouncing]. ' .

Fearful lest t e paper he discovered in some
manner he had cast t aside, as he fancied un-
seen only to have it picked u and handed the
chief one concerned, by M o Plunkett. And
now!

For himself he cared comparatively little.
But his blood ran cold when he thou ht of
what fate mi ht lie in store for his ainily.
Only Maurice ew aught of his recent discov—
eries, but—would the women be spared by this
arch-villain? '

“Out! I must t out!” he hoarser raged,

ing the limits 0 his cell with the wild rest-
eeeness of a caged 13am.

In vain he attemp to find a place where he
might lift himself high enough to attack the-
fioor above with his dagger. The walls had
been carefully and thoroughly built, and he
could not find resting—place for even a toe or a

firger-ti .

nly Ehe iron-studded door in the side-wall
remained, and for the dozenth time he came to
a 3:51.61“! frfint of this, tapping the hard oak
w w th h weapon. .

What was it for! Upon what did it open!
Surely there could be no thoroughfare beyond?

He mechanically shook his head at this mental
query for, as he recalled the ranch and its sur.
roun gs, he knew on! too well that he was»
below the surface of e and, and that no
building of any sort lay in t t direction,

“ What is it for, then i” he asked himself once
more, at the same time testing his blade on the
hard wood, which proved only less inflexible
than the iron bolts and lock itself. “ Another
deal If so, what— Ha!” as a ray of “£11111;
seemed to flash ufin his puzzled brain. “ e
placel wh’ere they do opium and other smuggled
artic es! ~

That seemed the most likely solution, and. yet
it ted some difficulties. If so, why had
Colonel Cougar cut him into the adjoining pit?
Was he so cerhin that death alone could share
any discoveries he might makein his despera-
H i -

. on
That might very well be, but Anderson Filiey
was not one to sit down and meek] yield to
misfortune. While he lived, he would ope, and
haping would work for liberty.
Find that his dagger, keen though that was
of point and of edge, could make little impression

 

‘ *w'ku
.....____, we <.'\:V=
, ,:

 

' - «.‘s'yt
... ..« 

’ mun-W2:

his shifting

White—Horse Wheeler.

7

 

 

on the iron-like oak wood, the rancher turned
his attention to the lock, trying to pick it, to
shoot back the heavy bolt with its point.

His hopes of ultimate escape were growing,
now that he believed the smugglers’ store-house
lay beyond this door. That once opened, might
he not be able to find a mode of exit from the
ad'oining cell?

t was at least possible, and even so frail a
sleince was richly worth toiling for, he told him-

For many minutes he 1persisted in using his
dagger on bolt and on Ice , but at the end of
that time even his courage began to fail him.
Time was so precious, with that pitiless demon
at liberty to scheme and work his evil will on
those innocent ones!

If he only had a key! If he had but a— Ha!
His hands were mechanically fumbling in his
pockets, and in one he found a slender yet
string nail. Might that not serve as a pick-
0c ?

No sooner imagined than attempted. Filley
quickly bent the nail, and inserted the int in
the keyhole. A dozen times he was foi ed, but
stubbornly rsisted, changin the bend to suit

glief, for now he elt convinced that
only through this door could he hope to join and
guard his loved ones. _

Desperation lent his fingers doubled power,
and at length, as the crooked nail seemed to
catch the wards firmly, he gave a tremendous
wrench—and succeeded!

Gladder sound never met mortal ears than
was that reluctant creak as the heavy bolt mov-
ed back, almost far enough to clear the iron
socket in the solid stone. Then, one more
wrench, and the deed was done!

A sudden faintness crept over the rancher as
he realized this fact, and for a brief space he
was too‘weak to press his success further. He
starggered dizzin back, one hand cla. ing his
fu ously throbbing temples, a \mist opping
over his eyes. '

Then—could he believe his eyesight?

The heavy door swung toward him, and a
fetid ui! of air came into his cell. turning him
still ainter for the moment. And before he
could spring forward to the opening, a long,
lithe body shot through it and .a werful
mountain lion stood reveal , showing ts teeth
in a vicious snarl as it crouched for a death
sap!

 

CHAPTER VII.
DOING BIS DUTY.

OBanNCn proved very bitter to Maurice
Fills , just then, and when the parting mo-
men came, his eyes were so blinded with
tears tthat he could do little toward guiding his
mouu .

Fortunately the colt had been his particular
pet from foaling, and was so intelligent that he
seemed to divine his oung master’s will by in-
stinct. He ave a 'ttle whimper at leaving
old Morgan, ut then stretched out as thoug
the long chase for life had but that instant be—

n.
8“The clump of stunted trees and wind-bent
bushes stood at the head of a limited tract of
uneven ground, and if only their own lives had
been at stake, the rancher could hardly have
found a more favorable t for turning at bay
than right there. But here was more, far
more, and even so soon‘ after parting from his
father, Maurice had to kee recalling that fact
to keep himself true to t e line marked out
for him by that parent, never so dearly loved
as now. -
Ashrillyi- i ’p iplrun sh ly in his
and das ing a-zand aims h‘irspeyes, the
lad mod for a backward g] cc, to give vent
to a snarl of fierce vengeance that was deeper-
seatod than most boys of his age would be
ca ble of feelin , as he saw several Indians
dly lashing th wiry ponies along upon his
track.

' Scarce knowin what he did, Maurice shook

his clinched ban in mad defiance. lifting his
voice in a fierce yell of derision.

“Come on ye impel The more the better!
Come on all of you! But the whole of ye'll
never go back on {our own legs!”

For the mo thinking only of lurin the
entire ngu n his own track and away rom
that 0 his fa er, Maurice gave the colt notice
to slacksn his pace to lend the impreuion that
his bolt was well-nigh shot.

Keen-e ed as crows, the Sioux yelled afresh

, as the to gain, but by that time the
chase ad sw far enough the first of the
uneven groun for Maurice ssethat only four
of the Indians ware followin’g him.

“The rest— Oh, father

Thatwasamomentbitter asdsa and once
gain the poor lad's eyes were with un-
us’écymn '“ 30:1:qu “a. twat: “£2.33

, ea parent 0 e
such heav '33s!

' aim td. orb musicians m Pm
wor rung roug isears, co
feltalmostast hhisfatherwascallingthem

aloud, ustashs had done before that separa-

tion. 0 vsagrsatstarsanda choking
,ashe stare? around for that father, but than?
' 'abunfiAndersonFflioy was

 

still commanding him to do his duty as son and
brother.

“ I will—I’ll mind, daddy!” he muttered,
huskily, as he cleared his eyes once more, and
touched up the colt with his armed heels. “ I’ll

,save mother and sister if it lays in the wood,

but then—I’ll have pay for you, if those—if
they—”

Fiercely though his passions were raging,
Maurice could not shape those terrible words,
even in his mind, but, all the same, an oath of
bitter vengeance was recorded against the
Sioux, in case their hands shed blood, so
precious in his sight, that day.

When that ride began, Maurice Filley was
buta ay, laughter-loving lad. If he lived to
reach ome again, he would be a man, in all but
in Iyears. . _

e resolutely put aside all distracting
thoughts, givin himself up to the duty as-
signed him by h s father. Until that duty was
fu 1y performed, he must consider nothing else
whatever.

He touched up his colt, riding for nearly a
mile before taking another glance over a shoul-
der, but then a frown wrinkled his brows. He
believed he had gained a few rods of ground on
the red-skins, and that without tpressing his
mount to the utmost, while each 0 the quartet
was lashing his pony with hot and merciless

fur .

l-{is brain worked rapidly, but clearly. He
knew that, long as was the path to their home,
he must gaina greater start than this rate of
winning indicated, or those red demons would
surely fell upon them ere they could hope to
reach the haven of safety mentioned by Ander-
son Fille .

“Stea y, boy!” he muttered, turning the colt
sli htly from a direct course, heedless of the
ye lingimps pressing them so hardl . “ You’ve
got to stand t, old fellow! There s more than
Kgur or my life hanging in the balance, this

ut,and— Yel on, ye dirty dogs!”

With a burst o passion, Maurice flung up his
rifle and took a snap-shot at the Sioux, though
each brave ducked low along their ponies’
necks at his first movement. The bullet sped
wide, as was to have been expected, but that
loss was balanced by the few yards the lad
gained by running free while they handicapped
their mustangs thus.

Maurice was now heading toward a point far
to the west of his home, but he believed he was
acting all for the best, and as the Sioux braves
veered to correspond, he put the colt to his best

speed.

If he could outfoot them on this line, well
and (good ;, when distanced in the race, they
won] still 'betoofar away from the ranch to
find it before he could hurry his mother and sis-
ter away to a place of comparative securit .
iszfiute was against him, however, and he shou d
a —

“Well, they’ll be so-far oi! the line that
maybe God’ll keep them from straying that

way!”

It was a lon and a hard chase. At any
other time or th only his own life at stake,
Maurice Filley- would have yielded to pity for
his noble colt, but now he could only pat that
sweat-dripping neck with a tremulous hand
muttering cheering, pitying words, but sti
pressing the allant animal to his utmost speed.

Little by 'ttle the Sioux began to strin out,
instead of riding in a ma! clump. nder
white riders, the Konies would long since have
been distanced. s it was, only one of the
braves came anything near to ho ding his own
with the light-weighted colt.

With each mile that distance increased, so far
as the three red-skins were concerned, but
Maurice n to look more anxious as he saw
that, while he colt was laboring heavily that
muscular mustang seemed running just freely
as at first! ’

By this time the afternoon was well nt,
and the chase had led far awa from the
line to the Filley Ranch. he prairie had
long since been lost s ht of, and the lad was
now fairl among the though he had so
sha hscourseas toavo the more difficult
an dangerous ground.

At length he could no longer detect aught of
the three Indians, and he believed they were
completely thrown out of the race. Still, might
it not be his that the would, by accident
or throng prior know] 0, strike the home
where his mother and sister were defenselen!

fear led Maurice to tElan a bold stroke,

and taking advantage of 0 first favorable
piece of ground, he drew rein, leaping from the
saddle and runnin back a few rods along his
own trail,tod own behindarockstanding
amidst bushes, no h the tops of which he
stood ready to fire instan his persistent
nor should come so near that failure would

hardly possible. ‘

In another minute the stern deed was accom-
plglllfid! usin l h to be the
y pa g ong enoug sure
mvage was past giving him further uble,
gauurécsangurnsd to h ls° colt. agdthmczgting,
e o a a throng e hills.

Onceoniydimtsmnd then but fora
briefspacs. . '

 

“Too late!” he muttered, huskily, resigning
the thought. “ Either he has won clear, and is
now at home watching for me, or—”

Even in thought he could not pronounce that
terrible alternative.

From each point of rising ground across which
he passed, the lad looked for signs of the red—
skins whom he had distanced, but none such
came to his eyes. Apparently they had aban-
doned the chase entirely to their better-mounted
comrade.

Still, it was possible that they might try to
follow his trail, and should they do so as far as
the corpse of that comrade, Maurice knew
enough of Indian nature to feel auured they
would turn themselves to veritable bloodhounds,
but what they would have revenge on the

slager.
or this reason he gave considerable time to
breaking his trail, icking out rocky tracts to
pass wer, and final y entering the little river,
after making a long angle awa from his home
course. For nearly half a mie he forced the
‘aded colt to wade far enough from shore to
leave no telltale signs of their ssage, and lost
a few other minutes in searc ing for a place
where they mi ht abandon the stream without
leaving betray ng signs behind them.

All of this consumed time, and it was fairly
dark when the youngster actually headed for
home once more.

Naturally his brain was racked with anxiety,
but he told himself that, through all, he had
acted for what he believed was the best. True,
he might have reached home some little time
before the sun set, had he headed direct, but to
do that would almost surely have led the Sioux
to the ranch, since he could hardly have dis- ~
posed of the four, as he had of the lone brave.

In fear and trembling Maurice was in his
stirrups to catch the earliest possible glimpse of ,
their house, and as he saw the bright mp—light ‘
gleaming through the open door and shutterless
windows, the reaction caused him to droop
dizzily in the saddle.

With a glad whim , the colt quickened his
pace, and it was 0 y when his sister sprun
through the doorway with a glad eeting, tha
Maurice was able to rally. Tru y t ere was
need of it. too, for, after that first ' cal],
Linda Filley innocently dealt him a itta'
wound by calling out:

“ Where’s father, Maurice ?
you’ve run away from him i”

“ Yes, I’ve— Mother!” hoarser cried the
lad, abandoning the colt and staggering to the
open door. “ Quick! pick 11 what things on
need for a night out, an leave this! he
Sioux have—"

“Anderson—your father, boy!" sharply, yet
tremnlously cried Mrs. Fille , springing acres
the room to catch the arm 0 her son. “He is
not— Why don’t he come, too?”

“ He’s. coming, mother, as soon- as he can
gather help,” Maurice forced himself to utter,
at the same time bravely meeting that loving,
terrified gaze. “He sent me on ahead to take
you both to the cave—you know what I mean,
mother?” ~ .

“ Yes, but-—" '

“ There’s no time for talking, mammy, dar-
ling,” yet stealing a moment in which to glently
stroke that pale cheek. “ Linda! make aste
sister! Dump grub in a basket, and take what
valuables vyou can car without to: much
trouble. e’ve all get get there—just got
to.

Wiser words mi ht have been chosen, per-
halps, but the Epor y was nearly beside him-
se , now that 'slast hope for his ather seemed
destroyed. For, had Anderson Filley fought
clear of the red-skins he surely would have
reached home before this!

Gathering u a liberal supply of food, to-
gether with a extra weapons, and such valu~
ables as they could carry in their arms, mother
daughter and son left the darkened home behind
them, ickingogheir wa with hurried steps
throngj the g m of ear y night.

Ben under his load of food and blankets,
Maurice ed the way, heading direct for the
cave which had accidentally come to their
knowledge only a few weeks before, long as they
had liv in its vicinity.

He urggi the women to haste, for, after what
he had t t day witnessed there was no telling
it what moment a band of bloodthirsty savages
might pounce down upon the ranch. And yet,
eager as he was to get them to a place of com—
parative safety, he dreaded the moments which
must follow.

How could he tell them the terrible truth?
He could not do it! He would lie to them, but—
what should he say? How satisfy their natural
anxieties! How-—

With so much to dishearten him, it is a won-
geri‘the poor, brave lad did not break down en-

,0

The cavern was reached without Met trou-
ble than that given them by the nature of the
ground, intensified by the gloom. So far
not a sound had come to add to their
fears. But Maurice was dreading most what’
must come when they were fairly settled within

that refuge.
In his desperation, Maurice silently dropped

For shame!

I

5 leaf in

  

8

 

White-Horse Wheeler.

 

I."

the bundle of candles which he had brought,

close to aniche in the wall near the entrance, for

he knew he could never school his face under

atocllear light, however he might train his tongue
ie.

“ Your father, Son!” his mother asked, turn-
in upon him the moment they entered the cave.
“ e is not—not dead i”

CHAPTER VIII.
A BIsKY BIT OF WORK.

AS she caught that question, Linda uttered a
faint cry, sobbing:

“Oh, mother, don’t—don’t talk so!”

“ Be still, child,” almost harshly commanded
the mother, adding to her eon, who Silently
yielded to her grasp on his arm. “ Tell me, son;
why did not Anderson come home with on i”

Now that the critical moment ha come,

Maurice faced it bravely enough, and in tones
the steadiiieSs of which fairly surprised himself,
he made anSWer:
‘ “Besause he couldn’t, mother, dear. Don't
worry, please, lnt-he told me to do just this!
He said for ine to hurry homo and look after
both oi‘ f. on. He said not to worry: that he was
going ti i'rtcli help; that the Indians had broken
out in i". rec, and-”

“M iu'ive, you are speaking truly?” inter-
rupted furs. l’illey, her doubts rising stronger
as the lud’s VOii’e thickened in his throat.
“Surly you would not lie to your mother,
even t. --_vour father is alive and We!!!”

“ He was alive and well, mother, when I left
him. i hated to do it, but—he said I just ’m'usf
come alone! lie said, tell you he would be
back, with help, just as soon as be possibly
001.131.”

“ Then—he was in danger when you left him,
Munroe!”

“ No,” bravely lied the poor lad. “ We met a
man who told us the Sioux Indians had broken
out. \Ve did catch a far~0if glimpse of what
may in; re been a squad of them, and th it‘s why
father sent me on ahead.” .

Maurice slipped from her grasp, unable to
bear more, just then, but dark as it was, his
mother detected his urpose of leaving the cave,
an! once more chec ed his steps with a quick
clutch, asking:

“ Y n are going-where, Maurice?"

“ Outside, to watch for father‘s coming,
mummy, dear,” was the coaxin response.
“ Yi, :i‘: e perfectly safe in here, uon i: you know
it? Hus father will be anxious, and so—please
let me go, mother!”

T-iere was a brief hesitation on her part, then
her grasp relaxed, and Mrs. Filley said:

“ Well, for that, Maurice; but. be careful,
dear! Don’t go far, and don’t stay long. You
know how—”

But Maurice did not wait to hear the ending.
Bo felt choking for air, although the cavern was
Spacious and fairly dry. He must get away to
a place where he might give free Vent to his

at up emotions without stint, or he felt as
hough he would go crazy!

The cavern was situated at the edge of the
rising 2r. iund, rough and rocky hills rising back
of i', rolling away until the river was reached
which poured a good! flood intothe Mississippi.

The sore! tortur lad breasted this rising
gri‘iivl'j, sca ing it blindly, staggering like one
di‘u men. He knew not whither he was going.
uni m: red even less. All he could think of was
his father, his nearly certain fate, and of the
lies he and forced himself totell his poor mother,
who might even then be a widow!

If toe lad paused once or twicetocast a glance
in the direction of the home they had so hastily
abandoned, it was almost unconsciously.

. What matter to him if too Sioux should

un-‘e down upon and give that home over to
he flames? V hat matter their property!
What matter anything, longer?

Under the most favorable circumstances, the
absence of Anderson Filley at such a time,
would have been sorely felt by his son, for the
bond of love was unusually strong between
them;' but after such a parting as theirs had
been, thought was torture, memory was little
short of madness!

And yet, the truth must betold in the end.
His u~ ther, his sister, both must know how and
and. r what circumstances that flouting had
tat-nu place, and once they knew a —

“ They’ll hate the very sight of my lying face!"
the poor lad moaned, sin ing upon the cool,‘
dun-p ground, almost burying his face inthe

o d as he shivered in mental agony.
“Poor mother! Will 3119— Don’t curse me,
mommy, darling! I couldn’t help it! Father
mule me go from him, and I
S we him—send him back to us, I ray i”

How long he lay groveling t us, Maurice
Filiey never knew, though it must have been
many long minutes. How long- he might have
lain thus 3 no
thought of the main purpose of their disastrous
tr! flashed across his tortured mind.

hat memory caused him to spring to his foot,
shakin a clinched hand in the direction of the
Lone anch, as be muttered hour-sly

" Only for you, Colonel Cougar! Only for—
ifharm has come to my mar other, you shall
pay for it all! I swear it. fore heaven!”

'I

no the casierto decide, had not a -

 

The very intensity of his hatred toward the

criminal whose evil doings had helped to bring }

about such bitter misfortunes, helped clear the

brain and restore the bodily powers of the tor- ‘

tured youth, and his fierce vow was hardly ut-

eyes with a curved palm, end gazing breath‘
lessly through the darkness and moonlight
which lay in strips and patches between himself 2
and a bright point of light which—

“ Gone!” as that light vanished as rapidly as 1
it had appeared. “ Can it be that the Indians i
have-- What would they be making such a 
signal for? Where am I, anyway!” ,1

it took but an instant for Maurice to fix his ,
location, and as he recognized his surroundings, T
he caught himself wondering how he had passed
so far away from the cavern, without a memory l
remaining. l

He was not far away from the high, rock-bound ‘
bank of the river, and the light be h caught ,1
sight of came from a point almost directly on 1‘
that bank. Surely it must have been a signal ,
of some description, but what, and given by,
whom? l

Unable to answer those questions with any de- 1
greo of satisfaction, Maurice stole toward that i
print, almost unconsciously, as he watched 3
for a repetition of the signal, if signal it had '
been.

The distance was not great, and his sense of l
locality was acute, while the lay of the ground l
between was fairly favorable for playing tlle
spy, especially to one who possessed iiii inborn
talent for scouting, as did young Filley. And
hence it came about that when the next brief
flash of light was given, Maurice was near
enough to catch a glimpse of the signaler.

“ It’s a white man’s rig—out, anyway!” he (16-;
cider}, his interest growing still greater. “ Not
an Indian? Then— Smuggling by glory!”

That thought was sufliCient to send the lad
ahead once more, for his native dislike to Co!-
onel Darke Cruger had by this time grown to
almost savage hatred. On! for him! Only for
his evil doings, Anderson illey would be safe
and sound, with his family!

The thought that he might thus pick up an-
other important link in the chain of proof
against his enemy, urged Maurice forward,
causing him to temporarily forget his waiting
mother and sister, with all their fears and anx-
ieties.

It did not take him many minutes more to
creep up close enough to See that there were two
men, both white, judging from their garments
as they shifted their position, ssing through a
patch of moonlight as they id so. But that
was all he could be sure of : .he failed to see their
faces, and by that uncertain light he could not
recognize their figures, even if those ought to be
fami iar to his eyes.

Only for his burning hatred for Colonel Cou-
gar, and the hope of learning more against his
record, Maurice would hardly have run the risk
of stealing clOser. But, where he n0w crouched
in the dense shadow, he could barely catch a
low, indistinct murmur as the two men con-
versed together, and they had settled down like
men waiting the arrival of some expected

rty.
puSince they showed no inclination to alter their
position for his benefit, Maurice silently backed
away until he could steal around on the other
side, where the ground lay more favorably for
his purpose. And at the first ofihis pauses while
so creeping, the lad caught a word or two which
would haveinduced him to run still greater risks,
if necessary : the name of his father, coupled with
a vicious oath!

In his burning eagerness to learn what evil
they could be lottin against his parent, Mau-
rice forgot a it of is prudence, and a small
stone was dislodged by his knee, falling into a
crevice with a little clatter, causing the men to
start, and stare keenly in that direction.

'1‘he’goung scout lay motionless in the shadow,
fairly stilling his breath as he made cars do the
duty caution denied his eyes; but nothing serious
came of it, 'and when satisfied that the men did
not mean to investigate further, the lad once
more crept forward.

In a few minutes more he had gained a point
from whence he could catch the louder words
spoken by the two men, though here and there
he lost near] as many more, makin it no easy
matter to to low their train of thong t.

Still, he heard sufficient to convince him that
they were by no means the warmest ihle
friends to his father, since that name 0 y came
to be coupled with a curse.

“ The boss’ll fix him out, of it shows that way,
an’ don’t you miss thinkin’ it, rdner!” camo‘
one course voice. as its owner a ifted his posi-
tion slightly. “ Ef old Filley reckons he kin—”

The rest was lost to the breathlessly-listonin
spyf but he dared not attem t to improve h

tered before he gave a quick start, shading his 
5

pos tion. Evenuit was, the allows could hard-
y move about much without discovering his
preconce.

Sgfiit ran on flpr several ringing; By r3110
no es caug on y 0 m0 1
ms in “i . were «is 

sgango Imuggm an a ey Y
gdpoctod Anderson Fille of playing the spy
upon their movement.

 

1 He learned, too, that at least one of the fellows

was stationed there that night to signal a smug-
: gling party that the coast was clear for them to
crOss the river, for, with words sufficient to hint
as much, he rose to his feet and slid back the
mask of a dark lantern, sending a brief shaft of
light out over the river bank.

Fearful lest his spying be discovered, and find-
ing small chance for learning more, Maurice

Lcautiously backed away, moving down the

river bank as being the best suited for his pur-
pose, just then.

Unfortunately he had lingered just a few
minutes too long, for he was yet dangerously
near the smugglers, when the time came for
their parting. Unluckily, too, Maurice was a
bit too far off to catch the words which might
have warned him in time to flee with greater
haste. All he knew was that both men rose
erect, and fearing lest they sight him, he lay
motionless where the shadow was most dense.

“That’s them, I reckon!” said one of the
couple, as an answering gleam came from the
further shore of the stream. “Well, I’ll be
iuogging ’long my way, pardner. Only wish’t
was yourn, though!”

“I’ll drink a swallOW for you, pardner,”
chuckled the other, sendingforth a final flash

from his lantern, then blowing out the light as ‘-

though its services would no longer be needed.
" lie geod to yourself, and if you happen to
stumble across old Filley, just add a kick and a
lick on my account, will you!”

“ Then you honestly reckon—”

“ I’d go my head on it, man i" with an angry
viciousness in his tones which Maurice caught
as he lay there listening greedily. “ The boss
can do us he likes, of coursv, but my eyes hain’t
blinded by a petticoat, and so I say it again:
Anderson Filley is playing us dirt!”

“ Wual, ef that’s so, reckon he’ll go into a sud-
den sickness, one 0’ these ’long-come-shortlies!”
grimly chuckled the other knave, as he set off at
a rapid pace through the night, leaving his mate

lto move more leisurely in the opposite direc—
‘tion.

Not until that instant did Maurice Filley
fairly realize his full danger, but his pulse beat
a bit faster as he saw that the signal-man was
moving almost directly toward the spot where
he was] ing! ' _

W on] he pass him by Without discovery? It
was a slim chance, but nothing better offered
than to chance it. Of course he was armed, and
at such short range, even the darkness would
not ruin his aim at a fleeing spy. Then, waiting
could hard! make matters worse, if a discovery
was inevita le.

One’s brain works swiftly in such emergen-
cies, and so with Maurice Filley. He simply

repared himself for action in case of need, so
ar as he could without surely betraying his
presence. Then— .

The signal-man actually tripped over the lad!
And, dealing him a heavy blow alon ide the
jaw as he fell with a fierce curse, Maur ce Filley
leaped to his feet and took to hasty flight. Too
hasty, alas! .

His foot came down on a loose stone, cousin
him to pitch heavily forward, and with a wil
cry of terror, he rolled over the precipice!

CHAPTER 1X.
waa'r SMUGGLnB DUKE FOUND.

“ Go easy—don’t rush it so brash, mate! Ye

in’t know-—" _
ca“ If I can’t, Duke can, Sabe Wolfert,” came
the retort, in .less carefully modulated tones
than that hurried warning. “ A body’d think
the timber was chuck-full of red-skins, each
and every one of them wild for bloody hair i"

“ Mebbe they be, an’ inebbe they’s wuss,
Mart Westgate. Mebbe I’m a blame ole fool,
. an’ mebbe you’re heap sight smarter'n the com-
mon run 0’ human critters, but—”

“But I’m banking on the good udgment of
Smuggler Duke, just now old to ow, and a.
he says nothing, so I say all’s well and coming
just as we want it should. Theres nothing

 

wrong about the cache, and all we have to do v

is to ull out the canoe, float it, then wait for
the sign that ail’s serene on the other shore.”
Two men were forcing their way through the
dark woods and drawin near to the bank of
the river, at this point 0 ering a shore far_ more
lccelsible than were the nearly perpendicular
s o to.
ro'i'lhey wed rfectly familiar with their
course, loomy t ough it was there beyond the
reach of the moonlight, and scarcely rendered
darker b the gathering clouds which I0 fre-
quently fted over the face of the moon it,-

Bbth a pared stron , active men, if not in
the rims of life, on y bearing their packs,
and hreadin the tangled woods with a celerity
and lack of‘ noise which proclaimed them
natural woodsmen. But now as they drew
nearer the river which they intended crossing,
their manner showed u different] , and he
whohadnntil then takent elead how old back. .
growing irritable at his companion’s lack of

“33103911 ye mate, it’s ’inst all reason!” he
gnawed, only to be flung a light, careless ro-
rt:

1

 

4»-

fi».

.4“
l
l

l

' "’

 

 

 

— ,‘~

".
‘1'
,i

 

9

 

White-Horse Wheeler.

 

 

“ Put reason in your pipe and smoke it, Sabe
Grumbler! i’ni steering by instinct, and——
Ah, good old dog!”

With a subdued rumble—neither bark, growl
nor whine-a huge St. Bernard reared up be-
fore its master, lightly touching him on each
shoulder with a mighty paw, then dropping
back on all-fours with wagging tail, once more
leading the way. '

“ burn the critter! what ye reckon he means
by sech doin’s?"

“Says I’d ought to lend you a bat in the
mouth for trying to make him out a puppy of
no sense at all, Sabe Wolfert,”retorted West-
gate, with a light chuckle. “ Come on, old
growlcrl Everything’s lovely, and in less than
an hour from now,‘ you’ll be down on your
marrowbones, begging Smuggler Duke to spare
you a wecnty bit of his good dog-sense!”

With the last words, Martin Westgute broke
through the shrubbery and stood upon the
river- bank, gazing directly across, Without
heeding either of his comrades, human or
beast.

“ Don’t see nothin’, do ye, mate?" whispered
Wolfcrt, only his head projecting berond cover,
for the Old Indian-fighter was nothing if not
cautious. '

“That’s just what I do see: nothing, and
plenty of it!” muttered Westgate, with a trace
of angry impatience underlying his guarded
speech. .“Tnis is the right point, {can make
oath, and it’s even later than he agreed upon,
but— All right, and I told you so!"

There was both relief and triumph in his tones
just then, for from the high bank across the
river, came a bright if brief flash, and the
smuggler knew that all was going well for
them.

Producing a tiny dark-lantern and opening
the slide, Martin Westgate answered that
signal, then plunged under conr for a_brief
space, to reappear with a baik canoe in his
arms. .

” Dump your pack and tumble in, old
growler,” he said to Woli’ert, as the seemingly
frail craft was placed upon the water. “ Unless
you’re so much ashamed of your evil croakmgs
that—— Hellow!” _

Unusual and startling sounds came to their
ears from the other shore, and with a half—whine
of dismal pleasure at the likelihood of his evil
predictions beingrealizad, the old Indian~tighter
crouched in his end of the canoe, grasping pis-
tols in place of paddle.

A sharp, inarticulate cry, followed bya heavy
fall, almost certainly into the river; then a hu-
man voice giving vent to savage oaths; then si-
lence most profound.

“ Back to kiver, man!" sibilated Sabe Wol-
fert, as Martin West ate gave a dip with his
paddle which sent 9 canoe clear of the
shore.

“ Shut up i” came the forcible but guarded re-
tOrt. “Go seek, Duke! Easy—play fish, good
fellow!”

Without a. splash loud enough to reach keen
ears 3 dozen yards off, the St. Bernard slipped
Over the edge of the canoe into the water, van-
ishing from sight almost immediately.

At the same time his master aided the current
with his paddle, sending the birch far down-
stream, then holding the craft almost stations?
while he bent a listening ear for further soun s
from shore.

All this took but little time, and even
Babe Wolfert had hardly occasion to turn im-
mtignt before a signal came from the further

11 .

“ Jack Broome, or some other fellow has bor-
rowed his whistle!” instantly decided Westgate,
than bending his face close to the water, and
forming afunnel with his palms, he answered
that signal.

” Say where that comes from, pardner, and
I’ll take of! my hat to you as heap si ht smarter
than the law allows l" e muttered, c ucklingly,
ashe lifted his head, to sweep the shore with
keen 9 es.

“ E you ketch a bullet—”

“ Oh, quit croaking, man! Does that look as
though a trap was waiti g for us?" his tones
catchinga ringo triump as a flash of clear
light came thmgh the gloom, now almost uni-
versal as the clouds grew thicker in front of the
moon.

Wolfert merely growled deep down in his
throat, for he, too, could not help recognizing
the s as that given b a friend and ally.

" D p when I do, Sahel ’ muttered Westgate,
preparing to return the with his lantern.

‘ It s all right, of course, ut—no harm to keep
on the safe side you know!”

The instant that signal was returned, the tw0
smugglers dipped their paddles deeply, sending
the canoe across and downward, far awa from
the t so recentl marked. And wai g for
not ng further, t e comrades paddled to the
other shore, then lay silently waiting for what
might come next.

Surely someth out of the usual course had
transpired, yet tha happening could hardlE be
very disastrous, since Jack Broome, fe ow-
knavo and smuggler, was still on deck and not
too badly frigh nod to make use of the signals
so. carefully agreed upon when a hint was sent

(A

 

forth that evil eyes were on the alert in that
section.

Westgate chuckled softly in his beard as a
bright light flashed forth close to the river’s
edge, some rods above the spot where the birch
was harbored.

“Not such a fool, Jacky, old son! But, now
that you‘ve proved it’s safe enough for better
men, shall we, Sahel”

Without waiting for a reply, Westgate gave a
signal which quickly brought the signalsman
that way, breaking into a vicious snail as he
caught a vague glimpse of the canoe and its
occupants.

“thy the deuce didn't you answer? Think
l’ve got nothing better to do than to prance up
and down—" ‘

“ Oh, switch off, you! What did you expect?
That we‘d come straight on to help you kick up
such a racket? What's the matter with you,
anyway Jzick Broome?"

“Matt-"r enough, and so you‘ll say unless
you’re bigger f0o1s than ought to belong to the
gang,” growled the signal-man, his uneasiness
growing more distinct as time passed. “ \l'e’ve
been watched by a cursed spy—that’s what’s
the matter with me!”

“ What! you don’t— Out with it all, you in— l
fernalilonkey l”gratingly spoke Westgate, losing '
all fiippancy of speech and manner at that!
startling assertion.

“ it’s out, ain’t iii Some critter was playing
spy, an’ I’ve got a jaw on me bigger‘n a Gover’-
inent mule, where he hit me a clip when—~”

” What was that splash in the water?”

“ When? Ididn’t— When?"

“Hark!”

Through the night there came a sharp bark,
followed almost immediately by a long-drawn,
melancholy howl. l

“Duke has found something, and I’d alm st
lay odds— Did you knock or throw anybody
over the bank into the drink, Jacki" '

“ Mei Never did anything of the sort! I was
moving down this way, after giving you the
sign all was right, when a devil of some sort ‘
tripped me up and knocked. me down and— fl
durvued if I know just what-all he didn’t do to :
me I .

Jack Broome broke off with a snarl of dicgust- 
ed rage, pressing one hand to his injured jaw. '
Only for the gloom which wrapped them up, his 1
mates might have read something of the truth '
in those knuckle-marks! i

Again that wailing h0wl came floating through i
the night, and with a smothered ejaculation, l
Martin Wes to left the canoe, giving its prow l
abjerk which ragged it securely upon the shineg i
I ore.

“Duke’s found something, and I’m going to ‘
see just what!” he muttered, giving his belt of 

weapons a hitch, then making sure his dark-
lantern was in good working order. “ You can
come or stay, just as you like: I’m going to ‘
Smu gler Duke!"

“ he fool’ dog’s yowltin’ ’c’ase he’s got a foot ‘
wet an’ don’t——

“You’re a liar, Saba Wolfert!" angrily
snarled the dog’s r, with a glance over his
shoulder as he set f rth on his mission of ex-
ploration. “ Duke’s calling me, and he never
has. That's heap sight more than can be said of
you or Jack Broome!”

Hard words, but those who accepted them
know how ready the speaker was to back up his
opinions and without open resentment, they
silently followed his lead.

The distance was not great, but the traveli
was difficult after the first few rods werecoverellf
The shore grew less - shelving and more abrupt,
masses of rook whic had fallen from the high
bank, barring the way now and then, and at ‘
times they had to proceed by using hands even
more than their feet.

At brief intervals that mournful howl was
given, starting soft and low, gradually risiu to
the weird, then dying away in sad notes 1: t
caused more than one shiver to creep up and
down the spines of the two sullen smugglers
following Duke’s master.

The breeze was blowing in their faces, from
the spot where the d was as yet unseen, but if
his scent was at ten t, Duke heard their ap-
proach, and sent back an ominous growl, which
outlystcleased when his master gave a reassuring
w i e. .

A quick, joyous bark came back, and West-
gate muttered:

“ He’s found something, sure, or Duke’d come
instead of sending his bark. Look to your guns,
lads, though I reckon there’s no danger. Duke
(but given hint that way, and I’m swearing
by him. you mind i”

Turning a rocky point, Westgate drew the
mask from his lantern, casting a broad fan of
ii ht in advance, giving a short ejaculation as
h s eyes caught sightof two figures: ‘one human,
the other canine. ‘

Smuggler Duke was squatting by the side of a
youthful figure which lay part] in the lipping
waters, just as though the noble 0g had dragged
it to land. -

It was the figure of a boy his eyes closed, his
face looking deathlike and ghastly beneath that
light. In one hand he clutched a broken branch,

 

as though he had sought to save himself from

falling further by catching at bush or tree in

‘ passin .

K

“ irood lad, Duke!” spoke I'i'estgute, giving
the St. Bernard an approvmg pat on the head,
then bending closer over that mozionless figure.
“ White-skin, and hardly weaned, but—l say,
Jack Broome!"

“ Who is it?" demanded that worthy, pressing
forward in turn, to give an ugly curse us his
eyes fairly took in that vision.

“ You know him then, Jack?” demanded
\Vestgate.

“ Know him? It’s young Riley, and his
father— Out 0’ the way, Mart \V’estgatel" his
voice growing still more vicious as one hand
gave the sturdy fellow a rude shove, a Wicked—
looking knife flashing from its sheath under the
grip of the other.

“Steady, Jacki
that?"

“ What do I mean?

What do you mean by

I mean t i cut his spying

‘ heart out, that’s u hat 1 mean! i mean l‘) pay

him bark for— He watched us, up yonder, and
heard too much to be let run longer!"

And with death in his face, with irurder in his
heart, Jack Broome bent forWui‘d to stab that
helpless boy'

 

CHAPTER X.
\VI‘iITE-Bi)RSE WHEELER IN ms GLORY.

ix his generous wish to give another a Chan 0
for his life, White-horse Wheeler hat! recklessly

v run his own neck into deadly peril, and as he
i turned Whirlygust aside to keep from rushing
' directly upon the newly «discovered Sioux

braves, it seemed to him that the whole plaid
was alive with the yelling, screeching, howling
red-skins.

Bidding his steed run level, the rough~ritler
opened fire. on those of his enemies brought
upon a flank by that abrupt and unexpected
change of course.

The range was rather long for revofier prac-
tice, even to one so nearly master of the wen.

u as Wheeler had‘ already proven himself.

ut if nothing better, it served to keep the in-
dians from securing anything like an aim Wilfl
their Winchesters.

Bullets bummed viciously past that swiftly-
flying couple, but never one broke skin or hits
on man or beast, and once more that taunti 1...:
laugh floated backward as the daring secut
found himself again in the lead, with all his
enemies behind or upon the flanks.

Only a recklessly brave man would have
thought of showin merriment under like cir-
cumstances, for f 1y a score wall armed and

I mounted red-skins, one and all hungry for hair,

were now in sight, all centering toward thas
white horse and its rider.

Possibly“ too, Wheeler felt rather less gay
than that laugh would indicate, for there was a
troubied light in his dark eyes as they cast
swift, comprehensive glances around, taking
note of his enemies and their relative positions.
But that trouble did not come through doubts
of his own ultimate escape.

“If I only could—but I can’t!" was passing
through his busy brain. “ If he caught that
pony, he may win clear. If he. didn’t-bwell-
wishing can’t save him if he’s fated to be lost,
onl —poor Linda!”

here lay the keenest sting of all! It would
be sad enough to lose her father, but how much
worse would it be for her to fall alive into the
clutches of human devils like these yelping

1m !
phat terrible thought caused Wheeler to send

Whirlygust ahead at a rate which forced yells'

of fierce envy andcovetous longing from the
lips of those savages, in whose eyes a perfect
horse is the some of their desires. Not one of
those who witnessed that superb exhibition just
then, but would have dared untold perils for
the faintest chance of winning such a magnifi-
cent war-horse.

Plainly as though their thoughts had been
expressed in words, White-horse Wheeler read
the meaning of those cries, and instantly his
mood changed. if he discouraged the sav es
too suddenly, might they not ve over I'th
chase as hopeless, and so turn but to make sure
of‘ 3.80 easier victfinibo ” h “fled 8i

easy, 0 y! e mu , Vin

Whirl gust a procure with his knees thug
broug t about a gradual reduction of his speed.
“ Don’t stall ’ein of! too mighty sudden, or we’ll
lose sport in the end. I know three or four of
those copper imps who are just honing to cross
over! And I'll give them free tickets, too, curse
them one and all!” «.

Not for himself was that curse. It was
drawn forth by the fleeting vision of a fair
young maiden lying helpless in those hrawny
arms—a maiden forwhom this wild rider had
conceived a sudden pauion, as true and honest
as it was fervent.

For five minutes longer White-horse Wheeler
kept straight ahead, steadily gaining ground on
his nearest pursuers, Whir gust running well
within his limit, yet ap g to bedoing his
utmost.

At the end of that period, all of the Indians
were to the rear, but still strung oht in a line
long enough to guard against any turn or double

 

 

10

White-Horse Wheeler.

 

on the part of the fugitive, rendering it impos- ,
sible for him to atte pt a reunion with Anderson !
Filley, unless he s ould try to fairly shoot his ,
way through that line.

At a signal from his master, W'hirlygust ap-
peared to stumble plunging forward several
yards with nose almost brushing the ground,
then recovering, but with a plainly perceptible
limp which drew a yell of fierce exultation from
the lips of the chasing red-skins. Surely they
must triumph now!

“In your minds, ye fools!" grimly chuckled
“'heeler, casting a look over his shoulder, then
plying his trail-rope as though viciously flogging l
his laboring steed. “Swallowed the bait, have ;
ye? W'ell, I’ll give you n pill or two to counter- ‘
act the dose, if you’re not wider awake than ‘
that savers 1”

Thinking more of the white steed than of its
rider, and knowing that his claim would lie best 7
whose hand or lasso first touched that magnifi- ,‘
cent creature, the Sioux held their fire, using i
heel and band to urge their panting ponies for—
ward in that mad chase.

Little by little some forged ahead, others fall- i
in: back as their overtusked mounts proved un- !
u; ial to the great strain, until less than a dozen I
0! them all remained within rifle<shot of the i
w, i ‘e horse. I

" if I onl had my \Vinchester!” repeated {
‘-" hauler as e looked over a shoulder at his ene-
rgies, now strung out at unequal distances, save
: mo alone; they seemed equally well-mounted,
and each was straining every nerve to be first ,‘
in at the death.

With a rifle in his hands, the rough-rider felt ;
that he would be master of the situation, hold-
ing the heels of them all as he surely did.

“ I could pick them off, one by one, and laugh 1
at their efforts t') even it up! I could clear them i
away, then turn back to see how poor Filley I
made out. If! Well, what’s t e matter with
borrowing a’rifle of one of yond r impsi”

More than once this bold fancy occurred to
him, but never until now as more than a fancy.
Yet, the Inn or he thought of it, the stronger
grew his wis , and White-horse Wheeler began
casting about for some plausible method of put-
ting that wish into execution.

The chance was not lon in offering itself, at
least in imagination, and s ightly veering to the
left, he headed for a little clump of trees which
lay something more than a mile in advance.

The Indians renewed their fierce yells at this
shift, and still more viciously flogged their ponies.
They evidently fancied the fn itive intended to
take eov r in his despair of s aking them off,
and Wh te-horse Wheeler fostered that idea
right shrewdly

“ You’re a limping cripple, poor Whirlygust!”
he chuckled, swinging an end of his trail-rope so
as totap the intelligent beast on both knees.
“ Your bolt is mighty nigh shot, and l’m terri-
bly afraid those yowlting imps will soon be
_ snarling over your— Steady, boy i” ‘

Once more the trail-rope was swung violent-
ly, but the lashes never touched hair of the
noble animal, who was limping heavily, yet
coveringground at a trul marvelous rate, con-
sidering his apparent con ition.

Only one thing ve Wheeler trouble: as
they saw him making for cover, those of the
savages who had dropped to the rear began to
spread out as 'though to make sure he was
driven to bay, without striking to right or left
for a more favorable position.

“ Surely the imps can’t have smoked my
trick i” he muttered, frowning darkly as he
took note of their actions. “ Well, if they
don’t spread out far enough to catch sight of
me in time to warn their fellows, I’m not caring
so mighty much i”

He gave Whirlygust the hint to put on a bit
' more steam, and as he drew near the timber-—
barely more than enough to gend cover to a

- horse and rider—he shot alon the lide of the
cover, as though he had altere his‘ mind about
making a fight of it at that point.

He heard the yells of fierce rage which broke
from the 1i 3 of his nearest ursuers at this
change, an a grim, hard smi e came into his
face as he abruptly turned Whirlygnst to the
right, swinging fairly around the rear of the
island, than coming to a trot as he faced to the
rear.

His intention was to double on the two sav-
ages in the lead, dashing out upon them with
his pistols when they came too close to escape
his onset. He felt confident he could dispose of
them both before they could get in a telling
shot, and have ample time in which to secure a
lVinchester and cartridge-belt before any of
the other red-skins could do him harm. After
that, the rest seemed comparatively easy to one
of his bold, self-reliant disposition.

It was a daring scheme, and by its very
audacity it deserVeil to succeed, but scarcely
had White-horse Wheeler turned to the rear,
than he drew rein' with a vicious ejaculation of
disgusted disappointment.

A yell came from one of the more distant red-
‘skins, who had veered far enough to the right
to be able to catch sight of the fugitive as, he
turned to lie in wait, and knowing that his trick
was foiled. Wheeler turned and dashed away

 

 

Once more in rapid flight.

   
  

As he swung fairly clear of the timber,
Wheeler saw how wise he had been in accept-
ing that distant warning. The two red-skins,

I instantly suspecting a trap of some sort, had

swung sharply to the left, and were covered by

r the bodies of their ponies as they raced madly

along.

As they caught sight of the paleface in ap-
parently unbroken flight, however, they rose
erect and renewed their fierce efforts to win

E the glorious prize that hung temptineg in the

balance.

“All right, you houndsl” grimly muttered
Wheeler, making ready for another and still
more reckless trick. “ If one bnit fails, try a
better one! Now—see how this fits your gills,
my jellies!”

W hirlygust suddenly seemed to stumble,
pitching forward on his knees, then rolling
over and over, as though cast by stepping in a
burrow of some sort which had effectually crip-
pled him.

And, shooting frog-like over the head of his
horse, the pale-face struck the ground, rolling
end for end, then lying on the broad of his back
like one completely stunned!

So adroitl was the trick turned that not for
a moment id the Indians suspect the truth.
Yelling with fierce exultation, the two braves
lashed their horses on, thinking only of claim-
ing, not losing, a scalp.

Oh they thundered, until each one was pre-
paring for a flying leap for the coveted trophy.
and they were barely a score yards away when
VVhite-horse Wheeler suddenly rose to a sitting
posture, each hand armed with a revolver, the
guns speaking swift as surely!

Only the two shots. At such short range,
and with such large targets, a miss was an im-
possibility in a master of the art of snap-shoot—
ing.

Two lives want out—lives long since justly
forfeited by innumerable outrages—and snatch-
ing up Winchester and cartridge-belt, White-
horse Wheeler gave a cry which brought
Whirlygustto his feet, ready for yet another
race or ruse, as the situation demanded.

Leaping into the saddle, White-heme Wheeler
rode straight toward the demoralized savages
who had witnessed that thrilling exploit, send-
ing a bullet ahead of him by way of gentle
warning.

Nothing more was really needed, for the
Sioux were in poor condition for a battle at
long bowls with such a master, and before half
a dfizen shots were fired, the enemy Were in full

ig t.

On! himself to take thought for, Wheeler
doubt one would havo asked for nothing more
enjoyable than to press the advantage he had
won, knowing that he could choose his own dis-
tance at will. True, that savored something of
cold-blooded murder, but did not these savages
deserve all the punishment that could be meted
out to them?

“ A humanity shrieker” might have said not,
but Wheeler was a Western man, who knew
the Indians as they are, and felt that killing
them wasa deed to be proud of rather than
ashamed.

“It’dbe glorious sport and I’d ask nothing
better, only—her first!” decided Wheeler, turn-
ing aside from the chase, confident that the de.
moralized red-skins would not rally in time to
give him further trouble. “ It’s too late and

too far to lend Filley a hand, but—my little,

lady may be in danger from those painted hell-
hounds !’

That then ht was nite sufficient to urge him
to speed, an even if hirlygust had not shown
himself fully willing to lend that steed, it is
more than probable his love-lorn master would
have showu him little mercy under existing cir-
cumstances.

Theron hly acquainted with the lay of the
countr , Vhite-horse Wheeler struck out to-
ward t e far—off hills, hopin to reach the Filley
Ranch before any stragg 'ng Indians could
chance upon it.

For the first few minutes, White - horse
Wheeler kept a keen lookout in the direction his
discomfited pursuers had taken, for there was a
possibility of their rallying and once more
starting afte his scalp; but nothing occurred
to strengthen that suspicion, and ere long he
had lost sight of them entirely.

Nearly an hour'more passed by without event
worthy of note, but at the end of that period
Wheeler drew rein sharply, for wild yells of
mingled rage and fear and agony came to his
startled ears!

 

CHAPTER XI.

TAKING-ONE FROM TWO.

THOSE startling sounds come from some point
almost directly ahead of \Vhiteliorse Wheeler,
although the fairly thick-growing timber through
which he was making his way at the time, hin-
dered him from at once ascertaining the caUSe.

“A white man for rocks!” was his instant
conclusion, the muzzle of his captured Win—
chester swinging upward and to the front. “ In
trouble, too, or I’m a mighty poor judge of
music!”

That unusual combination of rage, fear and

 

pain, offered a puzzle in itself, and a few mo-
ments were lost through an attempt on his part
to reach a better solution of the enigma.

The cries were almost continuous, one instant
sounding as though their luckiess author was
pleading for mercy, the next apparently in mor-
tal agony of body or of mind. while through all
ran an echo as of mad oaths and fierce curses.

“Wake up, Whirlygust, and let’s see what
sort of picnic it is we’ve run up against, any-
way!” quickly decided the rough—rider, holdin
his rifle ready for instant use as his good stee
rapidly but quietly advanced toward the spot
from whence came that odd alarm.

It was barely possible that his first suspicion
of a cunning trap being spread for his worsting
was correct, though Wheeler had about reject-
ed that natural idea, and this precaution was
simply born of common sense. Trouble there
surely must be, and White-horse Wheeler had
no notion of making himself the prime suf-
ferer.

Letting the stallion pick its own course, the
scout devoted his entire attention to the ground
in advance, his keen eyes roving over every
point for the first glimpse of an enemy, and he
won it, too!

The dark woods began to brighten a bit, and
knowing that they must be coming to an open-
ing of some sort, Wheeler gave Whirlygust the
Sign to halt, just before they reached the edge
of a natural glade set down in the forest.

The opening was y no means an extensive
one, although it 8.60 ded am le space for the
border drama just about to e enacted. The
ground was level, free from trees, covered with
a sparse growth of coaise ass.

‘ Thedevil!”e‘jacnlated 'hite—horse Wheeler,
as he caught a fairer glance at what was
ing on in that little glade. “ Two devi 3,
rather!” .

Two brawny Sioux braves were seated upon
their ponies, their whole attention devoted to a
third person, whom they were bent on putting
to a noval torture. That person, from whose
lips issued threats and prayers and curses. all
in a crazy jumble, was surely of white descent,
but only his words and his garb could be ac-
ce ted as proof, just then.

he noose of one lasso was tightly closed
about his ankles, while that of another enc1rcled
his arms at the elbows. The other ends were
fastened in the customary manner to the ponies,
and with ugly laughter at the s ort to 0 me,
the Indians were preparing to ri e in opposite
directions, to test their mustangs in a pulling-

matc l

. All of this White-horse Wheeler took in at a
single glance, and in that sight he felt et an-
other spur to his fierce hatred toward al of the
red—skin race. He lifted his rifle until the sil-
ver bead drew clearly against the ribs of the
further red-skin, and the slightest imaginable
increase of pressure on the trigger would have
slguéided! the death-note; but that pressure was

c ing .

“If I drop the riders, what will the ponies
do? Jerk da lights out of the poor fellow, be-
fore I could rop the lot of ’em! ,

The red-skins were busied with their lassoes,
slowly payin them out and lengthening their
line of three inks diagonally across the front,
as re resented by Wheeler and Whirlygust.
The urthest red-skin was considerab y less
than a hundred yards away, and Wheeler knew
that his aim was good for the head of a squirrel
that far, so that it was not a dread of missing
his mark that held back his fire.

He knew'that he could shoot down both of the
Sioux before the could either flee far, or draw
a gun to return is fire; but while this was be-
in done, what would be the fate of yonder
he pleas wrewh? Hampered as he was, even a
single contrary leap of the ponies might kill or
cripple their captive. '

It was a difficult situation and matters were
not bettered any by the lack of time in which
to study out the proper solution; even now, one
of the copper-skinned imp!) was flinging up a
hand with a cry thatttold is comrade to begin
their barbarous r

“ All right, anmuck has it!” decided White-
horse Wheeler, his Winchester rising to cover
the further Sioux. ‘

A horrible screech of doth-agony blended
with that spiteful report, and shifting his aim
with marvelous rapidity, the revenue scout sent
asecond bullet crashing through the brain of
the mustan ,givinga ringin cheer as he caught
a limpae 0% man and beast 0th going down in
a heap together. '

That same cheer sent Whirlygnst forth from
cover, charging direct upon the second Sioux,
who, tried and trained in wild life, had instant-
ly caught at his gun, dropping the lasso, and
causing his pony to leap ahead and to one side
at the same time.

White—horse Wheeler saw the rising rifle, but:

he made no attempt to duck or to dodge, riding
straight for the red-skin, fast as noble Whirly-
gust could carry him, throwing out the em ty
shell and driving another cartridge into ‘the
firing-chamber as he came.

Reckless of life when in battle-heat, his main
care was for the. hapless'wretch whose wild
cries had caught his attention, and in hOpes of

   

in}. "l x

‘ \ a--.

  

 

A’-

J.)

“

x A ....-—

\ngm -,,

.,',

o

White-Horse Wheeler.

'11

 

 

causing the second savage to wheel and dash
back toward his fallen mate, when he knew he
could surely get in a fatal shot before the dead-
ly “ luck” would come, the scout rushed for-
war as described.

He saw the puff of smoke come from the In-
dian’s Winchester, and he felt as though a point
of fire had been lashed across his cheek.

he had been hurt, for another onward bound of
the mustang would surely do harm to yonder
helpless captive.

“ Man to dog, and you’re the yelper, buck!” -
he cried, with fierce recklessness, even then.
holding his fire, freeing his right hand for a _

grasp at his enemy, or at his pony, whichever
mi ht seem advisable.

l ’ith a defiant whoop the savage swayed to 
one side, giving his mustang guidance thus, .

while he flung out the empty cartridge-case
and snapped a fresh shell into the vacant cham-
b

er.
White-horse Wheeler whirled his own rifle.

He .
knew that a bullet had struck him, but there 3
was no time for asking how little or h0w much '

dingy hand unsteadin brushing across his face,
as though to clear his still dingier eyesi ht.

Although he had as yet examined t eman’s
person only with his eyes, W bite-horse Wheeler
elt tolerany certain no serious injury had been
received by this stranger, and, with his fears on
that point set at rest, he had time to consider
other matters.

From what he had witnessed that afternoon,
it was certain that an unusual number of red-
skins were in that section, and from tidings
which had come his way of late, he had little
diflicult in hitting the truth of the matter;
Sitting ull was fleeing for the Canada line with
his Sioux, and these braves were a straggling
portion, plundering as they fled.

It might be that no others were in that imme-
l diate vicinity, but, on the contrary, there might
be enough within ear-range of those shots to
render further delay in that quarter equivalent
l to death.

“Don't be a fool, man!” he said, impatiently,
turning toward the fellow after taking a keen,
Sweeping look around them. “You’re able to

around, barrel striking barrel just as hammer ; sit a pony? If on had to, I mean? You‘re not
tell, and the discharge seemed severe enough to r so badly hurt t at you couldn’t run away from

twist both weapons from their owners’ hands.

And then the shock came, Whirly ust striking |

1 another pack of red-skins?”
9 They hain’t—good Lawdl” spluttered the

the slighter mustang, while Whee er grappled  fellow, scrambling to his feet, smartly enough,

With the savage, tearing him from the s

the ground.

Swift as thought, and before the pony could , his face, and White-horse

. in- r though he ate gered for a bit before he could
covered saddle-tree, hurling him headlong to ‘ fairly managefi

is legs.
That action flung the shag y hair away from
heeler caught a

start away, Wheeler caught the hair-bedecked , squarer look into his face than he had as yet

reins with his left hand, bringing both animals
to a halt, his right hand jerking forth a re-
Volver and instantly putting it to the best pos-
sible use.

None too soon, either, for the hardy buck
was grasping a weapon as he rolled over seem-
ingly unharmed by the fall which would have
killed almost any white man.

Only the one shot; then White-horse Wheeler
could give his undivided attention to conquer-
ing‘ the Indian pony.

hat was not such an easy task. Like all
such, trained to both hate and fear the white
man, the mustang tried to break away, snap-
ping its gleaming teeth in vicious lunges at that
colirtlrolling arm, squealing like a crazy boast the
w 1 e.
Still thinkin of the ca tive white, Wheeler
whipped forth is knife an drew it across the
lasso, now drawn taut b that plunging brute.

- But with that care ofl h s mind, it was only the

work of a few moments for the cool and dex-
trous scout to in the mastery. ‘

Leaving W rlygust to care for himself,
White-horse Wheeler rushed the mustang across
to the nearest tree, to which he quickly had him
tied, leaving the unruly brute with a muttered
word or two:

“ Stay put, you wormy brute! Butt our
fool’ skull empty, if ye like, though I may ave
a better use for you than that; unless yonder
p00r devil has croaked 1”

Only pausing long enough to sweep a glance
around, lest other red-skins had been within
hearing of those shots, and were rushing to take
a hand in the game, White-horse Wheeler re-
covered his repeater, then sprung across to.
where the being on whose behalf he had in-
curred so great a risk was lying.

He was by no means certain that his efforts
had been wholly successful, for he knew that
one or two severe jerks had been given the poor
fellow, despite all his care to the contrary, and
after the sa ple of lusty lungs he had so recent-
ly offered, 9 must be pretty seriously hurt to
lie so still and so silent.

Ragged, and dirty, and stained with blood,

the rescued man certame presented an thing
butan agreeable sight just then, but hite-
horse Wheeler was not over-critical at such
times, and hurriedly loosened and cast off the
two ropes, as the first practical move.
. “ Rouse up, Johnny!” he cried, briskly, drop-
pii‘ilg to his knees by the side of the late captive.
" ou’re not nearly so dead as you think, if
you’d only quit thinking that way! Rouse up,
and— Good enough 1” I

With a painful catcbin of his breath, the
fellow gave a stir. his cl lids parting for a
moment. A husky rattle sounded in his throat,
and then, as his hands and feet began to squirm
so the broken flood of oddly-blended curses an
prayers started afresh.

White-horse theeler burst into a grim laugh,
his worst fears set aside b that outburst, and
as the fellow fairly opened" his eyes, his strong
hands gave him a jerk that lifted his person toh
sitting posture.

“Wake up, Johnny Lost! Didn’t I tell you
you wasn’t nigh a croaker, yet! Why, man,
gear, you’re fit to preach a brimstone sermom
. n___ I

“ Whar—which—what—”

“ thy, when, whither. and what for?” cheeri-
ly interposed the revenue scout. “ If not, why
not? Come, man, dear, get a brace on you, and
prepare to do your share in receiVing the com-
pany which may come howling in upon us at
any moment. I

“You don’t -thsn I hain’t—them p’izen imps
didn’t yank the day" hts clean out 0’ me!”
:huskily mumbled the wildeer follow, one

7

1 done. He gave a barely perceptible start, and
l acurious ii ht shot into his black eyes. That
glitter beto ened recognition, but for the mo-
ment he gave no further si n to that effect.

“Comeover to cover, 01 man,” he said, crisp-
ly, a hand closing on the other’s arm and urging
him toward the tree to which the Indian pony
had been tethered short] before. “ I didn’t say
there are any more r ~skins coming, but it’s
just as well to catch the first glimpse, if they
should turn up. And so—what did you say
your name was?”

“Ounce—Peleg Ounce, boss! And of ever
nilogrtal critter was thankful to ’nother fer—
e 3

“ How’s smug ling, nowadays, old boy?” cool-
ly asked White- orse Wheeler, a peculiar smile
coming into his strong face.

CHAPTER XII.
ran nnsnarnn RANCH.

AN indescribable sound rose to the lips of the
ragged fellow, and he shrunk back as far as
that firm grip would admit, his dirty visage
{jarring perceptibly paler, even by that fading

q‘I don’t—smugglin’—” he gasped, huskily,
giving a sudden twist with his arm as though
onging to break awa in headlong flight.

“Never even hear of such a thing before,
did you, Peleg?” mocked the revenue scout,
easily maintaining his grip. “Well, what’re
£011 11;” such a mortal sweat for, then, good

e e . -

“ never— Good Lawdl"

“Who said you did ? Can’t a fellow ask a
simple question concerning the main industry
of a country, without sendin the person he
questions into a conniption fit, elegl’

Ounce drew a long breath but it was not ex—
actly one of relief. He he received a shock,
but he was not utterly devoid of shrewdness,
and had sense enough to lock his lips until he
could rall his wits in a degree.

White- orse Wheeler gave a little chirp
which brought Whirlygnst to his side, ready
for whatever duty came next. Wheeler un-
hitched the mustan from the tree, holding its
head firmly while idding Peleg Ounce mount
the creature. ‘

“ You hadn’t ought to regret leaving this
spot, pardner,” he said, lightly, “and I'll feel
my thatch heap sight safer when I’ve put a few
miles behind me. So—up you go Peleg!”

“'ithout a word Ounce scram led into the"
Indian saddle, and when he was fairly seated
therein, Wheeler released the pony, leaping
upon his own good steed, ready for what might
come next.

“ Don’t run away, or get run away with, I
beg of you, Peleg!” he called out, as the mus-
tang tried to unseat its new rider. “I never
could be dead sure of my aim in the dusk and
I might hit you in place of that brute, if I had
to shoot!"

“ I won’t— Dug-gun ye fer a p’izen critter!”
anted Ounce, as he fought with the contrary
rute.

But Ounce proved himself a more‘than or-
dinarily good rider, and after trying a few 11 ly
tricks, the mustang submitted to the reins, a d
White-horse Wheeler led the way from the
death-glade, neither man speaking a word un-
til several miles were placed behind them.

Then the tract of timber was fairly cleared,
and seein nothin on the open stretch ahead to
suggest anger“ bite-horse Wheeler turned

 

 

ilpon his companion, speaking coolly, but firm-
y:

‘,‘1

,e‘{

 

Now, my dear Peleg, about that smug-
gtlghg: you say you don’t know anything about
i I

What smuggling, boss?”

“Smuggling in general, Peleg, for the pres-
ent. Were you working for the chief, or just
taking a trip on your own account, when those
red~skins nabbed you, back yonder?”

“ ’Fore the good Lawd, boss, I never—
Shorely you don’t reckon I‘m one 0’ them p’izen
critters, sir?”

“Then there really are p’izen critters, alias
smugglers, in these parts, Peleg ?”

“ For I was jest out on the loose, like, boss;
jest moseyin’ sorter keerless over tOWn—ways,
thinkin’ mebbe I’d be able fer to strike a job fer
the fall lumberin’, ef nothin’ better, when them
p’izen imps bed me in two ropes, so mighty
quick 1 never knowed how come I so!"

“ And your pack of smuggled goods, Peleg?” :

“ So help me, boss I never bed no pack 0’ no—
thin’l An’ of you hedn’t come up iestas vou
dld— Boss, ef ever I fergit yer fer doin’ that,
ho 1 may rot on my two hoofsl"

hatever might be said concerning his first
denial, there could be no doubt as to Peleg
Ounce s thorough earnestness in this expression
of gratitude. He leaned over in the saddle.
catching the hand nearest him, pressing it to his
feverish lips, then resting it for an instant on
the crown of his hatless head.

That action was not without a certain rude
grace of its own, and he to whom that mute al—
legiance was vowed, did not entirely escape its
influence. Still, White-horse Wheeler was not
in a sentimental mood, just then, and withdraw-
ing his hand, he dryly spoke: _

‘Stick to your knitting, Peleg, old boy! I
know you and your past record a great deal
better than you give me credit for, perhaps. I
know that you can tell me not a little concom-
ing this smuggling scheme it you only see fit to
do so, and while I hardly like to presume on a
favbr bestowed, business is business. you under-
stand?”

“ Kin I tell what I don’t know, boss?" uneasily
muttered Ounce, as they resumed their advance
across the open ground. “ Surely you don’t
want me to stuff ye with lies?”

“ That’s precisely what I’m objecting to, Pe-
leg,” came the cool retort. “ Stuff me with
honest facts, and I'll take all you can offer, but
I’m drawing the line at lies.
who saved you from being torn limb from limb

by those red im , I ask you in: how goes the
smugan in t 5 section, old y!”
For a rief space there was silence, during

which the two men rode along at a fair gait,
White-horse Wheeler patiently waiting for his
answer. It came, at last.

“ Ef I tell what I know, or guess at, boss,
you’ll hold me cl‘ar?”

“ Not only that,.Pelsg, but I’ll see that on
are well paid for all the information you ve,
when its ull value is made known. Isn’t that a
fair and a square offer?”

“It’s white—er the gentleman as makes it,
sir," said Ounce, seriously enough, so far as the
Revenue Scout could ju e from his tones alone;
already it was too dusky or close gazing. “ An
fer the fu‘st offer, I’ll say this .' Ef you hain’t
tired o’ livin’fboss. better turn up this job you’re
on, an’ hunt safer quarters!”

Now—as the man,

,0

“ In still plainer words, you think I’m—just '

what. Pal I”
“ Mebbe wouldn’t feel nigh so sure, boss,
only for the critter you’re ridin’, but that—

Waal hain’t you the man they call White-horse .

Whee er?”
“and what sort of animal may that be, Pe-

eg?’
“ A rev’nue spy, boss, of ye want me to spit

'it right out.”

“ A revenue spy, is it? And how did you
learn about him, eleg, unless you are Iplaying
cahoots with the smugglers up here? lying
comes easiest, old man, just go slow enough to
let the truth catch up!” ‘

“ You done saved me from the awfulest death
mortal critter ever bed m out to him,
sir " came the earnest response, “ an’ of I cain’t
tell you the clean truth, I’ll jest button up,
ti ht! An’ so—I hain’t never done no smug-
glin’, sir. but I’ve knowed thar was sech truck
gwine on in these parts. I’m not sayin’ as how
I could putt my thumb right flat on to 0’ any
0’ them as hev tuck part in them sort 0 doin’s,

author; but I will say this much: Word hes ’

come up hyar that the Rev’nue ’tective knowsd
as White-Hess Wheeler hed tuck the job 0'
huntin’ out the gang. Word hes come that you

—that he is some’rs in this neighborhood a’ready. «
Waal, boss, I‘ve ketched odd-come- ‘

And so—
stray hints that of 'sech a man did come hyar,
he‘d ketch his last sickness in a holy hurryl”

Peleg Ounce rattled ofl.’ this long speech like
one who fears interruption before he can have
his say out, but White-Horse Wheeler listened
placidly, so far as outward seemin Went.

Inwardly, though, he was far rom bein at
ease, for he knew that his task would be dou led
in difficulty now that a hint as to his mission had
leaked out. As for the increased peril, that dd
not cause him a single quaim.

U Su
horse heeler, Peleg

.r; . .,

' g I tell g'youl’m: not this we:  .

 

T

12

“ 1’11 be mighty glad of it—on your ’count,
boss,” came the quick response. “ Him or not
him, I owe you my life, an’ that’s all I’ve ot to
hear fer. You acted clean white, an’ I’ll o my
level best to pay ye back in the same cyne, ef
ever the chaince turns up, bess l"

“ Even if i should turn out to be this revenue

2‘1

“Even if you was to turn out the devil his
own self, sir! ’

“That’s hearty, at any rate,” with a short
laugh, then adding: “ All right, l’eleg, and I’ll

ut you to the test without delay. My name is

dgar Winston. I’m interested in the welfare
of a family called Filley, who have a ranch not
far from here, and—”

“ 1 know ’em, boss 1”

“You are to be congratulated, l‘eleg! To
know that family is-a liberal education in itself!
Now~I’m going to the h‘illey l’tanch, to make
{life 110 1183‘!!! comes to that family, through
those resealiy Sioux. It may be that we’ll run
onto a. fight before the end comes. but you’re
not afraid to hold your end level, l’elegi”

“ I’ll stick to you, been, ontel you give me the
shake.”

“ Good enough!
ent, Peleg; now, it’s legs, do your duty

Throughout all this talk, which had been bro-
ken by frequent pauses which did not call for
space in print, the two strangely-met compan-
ions had been pressing onward at a rapid pace,
and when White-horse Wheeler finally “rung
off,” they were at a point barely a league distant
from the Filley lianch.

Ever since parting from Anderson Filley after
that hastily-uttered greeting, Wheeler had been
more or less seriously troubled on his account.

True, he had done all that lay in his power to
aid the rancher, and far more than any ordinary
mortal could or would have risked; but that
fact did not lighten his mental burden. Loving
Linda Filley as he did, though under an assumed
name and character, thanks to his dangerous
mission in that region, Wheeler naturally wish-
ed all good to her relatives. But, despite his
efforts to believe in the escape of the rancher,
he was not able to do so, and when they came
into sight of the building its complete darkness
gave him a fresh thrill of uneasiness.

Had Anderson Filley indeed escaped, reaching
home in safet . only to abandon it in company
with his fami y? ,

“ God grant it may be that ! " mentally pray-
ed the revenue scout, as he moved forward,
finally drawing rein and leaving the two horses
under cover before advancing further.

“Mighty airly fer ’em to bunk in, don’t ye
reckon, boss?” ventured Peleg, in low husk
tones that betrayed a certain degreeo un -

Talk snfiicient for the pres-
l

noes.

“ Quiet! Follow, but stop like you were
among sleeping rattlers!" - I

Not unti he had completel encircled the
house and its outbuildings, did heeler venture
up to the door. His rap sounded hollowlg, and
it was with a heavy heart in his bosom t at he
tried the knob, to feel the lock answer his
touch, the door swinging silently n.

Beyond a doubt the family had sported; but
how, and whither?

Surely the red-skins had not paid a call? Pur-
sued b soldi as they were, surely they could
never ave res the tom tation to complete
their dastardly work by app ying the torch?

If other lives had been interested, perhaps
Whito-horse Wheeler would have acted and
reasoned diflerently but even a detective is no
more than a man, while deeply in love, be it re-
membered. ,

Closing the door w on Pele Ounce had fairly
crossed the darken t old, White-horse
Wheeler struck a match for the purpose of
making an inspection of the building, to satisfy
his h , or confirm his fears.

By at fiickerin flame he saw an oil lamp
standing on the tab 0 in the center of the room,
and touching the wick, he quickly bad light
enough to answer all purposes.

Almost his first sweeping glance gave him
joy, for, while the room bore a disordered ap-
pearance, there was nothing of the ruthless

estruction which surely would follow a visit
from red-skins.

“ Filley gpt back, and they’ve fled to safer
quleitrftcrsl” e said, with along breath of intense
re s .

That belief did not prevent his making a more
thorough examination of the lower floor (the
house was a story-and-n-half high), however,
with the natural idea that, leaving in such
haste, his friends might have overlooked some
valuables which he might be the means of sav-
ing to them, in case of the worst.

iko some late! -beaten hound, meek and
downcast, Peleg nco stood awaiting the
pleasure of the man who had saved his life that
day. He showed little interest in the search,
however, and it was his keen oars which can ht
the first alarming sound from without t
ng. 7

There came the approachin clatter of hoof-

' , strokes, and Peleg. cried out in usky, tremulous

warning: . ,
“ Injuns, boss! They’re oomin’ hyar! We’re
hatched in a death-trap l”

 

White-Horse Wheeler.

CHAPTER XllI.
GRIM DEATH AT THE DCOR.

l
l

WITHOUT the slightest premonitory warning '-

came that grisly apparition, and it was not un-
til the gaunt and hungry-looking mountain lion
showed its gleaming fangs in a menacing snarl
that Anderson Filley fairly realized the nature
of the horrible trap he had fallen into.

For a single breath he Was almost paralyzed,
staring at the crouching beast with dazed eyes,
and it was only instinct that had caused his
armed right hand to rise on guard. '

Whether the work of an overstrained fancy or

not, the rancher heard a low, mocking chuckle,
as though his merciless enemy was watching for
his death beneath those great paws and hungry
fangs.
_ A curse went out against Colonel Cougar, and
instantly every new: and every instinct was
brought into play, not so much to save his own
life, as to foil the fiendish hopes of his ruthless
ca tor.

Vith dagger ready to strike, Anderson Filley
slowly, silently moved back toward the side
wall, keeping his face turned toward the lion us
that huge cat treacherous] y shifted position,
trying to win a station from whence it might
spring upon his back.

“ I ’twas only the tWo-legged cougar!”

Over and over again that fierce wish flashed
through the brain of the imprisoned rancher,
and each time it came, the thought seemed
to lend him another degree of strength and cour-

a e.
glle began to regard the lion as the representa-
tive of Colonel Cougar, and to feel that as he
fared in this contest, just so would he come off
when human beast took the place now filled by
four-footed animal.
' In such moments the brain works with mar-
velous rapidity, and while he was slowly shift-
ing his position from the center of that cell to
one of its stone walls, Anderson Filley had time
to recall more than one grim, even weird rumor
concerning the morbid fanc Colonel Darke
Cruger had shown for wild asts of the cat
specres.

Vague hints as to imprisoned brutes which.
when driven doubly ferocious by starvation and
tortures, were turned loose upon each other, to
fight and wrestle until death came in as a double
victor.

Up to now he had given those ugl rumors
barely a gassing thong t, but one an ll came
back to is busy brain as he stood facing that
purring, snarling. grinning cat.

Through it all Anderson Filley kept watching
his ugly antagonist, dagger ready to receive its
body when the ion should come, his dull
marvel being that it ad been delayed even 80

ion .

Igossibly it was that glittering iece of steel,
the like of which may ave been sit by the lion
before his capture; or there may have been a
magnetic influence felt through the gray-blue
eyes which so steadily kept watch 11 11 its own;
but, for some reason or other, the ion delayed
its lea , slowly, almost impe tibly edging
aroun the cell, close to the wall, ut with egrin-
nin muzzle ever pointed toward its long -for
v c in.

Anderson Filley imitated this movement, so
far as keeping the same relative distance be-
tween them was concerned his left hand behind
him and touching the cold stones to guard
against the slightest slip or unstea ness on his
own part, for he knew how surely that would in-
vite an attack which could hardly end save in
his own death beneath those massive paws, those
brig]. hungry teeth.

us it came about that, almost without
realizing the o of time or of space, Ander-
son Filley fol his fingers sli from the smooth
stones to emptiness, or he ad edged his way
around the cell until his back was brought in
line with the opening through which the lion
had leaped, a few moments before.

A curious thrill shot over him as he realized
this much; and with that thrill came a wild,
fantastic fancy, so vivid that it seemed as
though a picture was painted upon his very eye-

lls.

What if the lion should make its loop at that
instant; what if he .could drop to the floor, or
leap aside at the precise moment; would not
the beast shoot thro h that opening, into the
den from whence i had so unexpectedly
sprun i
I Tru it was a wild, weird fancy, but for a
single reath of time it was entertained as not
only possible, but practicable, by the over-
strained brain of the doomed rancher.

If tb huge out had made its leap just then,
boy ’doubt Filley would have done his

tow 'ocomplishing that odd transforms ion,
but t e lion la motionless, save for its squirm-
ing tail-tip. ungiz though it doubtlem was,
no yet could it mu er pluck for a death-lea
u n the desperate being who so boldly faced t

t are.

That impossible be quick] gave place to
another, far more resemble, and the rancher
was once more a man, eager to save his own

life.
With the hand behind his back he measured
the height of that opening. It was rather

 

higher than he liked, but he believed he could
surmount that difficulty with the others.
Shifting his unarmed hand until his fingers
closed on the edge of that heavy door, all the
while holding the lion in check with his keen

' and steady gaze, Anderson Filley gave a. leap

which doubled legs and body together, and at
the same time sent him backward through that
opening, his left hand swinging the heavy door

I shut at the same time.

 

It was an awkward thing to perform, with so
much at stake. A single miscalculation would
surely rove fatal, for the lion would be upon
him be ore he could recover sufficiently to meet
that assault.

The lion (lid leap, but too late to catch the
rancher, too late to do better than slam the door
shut and bruise its widely-opened jaws against
that tough barrier!

Anderson Filley fell heavily on what ap—
peared to be another stone floor, similar to that
of the cell which he had just deserted, but he
was battling for dear life, now, and instantly
regained his footing.

He heard the snarling brute recoil from its
baiiied leap, and saw the door Swing open an
inch or two. ‘

“ He’ll claw it Open! Now can 1—”

Memory answered, eVen before that question‘-
conld fairly shape itself, and Filley jerked a.
pie"e of stout cord from the pocket in which it
had been passed over as useless while he was
searching his garments for seinething by which
he might pick that strong lock.

Doubling the cord, he passed it over the pro--
jecting bolt, pulling the door shut, just in
finie to once more cheat the eager claws of the
ion.
The solid wall seemed to shake before the
might of its leap, and as its sharp claws rattled
anr scratched against the oaken door, the blood
of the rancher turned chill, and he grew faint
at heart with thought of the horrible fate
lwhich he had so narrowly escaped for the time

eing.

Still, he was not so utterly unmanned as to re—~
lax his grip on the doubled cord, and those claws
rattled away without doing him any ill. And,
ache heard the mufiled snarling of the baffled
beast, Anderson Filley rallied from that brief
faintness.

“ Cheated, ye devil l” he huskin cried, his
thoughts dealing with master rather than with
beast for the moment.

The lion heard him, and Ledoubled its efforts
to force a way in, claws rattling, teeth scraping

ainst wood and iron with a fierce vi or thati
to (1 how scant ashow the rancher wo d stand
for his life if ever they again stood face to face,
with no barrier between.

But the door defied tooth and toe-nails. It
was sunken flush with the stones, and fitted too
carefully to offer hold for even a claw, so long
as Filley could maintain his grip, or the cord it-
self was not cut or worn in two.

That was the next dread which assailed tho
rancher, and as he heard the cougar at work
with teeth and claw s, be tried to recall just how
far the string must be exposed.

Now that the door was outirelgq closed, he
found himself in utter duknem. ot a ray of
light could enter around that door, and the den
into which he had blindly cast himself, was sup
tire! without illumination from any source.

“ is panther pit l” reflected Filloy, as he gave
that fruitless cast with his e as, remembering
the surmises he had made wh e trying to open
that barrier.

Surely Colonel Cougar had not turned the lion
loosetostand guard over smug led goods! Then
this pit could not be the store- ouse his imagin-
ation had pictured while the entrance was

to him.

As though disgusted with repeated failure, the
con ar ceased tearing at the door. growling and
snar ing as it beat a retreat for the time being.

And as the keen son of hearing with which he
was told And n Filloy as much, he re-
solv to learn something more shunt the quar.

tors fats had cut him into.
Winding the slack of the cord around his left

hand and wrist, which enabled him _to use his
forearm as a brace, thus resting his craniped
fingers, Filley took the dagger between his
teeth, thus setting his right hand at libe ,

Feeling in his pocket or a match, he ew it
smartly along one lifted thi h, then held the
tiny torch above his head w e he rod with
anxious curiosity through the slow y scattering

loom.
K It was only a feeble substitute for a torch, but
it gave light sufiicient to assure him that he was
the sole occupant of that den: for den it surely
was, as the o fetid odor had long since con-
vinced his nos .

When the match burned down to his thumb
and finger, the rancher did not renew the light
for his store of matches was small, and he could
not tell how precious they might become are the
end of that adrenture.

Still, he had seen on b to convince him that,
he had no fresh enemy o the cat kind to dread,
unless another door should be opened by other.

than .
“ Now, what next?” ‘
It tra- easy enough to put that question, but

I
I

 

1.)“ __ A,

 

-. “ism A.

- and with d

H. --—<-~'M

L.

how could he answer it! And yet, what could
he do save wait?

“Until that bigger devil comes to help his
brother brute!”

The bitter reflection passed through Filley’s
brain, and for a little he was strongly tem ted
to tear away that retaining string, and ki lor
be slain, rather than gratify his enemy by pro-
longing his vain struggle.

Biit as the cougar returned again to its attack
on the door. the rancher tightened his grip on
the cord. It was easier to think of casting to
the winds all hope of escape, than it was to act
on such a reckless impulse.

Once more the huge cat retreated, snarling
viciously over the repeated failures, or, possibly,
through a growing uneasiness at finding itself
shut out from the den to which it must have
grown habituated.

That idea occurred to the imprisoned man,
and he caught himself vaguely wondering how
the beast would act in case the string should
suddenly give way. would the lion enter its
den at a swift leap, or would it be suspicious of
a snare, after what had occurred?

If he could only guess what course Colonel
Cougar would prefer to see him follow, how
easy it would be for him to decide!

“I’d go against him, if it killed me!
cover the devil from crown to sole!
in there, just to— Or, did he ?”

Again doubts nasailed the rancher.

‘If Colonel Cougar had plotted his death by
means of that lion, why had he left the connect-
ing door unbarred? Or, if that was too risky,
through fear of the cat’s showing itself too
soon. why had he not left something by means
of which the door might be opened, lying care-
lessly by, to be discovered by s victim?

“ He never meant me to escape with life, curse
him!” concluded Filley, hot rage almost suffo-
cating him. “ But—he never meant me to be
eaten by his brother brute—so soon .’ He
counted on weakening me down, first!”

As he recalled some of the questions asked
him by Colonel Cougar before the springing of
that trap, Filley radually grew convinced that
this was nearer t e truth than were his first sur—
mises. And, if only to foil those hopes, once
more he was tempted to relax his grasp on the
cord b which alone that barrier was secured,
and ki or be shin!

“ How would he come? Headlong, too swift
for a fair stroke, or would he give him time?

Curses
He shut me

»If [only knew that!”

And yet, what other chance for life had he?
He could not retain his advantage forever;
fatigue, hunger, thirst, all would surely it slow-
ly weaken his powers, and then—-

Yieldin to fierce impulse, Anderson Filley
dropped t e cord, permitting the door to swing
open almost an inch.

CHAPTER XIV.
ax noun or AGONY.

Tall rancher can ht his breath s l as that
tiny streak of dim ' ht around three as of the
iron-bound door became visible to his achisig
eyes, yet he made no effort to resume the -
van ehahadsorashlycastfrom him. ’

“ It s death Unis way, after miserable torture!
Better end it all, for ood or for ill!” be mental-
ly decided, gripping t e dagger firmly and press-
in close to one side of the door.

hen Filley released his grip on the cord he
could hear the lion snarling uneasily in the other
cell, but now all was still as death, and that fact
assured bun the beast had noticed the slight
movement of the door.

And so feelin sure that the crisis could not
be delayed very o , he almost held his breath
with the suspense o waiting for the end.

Not a sound gave him warning of the cat’s ap-
proach, intently though he was listening, and,
despite his steeled newes, Filley gave a little
start as he saw the door swing shut, blotting out
the light.

The clawing sound which instantly followed
told him the lion was making its investigation
ger uplifted and muscles strai
he stood rea y to do his part as best he might.

That cautious paw drew back, and the door
instantly moved ajar as before. And ' then
deftly as any human finger, a claw was inserted
in the crack, and the door was drawn back until
it swung clear, letting in a broadening square of
clear light.

From his ition, pressing close against the
partition w l, the rancher could not catch so
much as a glimpse of the lion, and a cold thrill
of fear cre t over his person.

He felts 0st certain the cat was crouching
for a leap which would carry it through the

ing from one cell to the other so swiftly
t at he could on! strike at random.

If so, there con d be but one ending: a death-

grapple with a wounded beast far more wer-

uD than the most muscular of mankin —-and
that would just as certainly mean death to the
human being.

Just as he was on the point of yielding to
temptation and making a movement to hasten

'thatordeal, two paws fell 1 htly upon the stone
partition, and a
'rview, lips drawn

in: mas o si sntly crept into
and teeth bared, nostrils

 

White-Horse Wheeler

sniffing suspiciously as they tried to locate the
man.

Now Anderson Filley did hold his breath, for
he could see that it was too soon to risk the
stroke on which his very life depended. Keen
though the point of his dagger was, he could not
feel sure of driving it through that domed
skull without the weapon glancing, to inflict
nothing more than an infuriating wound.

Little by little the mountain lion moved its
head further inside the opening, its snarl
changing to a puzzled, purring sound, un-
ti —

Throwing all the force of his good right arm
into the effort, Anderson Filley struck, sending
the keen-pointed blade to the very hilt exactly at
the 'oining of neck and skull!

V ith a broken bowl the cougar jerked back,
wre~ting the dagger from the rancher’s hand,
and, quick as thought Filley reached out, to
catch the string which still hung across the
bolt,meaning to jerk the door shut, thus gaining
a reprieve in case the lion should only be
wounded.

But his haste foiled his hopes. His hand
caught only“ one doubled end, and the string
came free, without moving the heavy door.

He saw the lion writhing on the stone floor,
bleeding freely from mouth and nostrils, but
seemingly far from dying. And, with a desper~
ate courage, the prisoner leaped through the
aperture, flinging himself upon that hairy mass,
gri ping throat with both hands.

9 counted on a terrible struggle for life, but
not so: the cougar writhed and shivered, giving
him several random rakes with his claws, but
that was all.

The good blade had done its work well, and as
he felt those muscles go weak and flaccid in his

rip, Anderson Filley relaxed his fingers, draw-
ing back, faint and dizzy with the strong re-
action.

More than one minute passed by before he
could rally sufiicientl to take note of his sur—
roundings, and even t en he would hardly have
been strong enough topluck the dag from
that bleeding wound, only he fear Colonel
Cougar might put in an a pearance, tocatch
him wholly unarmed and at ' mercy.

“Never that!” he panted, as he tugged at the
da ger-haft until the blade came away from its
sti quivering sheath of flesh and bones. “ I’ve
killed one cougar—I’m ood for another and a
worse, curse ye, Satan’s wn !”

He shook the bloody blade toward the ceiling,
through an opening in which be fully e ted to
catch sight of that mocking visage; bu nothing
of the sort greeted his eyes, and as the moments
gassed on without his seeing or hearing an ht of

clone! Cougar, Anderson Filley gradu re—
covered his powers, both mentally and  .

Now that the mountain lion was slain, an his
life no lon er in actual peril, his wits grew
clearer, an be oculd more fairly judge the
situation in which he found himself.

Colonel Cougar had onl sprung that trap be-
neath him, to save life, e ther his own, or that
of the rancher whom he was trying to bring to
his terms. He surely had no reason to suppose
that Filley could open that careful! locked
door, and most certainly the lion coul do him
no harm as longs: that strong bolt wasshot.

“ He’ll come k, in time, hoping to scare me
into terms,” the prisoner reasoned, further.
” Maybe he’ll be counting on this cat to break
gags flay will! Then—can’t I trick him, in-

It was a wild, grim ruse that flashed into the
busy brain of the rancher, but he could think of
no. better. scheme, and fearing lest Colonel
Con ar might put in an appearance before be
con! perfect his arrangements, he fell to work
without further delay for thought or for reason-

in .

.gnatching the oil-lam from its rude bracket,
Filley passed into the 1011’s den, sweeping the
walls With eager gaze, but all that he saw more
than the flickering match had revealed, was a
narrow door set in the stone wall 0 posits that
through which the cougar had lea .

This door reached to the floor and was like-
wise of oak, banded and studded with iron.
There was no lock or he hole visible from that
side, and after exerting powers to the utmost
without even shaking, much less forcing the
barrier wide, Filley gave over, with a curse of
angry disappointment.

he ceiling was far too hi h for him to reach,
and there was nothing on w ch he could stand,
save the sill of the partition door. He lifted
himself up on that, but gave another despairing
groan as 6 found only smooth-cut stone in that
direction.

Without powerful tools, he could not hope to
force his way out of either roof or side-walls,
and lacking thom, he could only fall back upon
the grim trick which had been earliest to reach
his troubled brain.

He passed back to the other cell and re laced
the lamp in the socket Preps for i He
caught at the carcass o the lion, dr ng it
acros the stone flooring to a corner urthest
from where the tag Opened above, then lay
down between the y and the wall.

He could not hopeto conceal his erson entire-
ly, and made no such attempt. H I hope lay in

\

 

13

causing Colonel Cougar to jump to the conclu-
sion that both man and beast had died fighting.

“ If I can scare him into coming down! If I
can only fetch him within arm’s-length of
this!” he muttered, giving the blood-dimmed
dagger a savage flourish. “ I’ll ask nothing
better of fortune!”

And he meant it, too, just then, though lon-
ger reflection might modify his hopes, his long-
ings.

As he lay there, his garments torn and covered
with blood from his impetuous grapple with the
dying cougar, his armed hand hidden by lying
between his breast and the lion, Anderson Filley
looked dead enough in all conscience, and a
tableau better calculated to deceive one takin
a downward glance from that trap-door, coul
hardly have been arranged.

But the rancher was very much alive, for all
that! Never before in his memory had his brain
been so active, his reflections so swift.

All that had occurred that eventful day came
flocking across his mind, and even complete sen-
tences, just as spoken by Colonel Dai'ke Cruger,
seemed to ring in his ears.

Particularly those concerning Linda—his lov-
in ,innocent, pure and pretty little daughter!

%t was nothing new, this passion of Colonel
Cougar for the girl, for long since Anderson Fil-
ley had divined as much, although the villain had
never until that day openly avowed his wish to
make Linda his wife.

It was that growing suspicion which caused
Fille , quite as much as through any great love
for e aw, to cautiously collect strong proofs
of criminal deeds on the part of the colonel and
his associates, which he was i‘ldin to post when
turned back by Sitting Bull’s rai 'ng red-skins.

How could his mission have been 5 ted?
He had been so guarded in his actions, so can-
tions in covering his tracks; only letting Mau-
rice into the dangerous secret, and that buta
day or two before this disastrous one. Yet, sua—
pected it must have been, or he wouldnever have
been so closely watched as to have hisdiscarding
of that paper noted.

Then, too all that had taken place since he
was rescued from the Indians by Cougar and
his men, went to prove that his ca ture was
their whole purpose in taking that ri e in com-

pan .

“hor me, I wouldn’t care a rap !” mentally
groaned the rancher, his eyes closed his face
showing ghastly pale in contrast with the b10025
marks upon it, as he awaited the result of
ruse. “ I’maman. I’m old enou h to die,if
it must end that way. But—my rl! my boy!
my poor wife!”

groan of mental torture burst from his ii

as he thought of his loved ones, be! less at e
mercy of that demon; for man Co onel Cougar
surely was not!

Far worse than any ordinary death did
Anderson Fille suffer as he lay motionlu
through those owly-crawling, leaden minutes
of time.

Even if Maurice had cheated the ye ' g red-
skins whom he saw pressing hotly aong his
trail that day, how could he guard his mother
and sister agath that heartless villain, backed
up as he would be by all of his evil associates!

“ He sworeto make her his wife! M girl—
my poor, sunny-haired little baby! of
pity, send him to me—send him quick! Send
him within reach of my hand, and—I’ll do the
rest! ’ \

His thoughts could go no further than that
one point: the death of Darke Crugeri!

If he might only be granted a fair chance to
strike that devil, as he had stricken this nobler
beast! Only one stroke—with such hot hatred
fiercely raging in his heart, he could not min

is aim!

h .

Would he never come? What was detaining
him so long! “’as hobbitterest thought of a! l
—was he even now wreaking his devilish spite
on those poor, weak, helpless women?

It is moments like these that will Much a
strong man’s hair, if mental torture can do that
much.

And he could do nothing but wait! He dared
not move. He could not give free vent even to
his curscs of rage, lest that crafty demon be on
the watch, and thus his. last hope be wrested
from him.

He could only wait—wait—wait until each
minute seemed an age, the hour nothing less
than eternity!

Time and time again did he force his tortured
brain to picture the instant when his vengeance-
nerved right band should driva that bloody
blade, haft deep, into heart or brain; for thus
alone could he vary the picture. Now how
splittin skull, then puncturing heart, or driv-
ing the em dagger through that foul throat, to
wrench the blade forth, and bring windpipe and
all with it for compan !

For the time being indemn Filley was little
better than a madman, but some allowance
ought to be made for him. He had already suf-
fered enou h to upset almost any brain, and
each recon was equal to an hour of ordinary
suffering.

And—he could only watt—wait, and feel all
the tormeuts of the eternally damned!

For fully an hour after lying down to counter-

m- ..

ivy."

.,. (fie-wan: .- .

ii.

 

u
- k

 
 
 

14:

felt death, the rancher waited but at length
his reward seemed at hand. he caught the
sound of a heavy step overhead, followed in a
few moments by a creakin sound as the
doubly-hinged trap was lifte up a short dis—
tance. Then—

“ The cat has killed him, by the Eternal I”

CHAPTER XV.
SMUGGLER DUKE AND HIS MASTER.

J ACK BaooMir gave neither of his comrades a
chance to argue the case, but with bared blade

leaming redly in the rays of the lantern still

old by Martin \Vestgate, he leaned over the
senseless youth, aiming a vicious stroke at his
unprotected bosom.

An angry ejaculation burst from the lips of
Smuggler’s master, but whatever his will, his
ability was lacking, just then, and only for the
noble St. Bernard himself, murder most foul
would have been the ending.

Swiftly as Jack Broome struck, his weapon
never reached its mark, for, with a deep growl,
Smuggler caught his arm, hurling him against
the ruflian with resistless force, knocking him
backward into the river.

“ Curse—don’t—” gasped the would-be assas-
sin, terror stricken by those mighty jaws which
clashed together so c 089 to his face, after giving
the arm a ti arce shake which sent the knife far

 

awa .

“ Duke! you, Duke!” cried his master, who
had been fairly upset by that sudden rush and
scramble.

“ Le’ rue—out o’ the way, on’ I’ll shoot the
mad critter!” Sabe Wolfert cried, swinging his
rifle around from his back.

“Kill him, and I‘ll kill you!” angrily retort—
ed Westgate, gaining his footing in the shallow
water, and ushing the old hunter back with one
strong ban , while the other fixed on Smuggler
Duke 3 neck.

“Take him off! He’s—” gasped Broome, his
appeal ending in a strangling sound as his lifted
head went back under the surface as the angry

dog snap his teeth sharply before that
frighten face.
‘ Back, Duke! Down, I tell you!” steme

commanded;his master, and yielding to that
authority the St. Bernard retreated as far as
the body of young Maurice Filley, his massive
head crossing the lad’s bosom, while one pro-

- tecting paw gently rested on a shoulder.

“ Get up, you floundering ass!” angrily
growled Westgate, fastening a hand upon the
smuggler and jerking him to the edge of the wa-
ter. ‘If you hadn t—if you had, cursed if I
wouldn’t have cheered the dog, on, in place of
pulling him off I”

Jack Broome was too thoroughly cowed just
then to make retort, but old V olfert gave an
ugly growl as be dis ustedly eyed the dog.

“The durned whe p hain’t fltten to live! To
grup a man like that! Ef ’twas me, he wouldn’t
never do it twicet, he wouldn’t !”

Ordinarily Martin Westgate was good-natured
enough to suit the most captious, but Duke was
his idol, and the manner in which Wolfert
handled his rifle, caused his hot blood to boil
over.

“ You wouldn’t, wouldn't you? A dog that’d
bite you, ought to be shot, only a man’d have to
be thundering smart on trigger, or the poison’d
get in its work ahead of his gun! And as for
you, Jack Broome,” turning upon the other
smu gler, “ what right had you to draw knife
on uke’s findings, I’d like to know i”

“ Didn’t he play spy! Didn’t he sneak up and
catch us both— lsay he oughttocroak, and
croak he shall, too I”

“ Me first, then, not counting Duke!” sternly
retorted Westgate, drawin a revolver, and
falling back to the side of his dog, turning the
full ra s from his lantern into the faces of his
comra es.

“ Shore ve wouldn’t— Don’t shoot, Mart!”

“Sure I will, if you tr to crowd me too
mighty hard,” came the g m warning and de-
fiance, both in one. “Watch ’em, Duke, old
fellow!”

An answering fiowl came from the dog, and
both Wolfert and rooms recoiled a bit, neither
curl? to press such a quarrel.

“ ou’re too cranky—you and our car, pard-
ner,” growlingly said t e sign -man, flinging
up an empty hand by way of truce. “I was
only trying to save the gang’s secret from leak-
ing, and here you act as if I wanted more’n my
lawful rightsl’

“ You’re not the chief Jack, and he alone has
the war of life or death, and you know as
muc ” retmted Westgate. “When he hears
the whole rights of this squabble—”

" He’ll say I was right, for rocks!”

“ Name your figures, Jackey, just so you don’t
oversize mine, and I’ll cover your bet, ’
retorted the other. “But keep) your steel in
cover, unlessvyou want to feel uke’s teeth in

"Look at the whelpl” growled Wolfert, yet
notwithout a growing interest in the picture
thus pruented. “ Burned 'of he hain’t arkissin’
0’ the kid 1” .

“ Ho’s your m‘eat,because ou picked him up
adrift, eh, Duke?” chuckled h s master bong?
to drop a caressing touch upon that nohlc h .

sharply .

 

White-Horse Wheeler.

“ Wur-roo-oo l”

Smuggler Duke ceased licking that pale face
long enough to utter a whining growl while
looking into his master’s face, then fell to work
again as though the restoration of life was part
0 his duty.

“Douse the glim, mate!” croaked Broome,
hastily, as his suspicious eyes noted a slight stir
on the part of the youngster. “ D’ye want him
to s t us all, man aliw?"

artin Westgate closed his lantern, Swiftly
shutting.r off all light savo that so scantily afford-
ed by the cloud-obscured moon; but there was a
grim warning in the mutter which bore that
action company:

“ No tricks on travelers, both 0’ ye! Watch
him, Duke! Stay by him, old lad l”

Stepping past the dog and his charge, West—
gate added, owly:

“ Fall back a bit, mates, where the kid can’t
hear us easy, and we’ll try to settle the muddle,
out 0’ hand.’

Neither of the other smugglers offered any
opposition to this amicable suggestion, p0ssibly
because they felt that two voices ought to pre-
vail against one, in case the matter came to a

vote.

“ You ought to see through it, Mart," began
Broome, a surly touch in voice and in manner,
as quick as they were beyond easy ear—shot of
the rallying youngster. ‘He must have been
spying on us, for I fell all over him up yonder,
just after giving you the signal to come across.
And—feel of my jaw, if you don’t reckon l”

1 “,I’d rather undertake to feel of a forty-acre
0t! ’

“ It’s good sense Jack talks, I’m thinkin’,” in-
terposed \Volfert. “ I hain’t gwine to do no mo’
jobs like this, ’ceptin’ the kid’s croakedl Who’s
to tell ’tain't hangin’ we’ll all be, an’ that afore
we fa’rly knows it, of he’s turned loose to spit
out all he likes ag’inst us?”

“ Have you both had your say-sol” curtly de-
manded Duke’s master.

“ I say the boy can’t go free!”

“ Them’s me, too 1”

“ All right, mates. I reckon it’s my turn,
now, and here I come! I’m not saying that the
kid shall go free, just now, but this much Ido
say, and ‘m back ng up my words, too!

‘ I never yet knew Duke to make a mistake in
judging a person, for or against. He’s froze to
the lad, and stands ready to fight for him, even
against you two fellows, whom he has known so
much lon er. So I say—hands of!”

“ How ar ofl', and how long?”

“ Isn’t that plain enough for you? All right!
This is my meaning, then: No butchering!
You’ve ot both Duke and Duke’s master to
down he ore you can croak the kid!"

“ What’s the matter wi’ totin’ him to the boss?”
suggested Wolfert, as a compromise. “ l’m
willin’ to let the kunnel settle it all, I be!”

“ He’ll curse us all for puttin him to the
bother,” growled Jack Broome, yie ding with an
ill grace. “ You two don’t know it, maybe,
since you’ve been away so long, but the chief
has warned us all to keep a lookout against both
Anderson Filley and this cub l”

“ All right; we’ll tote him to the chief, then,”
said Westgate, willingly accepting the ofle‘red
compromise.

Retracin their steps, they found Maurice
Filley rallying, and before he could clear his
confused senses sufficiently to resist his 0 es
1gore bandaged and his hands tied behind

ck.

All of this was done by Martin Westgate, for
neither of his comrades cared to risk arousing
Duke’s sentiment by lending a hand. And it
was Martin Westgate who steadied the young-
ster on his feet, then guided his steps down the
river shore.

This enforced exercise quickly worked its own

00d, and as his confused wits began to clear,
aurice beglan an appeal for help, not for him~
self but for is mother and his sister.

“ Oh button!” growled Westgate in disguised
tones, forcing his charge onward as he tried to
plead. “ Wa t until we get where talking’s easy,
can’t ye, kidi”

Leaving Westgaie, backed b Duke, to man-
age the prisoner, Brooms and olfert pressed
on to the canoe, shoulderinfi) the packs which
they found there, leaving the irch where it was
stranded for the resent. .

Robbed of its llegal contents, the frail bark
could tell no dangerous tales, even should it be
poted by unfriendly eyes before it was called

or.

The time spent in scaling that high and rocky
bank was utilized by Maurice Fille in trying to
decide upon his wisest course for t e immed ate
future.

He only spoke once, and that was to hint how
much more easy their progress would be if he
had the use of hands and eyes.

“ I’m running this, youngster,” gruflly retort-
ed Westgate, in tones so unnatural that Duke
gave a law whine of laxity. “You just 0
as I ,shove, and I fee on we’ll get there, n

a.
Strange as it may ap ar Maurice had re-
ceived no serious inj pfhrdugh his ugly trip
and fall down the steep nk.
As the broken bong which had been noted in

\

 

 

his hand bore evidence, he had tried to save
himself while falling, and in goodly measure
had broken the full force of his drop. The shock:
had been sufficient to deprive him of his senses,
however, and had not Smuggler Duke come to
the rescue so promptly, those senses would hard~
ly have been recovered, shallow as was the
water into which he had fallen.

But the boy gave merely a passing thought to
his escape from death through falling. His
anxiety was wholly on account of his mother
and sister, from whose side he had been driven
by the grief which he had felt unable to hide
from them in any different manner. Now—
were they still safe in the cave?

Would not the Indians be keen enough to
track them thither, even if they remained quiet—
ly in hiding? But, would they) so remain?
Would they not be frightened y their pro-
longed absence, and add to their peril by setting
forth in search of him?

When the rough climbing was completed, and
the three smugglers gained the comparatively
level ground above the river, Maurice once more
ventured an appeal, and once more received a
rude rebufli’.

“ Shut trap, I tell you, kid!" growled West-
gate, who appeared willing enough to abuse the
youngster, though he had so boldly defended
him from others.

“ But—are you men, not devils?" desperately
cried the boy. “If you are white men, help me
save my mother and sister from the Sioux! The
woods are full of them, and—”

“ Ah«hl you’re crazier’n a loon, kid!” con-
temptuously interrupted the smuggler, forcing
his captive ahead through the night. “ Red-
skins beblowed! Thereisn’taSioux buck in-
side of a hundred miles 0’ this, and any one but
a looney’d know it, too! Mog, or you’ll fare
worse!”

Hot and dangerous words fought hard for
exit, but Maurice managed to choke them down.
He felt sure that he had fallen into the hands of
the smugglers, now, and that he was beingtaken
to some place of imprisonment, if not still
worse.

If his eyes were free to see just how many
there Were of his captors! If he could only
strike a blow—why not i’

The thongs knotted about his wrists were
loose enou h to give his hands a little play as he
mechanic 1y tried them when that fancy flashed
across his troubled brain. And so, using caution ,
but straining his muscles to good purpose,
Maurice tried tobreak or, failing that, to slip
his hands free from the cords.

Apparently Maurice Westgate never thought
of his captives making such an effort, for he
only rested a hand on one shoulder, sufllcientl y
to steer the blindfolded youngster clear of ob~
stacles as they passed on through the gloom.
01'. it may be, be trusted in Duke to give him
warning in case mischief should be brewing.

Be all that as it may, nothing happened to
check Maurice in his silent,guarded fight against
his bonds, and ‘little by little he succeeded in
slipping the knots further along, until one
slender hand came free, and the thong dropped
noiselesst away from the other! _'

Westgate was walking close beside him, and
Maurice stealthily moved a hand toward his
middle. His fingers touched the polished butt
of arevolver, and jerking the weapon free, he
slipped from Martin’s grip!

CHAPTER XVI.
THE COUGAR is DOUBLY SURPRISED.

AT the same instant, Maurice tore the bandage
from over his eyes, and flinging up his weapon,
he fired a shot at the first figure he dimly out-
lined, then turned to flee for more than his own
i fa. ~

With a sharp, an cry Martin Westgate
reeled back from that blinding flash, while both
of his mates were utterly bewildered b such a
sudden and unex ted change in the s tuation.
So far as they a] three were concerned, Maurice
might have succeeded in his bold stroke for
liberty, but as his master reeled back, Bmuggler
Duke leaped forward, striking heavily against
the lad, knocking him down. I

The shock threw the pistol from his hand, but;
he grappled desperater with the huge animal,
burying both hands in that sba y throat, at the
same time tryin to writhe rom under that
heavy weight, so 6 might regain his feet and
resume his flight.

“ Gimd him, Duke!" cried Westgate, quickly
rallving. “ Hold him, old fellow l”

“ Kill him! But his heart wide open!” cried
Jack Broome, rallying from his amazement, and
leaping forward, knife in hand once more.

‘ Stand back, cuss ye !” rowled West ate,
giving the sanguinary a trip and a ing
that sent him sprawling, half a score feet away.
“ I’m running this job, ye want to know!” .

The next instant his muscular hands were
closing upon the boy, and at a word from his
master, Duke drew aside, though still on guard.

“I’ll kill you, devil!” rMaurice
fairly beside himself with fierce d appointment
as be struggled vainly in that powerful grip.
“ M mother—let me go to—”

“ ay down and button u , ye hot-headed
idiot!” growled Westgate, flin g the yOungstor

/

 

 

 

i
l
i

 

White-Horse Wheeler.

15

 

 

flat on his face, a heavy knee digging into his
back and holding him helpless while fresh bonds
were applied to his wrists and others above his
elbows.

After all, a slender lad is but an easy conquest
for a big, healthy man, and almost before he
could fairly realize how utterly his bold stroke

.had failed, Maurice Filley was once more a help-

less captive.

Then, as Martin 'Westgate rose to his feet,
leaving Duke on guard over his youthful prize,
Jack Broome sulkily growled forth:

“ Got more sense into that thick pate of yours,
I reckon, pardner? Reckon you’re willing
enou h for me to crook the whelp, eh?”

“ ry it on, if you want another taste of Duke,
Jack,” grim] y retorted the smuggler, using one
hand to thrust the bloodthirsty knave back,
while feeling gingerly of his face with the
other.

“Hit ye hard, mater” asked Wolfert, taking
note of that action, deep though the gloom was
just there. .

“Just a crease, I reckon,” replied VVestgate,
with relief in his tones, as he concluded that
examination by touch. “Blamed if I didn’t
think my whole cabeza was gone, though, first
off!”

“Pity it hadn’t!" muttered Broome, in dis.
gusted tones, then hastily adding, as though to
hinder Westgate from forcibl y objecting to such
a kindly expression: “Well, What’s the next
circus act, mate?” '

“Just what we marked out at first: take him
to the boss, of course, and let him do the de-
ciding.” ~

Without waiting for further remarks, West-
gate turned back to where Smuggler Duke was
on duty, grasping Maurice by the collar and
jerking him unceremoniously to his feet, then
growling:

“ Fooling’s played, kid, and so’ll you be, next,
if you try to cut up any more didoes. Mog
along, now, will ye?”

Maurice staggered forward under that rude
impulse, but then hung a limp weight on his
captor’s hands.

‘What’s the matter with ye, kid? Duke
didn’t t0oth ye, and I know it! Stand up, can’t

e?

“ there are you trying to take me to?” de-
manded Maurice, in tones clear and stron
enough to banish any suspicion of physica
weakness. .

“ What’s that to you’i’

“ Where are Ion-taking me to?” repeated. he
lad, now uphel only by that strong grip; not
Ian ounce of his weight was supported by his own

1m is.

“To a doctor who’ll know how to treat ye,
kid,” grimly chuckled his immediate guard, giv-
ing him a rude shake. “ It’s kill or cure with
him, and if ou try any such foolishness as this
on him, I’m ying long odds it’ll be kill, too I”

Maurice did not ask more, but he flatly de-
clined toaid in his own captivity. Rudelyas
Westgate might shake him, his limbs remained
limp and nerveless, so far as supporting his body

- was concerned.

“Give him the spur, man!" impatiently
grOWled Jack Broome. “We can’t afford to
gend all night here, fooling over the whelp!

ive him the 3 ur, 1 say—or I willl” ‘

“You’ll get t in our own ribs, matey if you
make a tr ,” cool y retorted Westgate, then
claspin aurice about the middle, he swung
the la ova- his shoulder, grimly chuckling:
“ There’smore ways than one to skin a cat, and
I’m a mighty tough critter to beat, kid!
who’ll grow tired out first: rider, or rough
trotterl’

Yielding with an ill-grace to his self-willed
comrade, Jack Broome strode on ahead, Babe
Wolfert keeping him compan , with the bur-
dened smuggler and his dog ringing up the

rear.

Mart Wes be was not long in convincing his
risoner that is hint as to rough riding meant
usiness, for he seemed to take particular

in adding toeach jolt and swa ing; but Maurice
d edly held his peace. He new that coaxin
or t reatening were worse than useless, and i

was some slight satisfaction to feel that he was

making his enemies all the trouble that lay in
his power.

It was a long, hard jaunt, but neither bearer
nor burden made complaint, and Westgate

fliy declined assistance when it was offered

y his comrades.

Possibly he feared treachery on their part,
should they gain even such ial ion of
the yo . Not that he cared so much for a
human l to, but he had stood up for the life his
dog had saved, in the first place, and he would
no 0 back on his record now.

A length a halt was called, and dro ing
Maurice carelesly to the ground, bidding uke
stand guard, Westgate drew his mates far enough
to one side to talk without risk of their words be-
ing caught by the ears of the prisoner.

I’ve been thinkin , mates,” he said, serious-
ly, “ that maybe it’d better for us all if we
waited for his sa -so before rushing the, kid in
on the boss at ranch. What “your idea
about it?"

“ That it's all a cursed piece of botchwork!”

 

growled Broome. “He ought never to have
come out of the drink with breath in his body!
And only for you, he wouldn’t, neither!”

“Oh, quit yer snarlin’, all two both 0’ ye!"
muttered Sabe Wolfert, in tones of disgust.
“ What’s did, is did, an’ that eends so much.
Now, Isay, with Mart; best let the boss know,
fu’st ofl’.”

“ All right; I’ll stay with the kid, and either
or both of you fellows can carry the news. It
isn’t so far that the round trip’ll wear your hoofs
down to the quick, I reckon l’

“ I’ll go, and I’ll tell the boss just how it was,
mind ye 1”

“See that you do, then,” grimly retorted
Westgate. “I never could get along smoothly
With a liar, and—see that you do, old fellow!”

Full of venomous anger, but afraid to yield to
the fierce impulse that urged him to silence those
mocking lips forever, Jack Broome turned
away and made all haste to reach the Lone
Ranch, hoping that Colonel Cougar would bear
him out in his sanguinary longings.

Although the distance to be covered was not
very rest, it Consumed time enough .to enable
Jack iroome to smooth off the rough edges of
the report he had to make, and when at length
the Lone Ranch was reached and an entrance
effected he was ready to tell his story.

“ We! i” curtly demanded the chief, as the
signal-man stood before him. “ Didn’t the boys
come over?”

“Yes, sir,” bowsd Broome, hat in hand, the
picture of respect for his master. “They came
all right, but—-" _

“ Something went wrong, then? Out with it,
in a lump! I’ve got other business on hand to-
night, and— Out with it, I so. 1”

” The boys came, sir, and t ere was no trou-
ble at all about the signaling, only—we caught a
spy!’

“The deuce you as ! Cau hta spy? Not—
Who was it? How d d it ha pen? Curse you
for a mealy-mouthed idiot!” raged Colonel
Cougar, swinging his clinched fists and stamping
his feet heavily in his excitement.

Jack Broome shrunk back, half-stunned by
that unlocked-for outburst, and, seeing this, the
chief fought back his hot temper, saying, in
milder tones: '

“ I’m sure you wasn’t at fault, Jack, fOr
you’ve been tried and proved far too often for
doubt to touch you. So—tell me all!”

Thus encouraged, Broome began his report,
not going dangerously wide of the truth, but
taking particular pains to clear his own shoul-
ders of suspicious carelessness.

He declared that he worked the signals as
usual, taking every precaution against disco very
by other eyes than thOse expected with goods.

“But there was a spy watching the boat,
boss, and as I started down the bank to meet the
boys I run across him. ~He tried to run—you
can see where he hit me in the jaw with a rock
-—-but I caught him, and threw him over the
rocks into the drink !”

“ Who was it? You made sure he got his last
dose, of course?”

“ It was young Filley—”

Colonel Cougar more nearly than ever re-
sembled his namesake just then for it was a
wild beast leap that carried him upon 'the
signal-man, gripping him savagely as he
snarled:

“ You didn’t—if you killed him, I'll tear you
—-I’ll throw you to feed Grim Death, you
idiot!”

“ No—I didn’t—he’s alive!” gasped Broome,
then staggering like a drunken man as the chief
released him, saved from falling only by bring-
ing up against the nearest wall.

“You didn’t kill him!” more calmly asked
Colonel Cougar, that mad glitter fading in his
eyes, his em urpled countenance wing more
natural. “ ou surely didn’t let the whelp ee-
cape you, though i”

“ ey’ve got him—Westgate and Wolfert,
sir," huskily stammered the frightenedsi al-
man, longing yet fearing to break away rom
that dangerous presence.

“ Where have they got him? Why didn’t you
fetch him here 7”

Now that Colonel Cougar had resumed his
customary manner, Jack Broome rallied his
courage and briefly explained where he had left
their prisoner, and why he had deemed it wisest
to come on in advance with the news.

“You were right in doin so, old fellow,”
nodded the chief, at the same e hold forth
a couple of bank-notes as a o ering.
“ Rub those over my finger-math: Jack , and
for at that I treated you a bit too roug y," he
ad ed, in apologetic tones. '

“ You can do it some more, at the same price,
colonel,” grinned the knave, as he keted the
precious salve. “ Now—shall I go etch the kid
right‘here, boss!”

“ Yes; fetch him here! And I’ll see that
neither of you three lads soon forget the job
you’vs pulled off this night! Go, now, and
make al haste back with young Filley."

Jack Broome ducked his head, then hastily
left the room and building on that mission,
while Colonel Cougar strode lightly to and fro
for :hfew minutes. rubbing his hands gleefully
toga er.

I

l

 

“ Both—got ’em both I" he chuckled, in unholy
glee. “ I’ll use one to play off against the other,
and if I can’t make a clean winning out of this
combination, then—well, I’d ought to lose! Just
ought to lose it all I”

From son, his thoughts reverted to father,
whom he had left in the stone cell beneath the
rear room, and eager to begin the torments
which were to bring him a doubly sweet re~
venge, Colonel Cougar hastened to that apart-
ment, bending over the cunningly arranged
tra -door.

\ ith the point of a knife he pried up a neatly
inserted block of wood, laying bare the hidden
mechanism. Manipulating this to lift in place
of depressing the trap, he knelt on the floor,
casting a curious but guarded glance into the
cell beneath.

Knowing that Anderson Filley was armed
with a dagger, he was guarding against a pos-
sible cast, but the instant his gaze fell upon
these two figures lving near tue further wall, an
ejaculation of angry amazement burst from his
throat.

 

CHAPTER XVII.
A FORLORN HOPE FOILED.

“THE cat has killed him, by the Eternal!”
cried Colonel Cougar, as he caught sight of
those blood-stained bodies lying together; and
in his savage consternation at such an unex-
pected termination to his newly~born hopes, he
came perilously near falling headlong through
the trap.

Not for a single instant did he suspect the
truth: that, far from being slain by the cougar,
Anderson Filley was lying there, dagger in
hand, putting a terrible restraint upon himself
and his passions. silently praying that. for once,
Satan might fail his satellite long enough for
Colonel Cougar to come within fair reach of his

‘avenging arm.

" Death—Grim Death, you devil!" cried out
the smuggler chief, to the mountain lion, as yet
unable to believe in the death of his ugly pet,
even though he could see the patches of blood
which darkened its tawny coat.

The cougar did not stir, as it surely would on
hearing a human voice, and the intensely ex-
cited smuggler gave vent to another blistering
curse, at the same time flinging the trapdoor
wide open.

He could not even begin to comprehend how
this encounter had come about, in those first
startled moments, and through his angry
amazement there would persist in crowding the‘
trifling query: How could he have opened that
locked door? ’

Once more Colonel Cougar called out to Grim
Death, but neither of those blood-stained bodies
gave sign of life, and swinging his feet through
the trap, hanging to the flooring with his hands
for an instant to steady himself, the smuggler
chief dropped to the bottom of the pit.

Even yet he never once dreamed of a snare
being laid for his punishment, and springing
forward, Colonel Cougar bent to grasp the neck
of Grim Death by its loose skin. meaning to d m g
it clear of the rancher who had met such an un-
ex cted doom.

wift and viciously struck Anderson Filley,
meaning to drive his blade through that mus-4
cular throat, down. until its point should find
and forever still that evil heart.

“ Now 1 have got ye !” he snarlingly cried, as
he struck. .

But it was not to end then, nor thus. Colo-
nel Cougar instinctive! dodged, just as a in n
will wink when some ing swiftly menaces his
eye.
He did not entirely escape, but instead of
piercing his throat, the da ger simply tore
through the tough muscles of is breast, biner
below the skin, and his backward leap jerked
the handle from the fingers of the desperat
prisoner.

lf Filley had been less sure of his aim, he
might, and doubtless would, have clung to the
weapon for a repeated stroke, butthe fact of
his being disarmed did not hinder his following
Colonel Cougar as he retreated in bewildered
surprise.

“ I’ll kill you! I’ll tear your heart out and
eat it!” he raged, one hand clutching at threat,
the other at the leamin dagger-hilt; but
Colonel Cougar q ekly ra lied, and a swift
stroke knocked the rancher’s head back, par-
tially checking his mad rush, and toiling his

ras .

8 “gay you will, eh?” snarlingly cried the

smn er closing with his desperate antagonist,
tohreast. “Wellde t—if you can 1"

Both men were muscular and active beyond
the ordinary. Both were still in their prime,
and the fewer years of Cruger were counter-
balanced by the more temperate life which Fil-
leyrhad led.

he rancher was fighting forhnnch more than
his own life, and the thoughts of hisdearones
Mined to lead him double stren h: yet, do all
he might. he could not prevail!

For fully five long minutes that furious wrestle
lasted, and then came to an end by both men
going down together: only, Colonel Cougar was

on top. and giving a short. hard laugle 

triumph as he maintained the gripw

i

 

 

.
l
l
l
I
v
.
i
i
i

16‘

White-Horse Wheeler.

 

 

ened to crush in the ribs of his panting adver-

sary.

He lifted his voice in a sharp, far-reaching
call for help, then quickly spoke to his antago—
nist, despite Filley‘s renewed struggles:

"I could save ended it long ago, man, dear,
but I wanted to prove to yon—will you?—
that I’m just the man you want for a son-in-lawl
If I can take your measure— All right,
Plunkett! Just come down!”

With a cry of amazement, the lieutenant
dr.:pped through the trap, quickly followed by
tWo or three other men, and resigning his pris-
oner to their hands, Colonel Cougar sprung to
his feet, settlin his garments with a careless

shake, then pic ing up the dagger which had 

played so important a part in the events of that
eVemng.

Exhausted by his terrific struggles, Anderson
Filley was quickly overcome, and his arms tem~
porarily secured with a belt which one of the
men an lied. Then having in the mean time
satisfl is natural curiosity c0ncerning Grim
Death and the manner of his taking off, Colonel
Cougar bade one of the smugglers “ give him a
back,” and lightly balancing himself thereon
long enough to catch a firm hold on the edges of
the opening above, swung himself easily to the
up erchamber.

e found and dropped down one end of a rope-
ladder, by making use of which Plunkett and
his men were not orig in hoisting the bound ran-
cher out of the death cell.

“ All right, boys, and much obliged.” said
their Chieftain as he was looked to or further
instructions. “ I reckon we can get along to-
gether without much more monkeying.”

“ Hadn’t I better tie him up a bit snugger,
sir?” asked Plunkett, hesitatingly.

“Hardly worth while, is it? Reckon I can
handle the dear fe110w, even if he should turn
foolish enough to kick up a muss. And so—
Good-evening, gentlemen!"

Headed by Plunkett, the smugglers turned to
leave the room and they were passing forth
whleg Colonel Cougar gaVe them a parting
wo :

“ You needn’t come in unless I give the regu-
lar call, gentlemen; but if Mr. ‘illey should
hap to jump out without my passing the
g word, calla halt on him, even f you have
to blow his brains out!”

“ All right, sir; we’ll obey orders to the very
letter.”

As the door closed behind Milo Plunkett and
his fellows, Colonel Cougar turned toward the
prisoner, who leaned heavily against the wall,
weak and unnerved for the time being, so far as
his bodily powers were concerned.

“ Well, old fellow how do you think you’re
feeling after your little splurge? Ever run
across the famous history of Bluebeard and his
too inquisitive wife, may I ask ?”

“Are on all devil?” huskin asked the ran-
cher, an by so doing, giving his enemy the very
clew he was seeking: whether or no his past ex.
perience had at all weakened his iron nerve.

“I?” in mock surprise. “I b of you daddy,
don’t think that way! After a 1 I’ve done for
you, too! After letting you man] and haul and
stic}.~ me to your hearts content, just to prove
myself worthy of—”

i “ If not alll) devg, show muggy, Crgglgr,” lé‘illey
nterposed, ya esperatee ort c o‘ing own

ilk! fierce hatred for the man who, he could

7: 1 longer deny, held him helpless in his evil
r: . ‘

' Take a seat, Mr. Filley,” smoothly purred
the human cougar, placing a chair for his vic-
tim, with a bow that was donbl insolent
throteigh its very liteness. “ You ook over-
heat , my dear ellow! I‘ll never forgive my-
self for forgetting— By the way, mayI ask
just how you happened to pick a rcw with your
next door nei hbor, sir?”

“ Was tha part of your devilish scheme,
Darke Cruger’l”

, “ What! turning you two critters together, to
eat or be eaten!” ~

“I killed him—I only wish ’twas ou, in-
stead!” cried the rancher, with a reviv ng flash
of spirit.

Colonel Cougar gave a short, grim chuckle as
he gingerly parted the bosom of his flannel shirt,
taking a glance at the ugly-lookin gashywhlch
marked the course of the dagger. is garments
were pretty well dampen , but the wound
was superficial, and the bleeding had about

ceased.

“ Well, old nei hbor, you did your prettiest
to make it me, di n’t you?” he retorted, closing
his shirt, and a rently giving his wound no
further care. “ used to tering brands when
you make an investment in stock, that you
couldn’t help marking a son-in-law, eh?”

Anderson Filley plainly fought for self-control,
and Colonel Cougar seemed contentto grant him
all the time he required. Unless his face told
lies, he was huge! enjoying himself, after a
malicious fashion, ust then.

It was doubly hard to humble himself so far,
particularl before a man whom he hated sodn-
tensely, bu Filley forced himself to think of his

, gglpiess ones, and that lent him the power to

You can’t be all devil, Darke Cruger, for

f your mother was a woman,” he began, his voice
! husky and under but poor control. “ Them—in
; her name 1 ask it, man! Save my family
; from— The red-skins are raiding, as you know
: for yourself l”

“Just a straggling band, from Sitting Bull,
. old fellow.”

“ Too many—far too many for women to beat
off, though! You saw how hardly they pressed
me. Others were chasing my—my son. They
may have—killed him! Or—the may have
tracked him home, and then— et me go to
them, I pray you, Crugeri”

It was more bitter than death, pleading to
such a villain, and despite his efforts to the con-
trary, Anderson Filley could not entirely hide
his intense loathing for the smuggler chief.

Possibly this had something to do with hard-
ening the heart of the man in authority, for there
was an evil sneer in his tones as he made reply
to that appeal: ~

“Let you go, ehi And, if I was so simple, of
course you would not take advantage of my
weakness, Filley? Of course you wouldn t
scratch down another list of names, with mine
at the head as chief cook and bottle-washer? Of
course you wouldn’t cut and run for a hole to
hide in until the smoke of battle was over? Oh,
no, you wouldn’t!”

“I pledge you my word of honor, Cruger,
that— ’

“ Your w-h-a-t?”

A bitter retort sprung up in the throat of the
rancher, but he smothered it for his dear ones’
sake, saying, instead:

“Let me go place them in safety, Colonel
Cruger, and I’ll come back here without delay.
I swear it as a man: I’ll come back and yield
myself to our hands, to treat as you may see
fit. Only at me go save my—my family!”

“ You say you would come back again,
Fille ” l

“ es. Dictate any oath you feel faith in, and
I’ll swear to it.”

Colonel Cruger lifted his hands in mock
amazement, then muttered:

“ Well, well, marvels will never cease! I’ve
heard of such things, but I alwa s set them
down as rank lies! And—I’m th nking that
wig still!” -

is malicious chuckle sent the blood hotly to
the face of his captive, for Filley could not mis-
take the truth: he was being made rt of, and
all his rayers could never soften t e beast of
this vil ain.

Colonel Cougar suddenly altered his tactics,
and his face was as serious as his tones were

ve when next he spoke:

“ Maybe I’m not such a heartless demon as
you seem to think, Filley. I took thought of
your family, long ago, and sent a few trust
fellows across that way to see that all went we 1
with them. But—~” ,

“ You’re not fooling me, man?” hoarseiy de-
manded the rancher.

“ I say that I sent men to guard and look after
our famil , sir, directly after bringing you
ere; but I m beginning to fear that something

has gone wrong, or else—”

He cut himself short, one hand rising to
smooth his heard, or to wi 'out that uneasy
chanhge of countenance whic Filley was swiftto
catc .

“You mean— Oh, man!” with an echo of
fierce despair ringin through his voice. “ Let
me go to them! 1’] be your bound slave for
the rest of my days, if you’ll only let me go and
learn for myself.’

If he heard, Colonel Cougar showed no signs
of heading.
door. he muttered, as if to himself:

“ Yes, I’m beginning to fear something’s gone
wrong! Surely, the lads ought to have re rt—
ed by this time, if— Eh?" turning towa his
tortured captive with a half-dazed expression on

5 face.

“Devil! will you never listen?” groaned poor
Filley, in agony.

“Patience, ear fellow,” chuckled Cougar,
casting aside ‘all disguise as the ex ected sound
came to his keen ears. “ Waita it, and you
can ask for news of the ladies from your son
with our own lips.”

“ hat! you surely have not——”

“ l.ynmen fished the lad out of the river, and
are b ging him here!”

 

CHAPTER XVIII.
PARLEYING WITH ran ENEMY.

Pluto OUNCE uttered those startlin words
with a voice that fear rendered well- gh un-
recognizable and there was no room left for
doubtin his thorough earnestness. Right or
wrong, e‘was sincere in his belief that a squad
of the dreaded Sioux braves had surprised them
there at the deserted ranch.

White horse \Wheeler caught the same omi-
nous sounds, an instant later, and knowing how
scant was the chance of finding friends in these
night-riders, he sprung to the table on which
stood the burningolam ,blowing out the light,
and casting all a at t em into complete dark—
11

 

ess.

“Steady man!” he muttered sternly to his
com ion, for the hour. ,“WsZit, and do as I
do it’s the red impel”

3

With his head inclined toward the-

 

Peleg Ounc (made no reply, but a chair was
overturned in the dark, as though the fright-
ened fellow was making for a place of hiding.

W bite-horse Wheeler gave a surly growl of
rage, but before he could take any decided step,
a clear, not unpleasant voice came from with-
out, in hasty hailing:

“ Hello, the house! Don‘t shoot, Filley!
We’re friends!”

That voice was unmistakably white, and.

Wheeler felt a bit easier in mind as he drew
that conclusion; but not for long. A dismal
groan came from the corner into which Pele
Ounce bad retreated, followed by the frighteneg
words:

“Good Lawd! now I will ketch it—dead shore,
fer sart’in l”

“ What do you mean, man i” hastily demand-
ed Wheeler. “ Who is it, and why are you
frightened of him?” ~

“ The young boss—wuss luck 1” groaned Peleg,
still more dismally.

“ And who is—not of thejsmugglers? Quick!
the truth, I say l”'

“ Yes—«Plunkett—next to the kunnel, an’ he’ll
bloody murder me of he ketches—”

“ I say, Mrs. Filley!” a little more sharply
cried the voice without doors. “ We’re friends,
come to warn you of danger! The Sioux are on
a raid, and unless you’re in a hurry, they may
catch us all in a box!" '

In such moments a man’s brain does swift
work, and with a barely perceptible delay,
White-horse Wheeler assumed a feminine tone,
to call back:

" Who is it? I don’t—who are you, sir?”

“ Plunkett—Milo Plunkett, ma’am, you know i”
and there came a sound as of hasty dismounting
just in front of the door. Open, and I’ll explain,
though we haven’t any time to lose, I’m sorry

tosay!”
“Don’t e—don’t let ’em in, boss!” huskily
mumbled eleg, a faint rustle showing that he

was shifting his position, but in no less guarded
itlones, W bite-horse Wheeler sent back the warn-

g.

“ Steady, you fool! Betray me, and I’ll kill
you, if I never lift a finger again! Play White.
and I’ll pull you throng all right 1”

There was no time for more, just then. Milo
Plunkett was rappin impatiently against the
front door, and as this was not barred 011‘]?v his
dislike to offend the lady of the house in: ered
his flinging the barrier wide.

There was no time to pick and choose and
without trying to disguise his voice this bout,
White-horse Wheeler clearly and distinctly
called out: .

“Steady, there! Kee your distance until
you’ve shown cause, or ii open fire 1”

With a startled ejaculation Plunkett re—
coiled from the doorstep, then hastily cried

aloud:
We’re friends, and— Mrs.

“ Don’t shoot!
Fille , I say l” v

“ 'm doing the saying, just at present, stran-
ger, and you don’t want to let that fact slip
your memory, neither! Now—what is it you’re
after, anyway i"

There was a slight pause, as though the
startled lieutenant was try to collect his
scattered wits, but when he di speak, it was to
the fight:

1 he red-skins are on the rampage, and we
reckoned it was only white to call and see if we
couldn’t hel the ladies out. But—you’re not
Anderson lley, nor Maurice? Then who in
thunder are you!” i

“ The man who’s holding this fort, just now,”
retorted Wheeler, playing for time in which to
decide upon his best course of procedure. “ If
it's a fair question to sling back, who in thunder
and blazes are you, ?”

“ My name is Plunkett, and either Mrs. Filley
or Linda can vouch forms. Ask them, if you
don’t-—”

“ I only wish I could ask them !”

“ Well, why don’t you ask, then i”

The lieutenant of smug lers was clearly
growing irritable, and know ng that he could
not “ hold the fort " much longer, Without cal!-
ing powder and ball into play, the revenue de-
tective made reply: v

“ For a mighty good reason, pardner, and
that is—they’re not at home, just now!”

“ What! you surely don’t mean— What do

on mean, an way, confound you, sir?” angrily

nrst forth lunkett, adding as though to an
armed force: _

“ Ready, lads! Blow him through if he tries
to break away !”

“I’m read , already, pardner, and I'll blow
you through f you tr to break in ” coolly re-
torted White-horse heeler, steppin silently
to one side to guard against a ble shot
through the door.

“Pla white, and there’ll be no shooting,
only—l m going t4) see Just what and who you
are! If you ave no rights here, or if you
can’t ex lain yourself—look out, you I”

“ Will) you give me a fair chance to do that
same explaining, sir?” demanded Wheeler, in
more placable tones. “ Will you give me your
word as a White man not to shoot until you see
fair causal”

“ And you, on your side?”

 

O‘v

i
i.

 

(T

hoe heeler.

1'7

 

 

“ I‘ll give the same pledge, and as a proof,
I’ll light up before you come in. Is it a bar-
‘gain, stranger!”

“ Yes! Strike a light, and let’s see through
this mix, if we can.”

White-horse Wheeler knew that he was in-
curring no slight degree of risk in taking such a
step, since the light would surely betray him to
an enemy before he could catch a sight in turn;
but his profession had hardened him to danger,
and he really did not see how he could act any
differently, without too plainly arousing ugly
ans icions.

l ith a. cooked revolver in his right hand, and
facing the door, he removed the lamp chimney,
struck a match,which he held shielded by his per-
son until it was in a fair blaze. Then touching
the wick, be replaced the chimney, stepping
quickly aside as he cried out:

"' All lighted, friends, and you can pull the
latch-string as quick as you like!”

Tue door iii-w open at a thrust, and Milo
Plunkett, pistols in hand, sprung into the room,

sternly crying aloud:
And you— Hello, stran-

“Come in, lads!
gar!”

He caught sight of \Vhite-horse \Vheeler
standing at ease, a smile on his face if a gun was
in his grip. He cast a keen, searching look
around the room, but made no discovery of
other parties.

“Just me, pardner,” easily said Wheeler, as
his gaze made the same tour, though he felt an
uneasy surprise at failing to discover aught of
I’eleg Ounce. “And l’m mighty glad to see
only white faces, where I fully expected to see
red-skins, too!”

“ Who are you?” roughly demanded Plunkett,
this darkly handsome face rendered almost ugly
by that scowl of strong suspicion.

“I’m Edgar Winston, and I came here on
Eretty much the same friendly mission that

rought you, I reckon,” was the easy response.
“ You did come to lend a helping hand to the
ladies didn’t you?”

“ but do you know of them? Why aren’t
they here now?”

“ Well, because they’ve gone somewhere else,
I reckon. Don’t grow cranky, my dear sir,”
with a bland smile coming into his honest face
as Plunkett seemed inclined toshow his teeth.
“ I’m giving {on as straight answers as my
tongue knows ow. There was nobody at home
when I struck the ranch, only a few minutes be-
fore you came up.” .

‘The two men gazed steadily at each other,
like rivals takin note. '

White-horse healer, it may be said here
was something above the average height of
mankind, and would very nearly, if not quite,
graze a six-foot standard while passing beneath
t in his socks.

He stood erect, with broad shoulders and deep
chest. His body tapered slight! down to his
well-rounded waist, then swell , giving mm
long, muscular thighs and strong legs.

His curling hair, wornrather ong, was black
as the coat of a cr0w in full plumage, while
mustaches and a thick imperial adorned his
face.

That was one of his best points, being strong
without coarseness, good-looking without being
effeminately handsome, and honest without the
faintest qualification.

His dress was that of a man who expects to
rough it for the time being, or pretty much
such as a cowboy would select when on semi-
duty, or looking for a job under a new master,
who might like his men to appear neat, with-
out bein herd-dandics.

His fe t hat was too soft in texture and lim-
ber of .brim to be a true cowboy “ cart-whee ,”
but there was no discount on the weapons he
carried, or the cartridge-studded belt of stout
webbin with which his middle was girded;tools
and “ c nch ” were pure “ cow-puncher.”

0n the other hand, Milo Plunkett offered a
compromiseLbetween cit man and lumber-lad,
with a tinge of backw s sport throw in. His
clothes were from a “ ready-made” counter, of
good material, but rather “ loud” in pattern and
colors. And his jewelry was too plenty, and
much too emphatic for good taste.

Outside of these drawbacks, Plunkett. was a
fine-looking fellow of dprobably twenty-eight or
thirty years, tall, slen er, wiry as a panther.

He. too was of dark complexion, but where
that of White-horse Wheeler was clear red and
bronze, the hue of rfect health, that of the
other was sallow, th leaden circles about the
eyes, and a slight puiiiness below each orb which
spoke only too piainly of irregular hours and
hard drinking at imes.

Back of the young man who acted as second
in command of the gun of smugglers, showed
several rough-clad, roug -faced naves, all of
whom were inspecting the self—styled Ed r
Winston with nearly as much interest as t at
shown by their leader himself.

Plunkett plainly was not al ether pleased
with this cool, smilin customer, ut he seemed
at a loss how to co rm his suspicions, and as
the next best thing, grufil demanded:

“ If you’re a friend to t a family, how comes
it I can’t place you!”

“ Possibly because we never happened to call

at the same hour, I reckon, dear sir,” with a
slight bow, then adding, more seriously: “ But
that isn’t business is it? Well, I’ll explain.”

“ I reckon you’d better—if you can!” '

“I’ll give it a try, anway, if you’ll bridlea
wee, pardner. And so—I was riding over this
way, this afternoon, when I heard a fellow try-
ing his level best to split his throat wide open!
That iromised fun of some description, and I
pick my way along the windy trail, to find—
what do you reckon, pardner?”

“ You’re sa ing it—go on i”

“ Nothing 3 orter than two big buck Injuns,
with their ropes fast to a or devil of a white,
trying to make their ponies yank him in sec-
tions! Well, of course I wasn’t going to stay in
the brush while they had all the fun to their
lonesome, so I chipped, and raked the pot.”

“You mean you saved the fellow! Then—
where is he now i”

Whitehorse Wheeler gave a shrug of his
shoulder, and cast a smiling glance around the
room before replying:

“ You tell, for I can’t! He came here with
me—indeed, he first suggested the nbtion, for
he was afraid the ladies might be offered a dose
of the same medicine the red-skins tried to
measure out for him! He came here, and he
was here when he heard you ride up. He
squealed out something about Injuns, and death-
trap, and that’s the last I heard out of his head.
I reckon, though, he must have run off, or
crawled up chimnevy", when I doused the glim.”

“ Who was he? ’hat was his name? Did he
tell you that 2"

“ Of course, and why not? I saved him from
growing a couple of feet longer all ata jump,
you know! Why wouldn’t he tel me his name?"

“ Then he did tell you—what?”

“Not a vegy hefty name for a fellow of his
size,”chuckl White-horse Wheeler, as though
amused b the whimsical fancy. “Just an
ounce in a l, I give you my word, sir!”

“ What l” ejaculated Plunkett, sharply. “ Not
Peleg Ounce?” .

Before an answer could be 'ven by the rev-
enue detective, a shot came ugh the open
door, and with a sharp cry, White-horse Wheeler
fell heavily to the floor!

CHAPTER XIX.
MAKING A SCAPEGOAT 0F PELIG.

AT the same instant there came the loud cry:
“ Look out, boas! It’s White-horse Wheeler—

no n

Milo Plunkett recognized the voice of one of
his men in that warning, but before he could
take action, so comgletely had this shot and
tumble taken him 0 his guard, the Revenue
Detective leaped to his feet, rising close to the
lieutenant, and sending a terribly hard fist in
advance of his person. _

Stricken squarely under the chin by that
blow, the “ upper-cut ” was powerful enough to
lift Plunkett clear of his footing, hurling him
back against his fellows. who scattered in con-
fusion temporarily demoralised by that shot
from the rear.

Right and left White-horse Wheeler struck,
each blow finding a yielding mark, and then,-
with a fierce shout, he cleared the threshold,
sending the fellow who had given that dastard-
ly shot, reeling aside.‘

Another lea carried the revenug scout be-
yond the brie patch of light, and e was lost
to sight of the smugglers ere any one of them
cogld rally sufficiently to fire a shot or strike
a ow.

“Down him! Don’t let him— Fire and
furies!” madly spluttered Milo Plunkett. one
hand gripping his injured jaw, the other blind-
lylgroping for a weapon.

ack from the gloom without came a clear,
mocking laugh, followed quick‘ljy by a sharp
whistle. With a glad neigh, hir ygust re-
sponded to that signal, and when the youn
leader rushed forth, only the rapid patter o
hoof-strokes told him in which direction to
em ty his pistol.

11 this took place with bewildering rapidity,
and not one of the little gang had ime for a
second thought before the aring rider was
dashng away through the night.

Half stunned though he was by that swing-
ing stroke, Milo Plunkett was about the first to
rally, even though he was foolish enough to
waste a round 0 cartridges on an unseen tar-

get. '
“Out and scatter!” he cried, hoarsely, him-

self springing forward as he added: “ Maybe.

’tis another trick!
him—for all time I"
Only a few aeoonds had been ’cut to waste,
but now that the gang were set in motion, it
came to a y halt. The sound of hoof-
strokes had ied away, and there was not the
slightest clew to guide their search save the
gird direction taken by the fugitive at his

Hunt him up, then down

r .

“ Ef he’d ’a’ kep’ on ‘that—a-way, we could
hear him till yit, boss!” bluntly spoke u one of
his follows, as the youn chief paused th head

 

bent in listening. “ ou knows how hard the
file is, down—”

 

“Spread out and feel for him! If it’s really
that cursed bloodhound, he mustn’t get clear!”

This was easy enough to say, but when it
came to executing, quite another matter.

Milo Plunkett was in red-hot earnest, and
would have asked no more precious boon than a
speevd‘y meeting with the audacious stranger, be
he hitehorse Wheeler, or simply the man
who had knocked him down; but not so the rank
and file.

More than one of them was perfectly familiar
with the revenue detective’s public record, and
those who lmew less in that direction had seen
quite sufficient of the man himself, in his bold
escape from their very midst, not to be yearn-
ing for a sin le-handed encounter with him out
there in the knees.

It took buta few minutes to convince even
Milo Plunkett that he was on a wild-goose
chase, and reluctant! he sounded the recall,
moving back toward t e house, but coming to a
halt while just without the fan of light that
streamed through the open door.

“ Who tired that shot i” he demanded, craning
his neck as he peered into the facas of the
knaves who flocked together at his signal.
“ You, wasn’t it, Morris!”

“ Me it was, boss, an’ of the durned imp
hedn‘t ketched sight 0’ my gun jest so pesky
quick, I’d ’a’—”

“ ’Twouldn’t ’a‘ made a bit 0’ difi‘er’, sense ye
didn’t hev a hunk 0’ silver to fling,” super-
stitioust muttered another of the gang, at the
same time casting an uneasy glance over his
shoulder. “ Jest plain lead cain’t faze him—
an’ I knows it, too!”

“ Nonsense!” sharp! roved their leader.
“I know better than t at, if onlzafrom feeling
the villain! And you Morris, w t makes you
so sure ’twas that devil!”

“ Waal, you see,sir, Iwasjest sorto’mo ’
’bout out yen’ way, mostly to see of the ' eys
hed tuck it afoot or critter-bee , when I come
chuck-up onto a host—his hose, no less!”

“ Whose horse! Talk straight if you know
how man!”

“ His hoss—White—hoss’s white hoes, a know;
agave critter as give him his name, reckon,

!

“ Where! At the stables!”

“No, sir. Hitched out yan’ way, ’long of
’nother common critter, fur as I could make
out in a hurry. For age see, boss, when I
knowed it was that whi boss, I jest more’n
knowed he was that White-hoes, an’ so'I come
hot—foot to warn ye, never thinkin’—”

Milo Plunkett cut in with a vicious oath, his
are: glitter-in like those of an ed cat

ugh the com. His ' htly-clinch hands
came up, an it was only t ough exercising to
its utmost his sense of mums that he could
refrain from knocking t glib-tongued block-

head down.
“ Why didn’t on come in and close the door
hack of on, ore letting out the discovery,

you— h to think of the chance i”

H An’ so ‘i ’lowed to do, boss,” hastily lied the
rascal2 flinch' a bit from that menacing fig-
ure. ‘An’ so would ’a‘ did, of I hedn t
that he saw I .kuowed who an’ what— I jest
hed to take a snap-shot, air, or he’d 'a’ pluggd
me, too mighty quick!”

“ I reckon he’s prett nigh right about that,
air,” muttered: one of e other men, in calmer
tones. “ If he hadn’t smoked mischief, how
could he have dodged the flash, so clean!”

“ But he said— Didn‘t he say Peleg was with
him?” chi in a third member, curiously.

Milo unkette‘fiave a sudden start at that
Esme, and hurri y spoke to Morris, in guard-
“) a

net.
“ on said there was another horse; lead the
way ghere, quick as your feet can carry you,
man!

Naturall anxious to do everything that could
help cover awkward slip of the wasted shot,
Morris obeyed, and Plunkett gave vent to a
s cry as his rush caused the Indian’s horse
to p unge aside, with an angry snort revealing
a human shape near the tree to which the ani-
mal was tied.

“Steady, for I’ve got you lined!” cried
Plunkett, istols in hand and covering that
shrinking re. “ Hands up, at once, or down
you 0!

“ on’t—it’s on’y jest me—jest Peleg Ounce!”
came a quaveriu voice in response.

“ You, is it? ircle him, lads! If he tries to
make a break, kill him too quick for kicking!”

“ l didn’t—I don’t—— Good Lawd!” .

“ Eyes skinned fer t’other, boss!” cried Mor~
ris, as he leaped u n Ounce and bore him to
the,ground. I‘ll x Peleg an’ don’t ya fergit
that. nuther! Stiddy, ye—"

“ Don't—boss!” squealed the frightened Pe-
leg, but makin no sort of trifggle against his
muscular assai nt.

Catching him about the middle, Morris toned
Ounce to his shoulder, then rushed him toward
the l hted building. only halting when Plunkett
call after him, sharp! :

“ Steady, Morris! e can settle his case

' ht now and ri ht here, I reckon.’ So-out
with it Peleg! hy didn’t you warn us. our
sworn riends and partners, that it was hits-
horse Wheeler?” , ‘ ,

A

l

 

l
l
l

 

 

18

White-Horse Wheeler.

“ White-hoss— Good Lawdl” gasped poor  you can bet high we’d have heard from him
Ounce, too badly frightened to hit on a plausible ! just now. Be sure he’d never have let Peleg go

lie to save himself.

“ Just so: White-horse Wheeler, the detective
who has sworn to wipe out all smuggling in
these parts! You were in the house with him.
You ran away when we came up, and—”

“I tuck ye fer lnjuns, boss, shore’s shootin’!
’T all come ’bout jest as VVhite-hoss tolled ye,
fer— 0h,Lau-d!”

Peleg broke off abruptly, clapping a hand

~ over his mouth, but the harm was done, and

I

by this awkward slip he had convicted himself
beyond recovery. -

‘ That’s enough l” harshly said Plunkett, add-
ing, to Morris: “ Pick him up again, and run him
over yonder. Fetch a trail-rope, quick, some of
ye!"

Without paying any heed to the howl of ter- ,

ror which poor Peleg set up, Plunkett strode
rapidly away, £0110wed by his men.
made after a short time, at a convenient spot
for trial and execution, and, as the ruthless
you? leader grimly explained:

“ 0t too near the house, you see! ’Twouldn’t

bemannerly to leave such nasty fruit hanging "

right in front of the door, to bother the dear
ladies!”

Peleg Ounce was almost too badly frightened
to make a defense, even with his tongue, and
his broken protestations attracted precious little
attention from those who, only a. bit ago, were
his sworn mates.

Material for a fire was lying handy, and ere
long a bright blaze was springing up, by the red
glow of which one of the men flung a lasso over
the limb of a tree hard by. Another fellow
broughtu the horse through means of which
Peleg ha been captured, and Milo Plunkett
gave a malicious chuckle as his sharp eyes took
note of the Government brand marking the
stolen animal; possibly one of the horses cap-
tured on the blood-stained Rosebud!

It was the veriest of farces, that pretended
arraignment and trial.

Peleg Ounce was commanded to tell his story,
but before he had attend half a dozen sen—
tences, Plunkett hastily interposed, with his ver-
sion. ~

“ You couldn’t tell the truth, even if that
would save your neck! This is more like it:
You came here with White-horse Wheeler, the
man we, as a family, have more to dread than
any other man on earth to-dayi You knew him,
an — >
“ ’Deed I never, boss I” fairly gasped poor Pe-

le .

I‘ You saw his white stallion, and that told

on who and what he was, plainly enough. But

believe you were playing in cahoots with him,
selling as all out, else why did you sneak away
at our coming l”

“I tuck ye fer Injuns, boss, an’ when—
Don’t!” he gasped, trying to break away as
that noose, in obedience toa sign from Plunkett,
was cast over his head.

“ Stop his jaws, Morris!” harshly ordered the
lieutenant, to be promptly obeyed. “Now,
men, you have heard enough to shape your
judgment. I denounce Peleg Ounce as a traitor
to4is all, and as such, I ask you what shall be
his unishment'l”

T are was but one response: Death, by the
rope I

" Good enough! though you couldn’t well ren-
der any other verdict, according ,to t e facts.
Tail on, all 1”

Strong hands grasped the slack, and Peleg
Ounce was drawn upward!

CHAPTER XX.
BRANDING run DEAD. .

WHILE this was being done, Milo Plunkett
stood with his back uarded by a convenient
tree-trunk, his right and holding a revolver
ready for a snapshot, his fiery gaze roving
swiftly around.

He more than half expected White-horse
Wheeler to chip in when Pe eg' was being tried
and” executed, butas nothing of the sort took
place before that luckiess ellow was hauled,
struggling horribly, half a dozen feet from the
ground, he harshly ordered his men to tie the
slack about a tree-trunk.

While they were doin this, Plunkett wrote
in large characters a sing e word on a leaf from
his note-book, mounting the branded horse in
order to pin the lacard 0n the breast of the
hapless wretch t en leaping to the ground with
a short, harsh augh as he said:

“ ‘ HORSE-THIEFI’ That ought to cover
the whole case, gentlemen, especially as we’ll
hitch this beast to the same tree. The U. 8.
brand will explain itself I reckon.”

No sooner saidthan done, and leaving their
victim dangling there, the sum lers retraced
their steps toward the ranch bui ngs.

“ Reckon it’s ary mo’ use lookin’fer White-
hoss, boss?” ventured Morris, alittle timidly for
one of his course, reckless nature; but he had

 

never before seen Milo Plunkstt in just such a 

dangerous mood as this, and he feared being
called to a stricter account, himself.
“No I hardly think there is,” was the unex-
Eectod‘iy gentle reply. “If he is really Whits-
orse healer, and hadn’t cleared out or good,

1

A halt was a

' up a tree, without chipping in to save or
, avenge!”

‘ “ Holy smokel”spluttered Morris, aghast at
‘ the bare thought. “ An’ I never so much as
‘ thunk 0’ that!”

Plunkett laughed grimly, then retorted:

“ Well, you’re nothing the worse for it, are
you?”

l “No, but—jest to think! An’ me standin’
l thar in the plum’ light 0’ everythin’, an’ him—
3 Durned ef it don‘t make the teeth 0’ me go
I ague-dancin’——it jest do, now I”

I “ Bite your tongue, then, and keep the whole
. machinery still. Get to your nags, boys! The
i quicker this news gets to the chief, the less of
a row he’ll be apt to kick up in our camp!”

This was another far from agreeable thought,
4 but one and all could see that the lieutenant
was in no humor for idle talk, and the knaves
3 hastily obeyed his command. And leaping
l upon his own horse, Plunkett led the way at a
l ra id rate toward the Lone Ranch.

! t goes without saying that Milo was in any-
, thing but an angelic mood, just then. He had
: hastened to the illey Ranch, fully expecting to
1 highly commend himself to both M rs. Filley and
l Linda—particularly the maiden—by his solici-
, tude for their welfrrf...
' He had missed thaf'point, highly important
, in his own estimation, for reasons which will be
i set forth more clearly in good time.
, He had stood face to face with the very
r enemy against whose coming warning had been
sent them by trusty agents, and—had let him
I go, scot~freel

Then, to cap the entire series of ugly events
which he would have to explain to Colonel
Cougar, he had hung out of hand a sworn mem-
ber of the family!

That, though, viewed from his standpoint,
was the only ameliorative fact in the entire
catalogue, providing—

“ Ride a bit clOSer, boys,” he said, breaking
off his moody reflections at that juncture. “ Of
course we couldn’t do anything else, after the
way Peleg played us dirt, but-how do you
reckon the colonel will take it?” ,

There was no response given to that question.
The ruflians interchanged uneasy looks, which
only too plainl betrayed the fact that this
verly point had een disturbing their brains, as
we 1.

“ As for myself,” added Plunkett after a
brief waitin , “I haven’t the ghost of a doubt
but what Pe eg had sold us all out to that devil
on a white h<.ii'sel”

“Looks that way, shore!” vontured Morris.
“Ef not, why didn’t he holler white when we
ridu that? Eh?"

“ hat’s just what any honest lad would have
done, certain] ,” said the lieutenant, in grim
approval. “ hat’s what Peleg would have
done, it he hadn’t felt too infernally guiltyto
face us, after selling us out to that blood-
hound. Still, maybe the colonel will think we
ought to have carried him to the ranch, for his
decision.”

“ Would it make any difference if Ounce had
confessed, boss 1” ventured another of the party.

‘;"Didn’t he confess, just before we strung him
up.

Insinuatingly came that query, and quick as
thought it was grasped at, by one and all,
though Morris was first to blurt out:

“You jest bet he did, ssl I kin take my
gavynhe ’fessed the hull thi g, from start to git—

arl

Milo Piunkett broke into a short, harsh, yet
pleased laugh.

“ I thought you’d remember, gentlemen, and
that fact will make it heap sight smoother sail-
ing with the colonel. Only—we’ve got to stick
by each other, and tell the same story, no mat-
ter who comes at us with questions, so— How
does this fit in?

"-We cau htrPeleg with White-horse Wheeler.
One esca , thanks to his horse, but we nailed
Ounce fast. He admitted having sold us all out
to the bloodhound, and in our just indignation,
we strung him up a tree!”

The men expressed their approval of this sum-
ming u , and one and all swore to stick to that
schedu 6, let come what might.

“ 'All right, then. We know that Peleg was a
traitor, but the colonel may kick because we
didn’t give him a chanceto lay judge. Now,
you button up tight, and don t let a word drop
until after I vs smoothed it all over with the
chief.”

‘ A more than ready assent was given to this
programme, for not one of those rough fellows
would willingly have assumed that ugly task.

Preming on in hot haste, the Lone Ranch was
reached, and leavir. his animal to be looked
after by the men, Mi 0 Plunkett at once hastened
into the presence of 00101101 Cougar, who was
sittin alone in the room adjoining that through
the ear of which he had, some time before
dropped Anderson Filley, as the easiest method
of saving his own life.

This, be it remembered, was before the double
surprise which came to Colonel Cougar, in the
message brougfi: b Jack Brooms, concernin
the capture of co Filley, and the finding 0

 

l
.
l,”

—

I the dead cougar, with the rancher lying by its
1 side, seemingly just as surely slain.

“ IVell, you've brought the ladies é” eagerly
demanded the colonel, springing to his feet, in ith
a look beyond his lieutenant, as though exiiect—
ing still more welcome faces. “ Where are they,
Plunkett?"

“ l’m sorry to report that I don’t knew, sir,”
said Milo, hastily adding as he saw that rising,
storm: “ The ranch was deserted, so far as the
ladies were concerned, but from the looks of.
things, I hardly think they’ve come to any
harm."

“ Why didn’t you hunt them up, then? Why-
didn‘t you—”

“ Because something happened that I thought.
you ought to know without delay, colonel! We
found two men at the ranch. One was Peleg
Ounce, but the other—well, he knocked me end—
ways, upset half the b0vs, and was out in the
dark before we could tell what sort of a cyclone,
had struck us!”

“ W hat! you don’t mean to say— Who was

a"

“ \Ve twisted that information out of Peleg

arguing. And-I hate to say it, boss!”

“ Out with it, curse you 1” angrily snarled the
chief, his own face turning a bit paler, keeping
company with that of his next in command.
“ You say Peleg told you—just what?”

” That the fellow who got off Was White-horse
Wheeler.”

Milo Plunkett had nerved himself to dodge a
shot or ward off a blow, but, to his intense re—
lief, neither was offered him. Instead of burst—
ing into furious rage at this truly startling in—
formation, Colonel ougar staggered back, sin ks
ing into the chair from which he had risen at.
the coming of his lieutenant, a ghastly pallor
coming into his usually florid countenance.

His muscular frame shivered as w iii] an ague
fit, but it was more through speechless rage and
disappointment than from physical fear, as Plun—
kett was keen enough to divine.

“ That devil l” gasped the colonel, hoarsely.
“ Here—got away i”

“ It nearly chokes me to say it, colonel. but—
I clouldp’t lie to you about it. And if Peleg had
on —

“yHal Peleg? You said—was he with that
devil, then?”

“ He surely was, colonel, as my lads can bear
witness if you see fit to call and question them.
And—if Peleg hadn’t answered for them both
when I hailed , the house, we’d surel y have
caught Wheeler. But, as we knew Ounce, and
thought him white, we never once dreamed of
anyt ing being wrong until the rush came, just-
as we dismounted.”

“ He did that? Peleg Ounce?”

“ H’s just did, sir! And only for his treach—
ery—

“Why didn’t you kill the devil? Why didn’t
—with that detective, and playing in cahoots!
Wh didn’t you kill him, I say, man alive?"

“ Vould you have upheld us in goin so far,
colonel i” asked Plunkett, still thinking it best to
feel his way. “ If we had forced Peleg to ad-
mit that he had actually formed an alliance
with W hits-horse Wheeler, we would have been
justified in running the traitor up.a tree, With-
out wasting time in fetching the villain to you
‘for udgmenti" _ .

“ ou’d be an infernal idiot if you didn’t!”

“ I'm glad to hear you say it. colonel.”

And Plunkett broke into a low chuckle of in-
tense relief at having gained his point so
readil .

“ 8 did make Peleg confess, fully and en-
tirely. And then—we were so internally hot
over his treachery that we just sent him up a
tree forthwith l”

“ You hung him?”

“We hung him, colonel. How could we help
it? An’d then, too, we covered our tracks right
neatl . .

Pluynkett, without waitin to give his superior
officer a chance to b orth, for or against
his actions, rapidly described the ban ing, men—
tioning the placard pinned to the y and the
branded army horse hitched close by.

“ If any one finds his carcass before we put it
out of sight=—”

“ Let him hang there until he rots, the treach-
erous whel l”

“ With a 1 my heart, sir,” chuckled Plunkett.
“ Now, havingI reported to you, as in duty
bound, sha’n’t ta eafew men and go search
for White-horse Wheeler? 80 long as he runs
at large in these parts, just so long will we be in
deadly danger; you know that, colonel 1”

Before Colonel Cougar could make rep] there
came a signal from the front of the ranc , and,
recognizing it as one he had been expecting for
some little time, Cruger said:

“ It’s Jack Brooms, in from the ore-ing. Go
send him in, and those with him, if he is not
alone. I’ll see you after he reports.”

 

CHAPTER XXI.
a cure or run one BLOCK.

COLONEL Couosa was correct in his belief
that the new-comer was Jack Brooms, the sig-
nal-man, though he little anticipated the impor-

 

Ounce, colonel, after a mighty tough bit of.

 

 

‘dirt outrage, Colonel

.m-r‘iuu

White Home Wheeler.

19

 

L

tant tidings that worthy knave had to com-
municate.

As already detailed, that report was made
Broome was sent back to hurry the coming of
Maurice Filley, and, for the moment forgetting
all else in his vicious longing to torment his
captive Colonel Cougar sought the prison cell
of An erson Filley, with the result made
known.

After lending the aid called for by his chief,
Milo Plunkett obeyed when hidden to leave the
room, but he hung uneasily near, and even con-
trived to catch an inklin of the matter under
discussion, through the c osed door.

For some reason or other he was intensely in-
terested in the affair, but he was cunning
enough not to be caught playing the eaves-
dropper, and he took warning of those sounds
without, even beforeLkeen-eared Colonel Cougar

distinguished the signal which betokened the.

goining of Jack Brooms and the younger
‘i ley.
Anderson Filley turned heart-sick and faint

of body at those fiercely exultant words, even ‘

thou h he failed to catch their whole meaning.

“ y boy 1 He hasn’t—you never—”

“.Your boy is coming—what there is left of
him, I should say i” pitilessly repeated the arch-
villain, leaving his seat and crossing over to the
door. “Guess for yourself how it came so
dear daddytin-law, but I’m telling you Gospel
truth; some of my lads picked Maurine up out
of the rivsr, and are toting him here. For what
pu , I leave you to study out."

ithout waiting for more, Colonel Cougar
slip out of .the room, fastening the door he-
hin him, paying no heed to the choking cry
which burst from the tortured rancher.

Milo I’lunkett had noiseless! stolen out of
eyerange, and was found by olonel Cougar,
dutifully receivmg the three smugglers with
their ca tive.

At a sign from their chief, the knaves brought
the youn star out of the darkness to the room
where Co onel Cougar beat a retreat, his grave-
li composed countenance betraying naught of
t e unholy joy which bubbled up in his bosom.

At a sign from him, the bandage was removed
from the eyes of the lad, and aftera blinking
glance around the room, Maurice let his gaze
rest upon that florid visage a'moment before
boldly demanding: ,

“Is it by our orders that I’m treated so
shamefully, s r? Are on responsible for this
ruger?”

“ hese gentlemen are my sworn deputies,
youn fellow, and they had ever reason in the
worl to think you were engage in smugglin ,
when they bounced on, as in duty bound.
Now, you were smugg ing, of course?”

The flush of indignation scorched the cheeks
of the prisOner, but he managed to choke back
the hot reto't which fought for utterance. He
more than suspected the nature of the trap be
ing set for him, and if only to annoyhisenemies,
he would not assist in springing it.

“ I deny that I have been guilty of anything
wrong or unlawful, Colonel ruger, while
these cowardly whelps— Do you up old them
in this, sir?” '

“ They claim they had good reason for think-
ing you were trying to run the lines with...
You are not a mu gler, then, Filley?”

“ I .am not, an the fellow who even hint:

 that way is a lying curl”

Despite his resolutions to the contrary, youth-
in] blood is hot, and Maurice could not wholly
command his temper.

“ A young cock crows mighty loud, seems to
me,” chuckled Cruger, as he nodded to Saba
Wolfert, and whispered a few words into his
ear, which sent the old hunter into the chamber
where Anderson Filley was confined, as. guard.
“Sounds very much like the old bird, too!
Well, Maurice, it cut me through the very

uick to hear evil re rts against you: a lad

or whom I’ve long he (1 a stron liking.”

“ egging pardon, sir but—50, you claim to
be an ofllcer of the law for these rte!”

“ Well, I’m not so— What 0 you mean,

b0 1”

‘yThat I demand a fair show, and as the first
step in that direction, take me to the proper
authorities, and let these curs charge me with
mingling, if the dare!”

“ ybe you’d rin acounter-charge against
them. to play even! a that it,’ boy i” purrineg
asked the colonel, keenly watching the face of
his prisoner. .

But the trap was too bald, and Maurice foded

it.
“ No, sir. I am not a muffler. and stand
CM

ready to prove it, if any one try to back
up such a silly c 9. But neither do I bring
such a charge any person,

0h, sir!” his forced com aivin we at
last, his voice win maul, his! d 11%
eyes dim th uns ed tears.

“ What is t, Filley!” Colonel Cougar quickly

' asked, before the lad could command his voice

“ There hasn’t—nothinng gone wrong
with your is, I’m hoping!”

Better or his hopes, perhaps, had Cruger
been ls- eager to chip in. Maurice was strong-
lv tated as he thought of that family, but
our suspicions mourning this man were

i only strengthened as he took note of that eager
glow in his evil eyes.

Instead of replying the lad locked his lips,
. and as he saw this, Colonel Cougar hit his own
i sharply. He began to realize his mistake, but
I the harm was done, and he could only attempt

to smooth it over.
i “ You’re foolish, Filley, to let a mistake, so
i easily explained as this one is sour you against
I those who are more than wi ling to lend both
i you and yours a helping hand; and for that—”
I “ Speaking of hands, Colonel Cougar, take a
l squint at mine I”
l As he spoke, Maurice turned about, the bet-
! ter to call attention to the bonds which still con-
 fined both wrists and elbows.
i Cruger scowled blackly, but then drew a
i knife and cut the cords, as the easiest and short-
est way out of the matter.

' “ Thank you, for so much,” coolly said
Maurice, with a curt nod at the Lone Ranch
owner, as Colonel Cougar resumed his former
, position. “It’s something to have the use of a
fellow‘s hands, eveu if he is held a prisoner
without law or reason i”

A little to his own surprise and disgust, Cru-
ger found himself far less at ease with this lad
than he had been while dealing with his father.
Somehow the ri ht words proved wrong, and
each time he trie to find a neat opening he ran
up against a blank wall.

Time was passing, and much remained to be
done before he could feel at liberty to rest.
And so, casting aside all preliminaries, he
asked:

“ What have you done with your women folk,
boy? Don’t you know that the country is being
fairly Overrun with red—skins?”

“ All the more reason why you’d ought to set
me free to look after their safety, Colonel Cru-
ger i” sharply retorted Maurice.

“ it’s only a flurry, of course, and can’t last
long. I dare say we will hear bugles calling be-
fore another sunset. Still, it’ll be nasty work
while it lasts, and Heaven have pity on the wo-
men who fall into their gri i They’d far better
never have been born at a 1”

Didn’t Maurice know that? Ah, es! ’Twas
the main. torment he had been su ering ever
since falling into the clutches of these knaves,
and to avert the possibility of that capture, he
had humbled himself to beg and plead with his
captors.

He could not stOop so low with this red-faced
tyrant, though! Only for him, nothing of this
bitter trouble would have arisen.

Only' for him and his crimes, that disastrous
trip w0uld never have been undertaken that day,
and Anderson Filley would not have-—

A half-smothered gr0an told the rest: he could
not shape it, even in his own mind.

Smot cred though it was, Colonel Cougar
heardithat sound, and put his own interpretation
u on t.

pBelieving the lad was weakening, he hastily
pressed the point he most wished to make before
fairl letting the mask fall. ‘

“ ’ would he horrible, Filley,and you’re plenty
old enough to realize as much. This may be
only a passing raid—I sincerely trust it may
prove such-but while it lasts, there’s on] one

lace of safety for your women folk, and t at is

ere at the Lone Ranch! Now, once more, boy:
where have you hidden your mother and
sister?”

“ How do you know I’ve hidden them at all!"
shar 1y asked Maurice. '

“ ecause they’re not at home. I feared for
their safety, and sent Plonkett there to escort
them to this place. He found the house shut up
and deserted. He came back to report, and 'uat
then you were brought in by these men. do I
say: where have you hidden them I”

‘ Where they will remain until my return,
sir. You have no right to keep me here longer.
Will you let me go peaceably, or must I fight
for a passagel”

The brawny knaves grinned broadly, and even
Cruger was forced to smile at that speech; it
sounded so oddly, under the circumstances.

“ Pray don’t eat us all up, Filley!” the colonel
sneered, then again barked back: “ Where is
your sister, boy? Tell me that, and you can go
free as the winds that blow."

“with none of your business where she is,
air

“ Come, Come, don’t be all an idiot, Maurice!
I only ask because I want to uard her—and her
mother—against worse than oath.”

After all, Maurice was but a ho , with a boy-
ish temper and rashness. Know ng as he d (1
how thoroughly vile this pretended benefactor
"55, how could he stand quietly by while
m'evil lips repeated the name of his loved

“ You?” he cried, his face very pale, but his
voice ringing with bitter scorn as he boldly met
that slewing gaze. “ You save her, myinnocent
enter, my dear mother!”

“ I surely will, if you only give me the chance,

aurice."

“ You! Wh , you villainl the ’d rather trust
tothe more 0 the bloodiest B oux buck that
eva- scal a baby, than risk themselves in
your han sl”

 

 

“Steady, boy!” muttered Milo Plunkett in

.I I,

 

warning. “ Can’t you see how surely you—
re cutting your own throat?" ‘

“ Button, you i” growled Cougar, with a venom-
ous glance toward his lieutenant. “And you,
Filley, ought to go kick yourself for shoeing
such fool’ prejudice against a gentleman who has
so lately risked his own life in order to save that
of your father.”

For a single breath the youngster stood star-
ing at the speaker, seemingly spellbound, but
then,as he caught the full meaning of those
lwords, a wild, piercing cry burst from his

ungs. .

That cry penetrated to the closed room in
which Anderson Filley was under guard, and
recognizing the voice, he shouted, madly:

“ My boy! Devils! Give me my boy, or—”

There came the sounds of a furious struggle
beyond the closed door, and giving a fierce about
of vengeance, Maurice sprung at the throat of
Colonel Cougar.

 

CHAPTER XXII.
THE COUGAR snows nis TEETH.

Damn: CRUGER had turned partially toward
that closed room as he sprung to his feet, and
thus was taken entirely off his guard by the
fierce attack which was made upon him by
Maurice Filley.

It was fortunate for the smuggler chief that
the youngster had been disarmed by his captors,
else he might never have known how vengeance
actually overtook him. As it was, the mad—
dened boy gripped his throat with both hands,
winding his legs about those of his enemy, and
only the prompt when of Milo Plunkett saved
the chief from a humiliating downfall.

With a savage wrench and twist, the lieuten-
ant to‘re Maurice away, and held him helpless
while Cruger, raging like a madman, flung him-
self headlong against me now, bursting it open
and tripping over ti e two forms whii-n seemed
but as one. so tightly were guard and prisoner
locked together in a death-grapple.

Left to himself, Anderson Filley woul l surely
have slain the old hunter, but strong bauus fas-
tened upon them, and they were torn apart.
None too soon for Site \‘v'olr'ert; he required.
assistance in regaining his feet, and fearing a
shot as soon as the vindictive fellow could rally
sufilciently to handle a weapon, Milo Plunkett
called forth:

“Run him outside, Westgatel Get him out
of the way, I say!”

While this was being done, and Maurice Fil-
ley being once more put into bonds, Colonel
Cou ar found little difficulty in overcomin the
ranc er, thanks to the tough tussle old he
had given him before interference came.

“Harm them not!” he cried, sh ly, more
for those who had taken Maurice in charge»
than on account of his Own prisoner, however.
“ They are worth their weight in gold to me
just now! Hold fast, but do no harm, or I’ll
call on ye to settle with me!”

For a brief space it was an exciting scene,
but number triumphed over bravery, and ere
long father and son were brought into the same
room, together, yet a rt. -

“ Thank God for is mercies l” panted Filley,
his eyes filling with tcars of joy as he recog-
nized the son whom he had mourned as lost.
“ You arealive, and—your mission, son!"

Colonel Cougar was listening breathlessly,
hoping to gain the information be valued so
highly, but Maurice caught a glimpse of that
eager face, and his reply was guarded accords

ly. ' .
mg Fulfilled, father,” he said, simply.

Colonel Cougar choked back an oath, and
Filley gavea long breath of relief. Although
matters were bad enough, still this was a
gleam of brightness which he could fully ap-
prociate.

f “ DJm’t say anything more, now, Maurice,
or—

“ Then button your own lips, curse yriul”
snarled Colonel Cougar, striking the rancher a.
wicked blow, with open palm, across the
mouth.

“ You dirty whelpl” indignantly cried Mau-
rice, his eyes fairly blazing with hatred as he
witnessed that cowardly blow. “ I’ll kill you
for that, if it costs me my own life 1”

“Your own life!" echoed Cruger, fiercely.
“ Why, you little idiot, you own nonel ‘1'- ur
life is mine, to give or to take away, just as my
sweet will dictates! And if I don’t n‘aks ii at
life one prolonged torment to you both, then
I’m ’way of! my basal”

“Steady, sent” warnin ly ke his father.
“ Don’t let him taunt you to ng—”

Again a vicious stroke cut his speech short,
but Fills was content with what he had done.
A true c in of the old block, Maurice was on his
gust? and would be true to his trust, even unto

“ O

Colonel Cougar was not so mad but that he
could reason so far, and turning toward the
men who stood by in quiet curiosity, he bade
them leave that room, for the resent.

“ If I require help, I’ll so keep on the
alert,” he added, at the same time checking
Kilo Plunkett with a “rapist “ You can

 

 

:20 . 

' .stayhf’or that’ll only make it even-stephen with
1us a .

The men left the room, and Plunkett quietly
'éclosed the door behind them. He was anxious
to resume his interrupted work, for reasons
which he held sufficient, yet he was perfectly
willing to remain throughout the scene which
.he instinctively felt was coming on.

If Colonel Cougar succeeded in breaking down
the will of either father or son, and gained from
' .them a knowled eof the place of hidingto which

Mrs. Filley and inda had betaken themselves,
' he wanted to share that knowledge at the earli-
est possible moment.

“ The boy knows where they’re hidden. sir,”
he muttered, in a guarded whisper. “ Force
hiui’to tell, or—the red—skins may gobble ’em
.up!

Colonel Cougar replied only with a scowl,
and Plunkett fell back, meekly accepting that

. look asa hint to mind his own business.

Both father and son had their arms firmly
bound behind them, so there was little risk of
their being troublesome on the score of resisting
insult or torture by physical force.

The width of the room separated them, and,
though their feet were free, neither one tried to
move nearer together just then.

Colonel Cougar gazed keenly, first at one face,

‘then upon the other. lie seemed studyin how to
, begin his attack, but he surely foundfiittle in

'- either face to encourage him.

That fact possibly rendered him more reckless
“than he might have been under more favorable
a circumstances, for when he did speak, it was

with rude directness:

“ Look here, my fine fellows! I’ve given each
one of you a chance to fall easily, but you
wouldn’t have it. Now—I’m going to give you

‘ words with the bark on!

“ I’d a heap sight rather piay friends with you,
but since that is not to your liking,we’ll try what
main force will do. You, boy, have hidden your
mother and sister away. I want them here, to
make the family reunion complete. Will you
tell me just where they are?"

Maurice made no reply, but his firmly-set jaws
answered lainly enough: he would never give
'up thati ormationl

Colonel Cougar readily interpreted that reso-
lution. and his lips curled back until a gleam of
his strong teeth showed through his mustaches.

".Then he spoke:

“ You refuse? All right! I’ll force the infor-
_ mation from your lips, or make you suffer a
v dozen deaths in your obstinacy l”

He turned to ward Anderson Filley and ad-

dressed him directly:

“ if you have any lovs for your son, Filley,
' bid him speak out. If you don‘t, and he holds
a stubborn, I’ll make you both wish he ‘,had _never
'been born 1”

“ Hold your tongue, boy!” grimly muttered
nthe rancher.

“I’ll hits it off and swallow it first, father!”

1 boldly cried the youngster, looking just as though
he meant what he said, too.

Milo Plunkett scowled anxiously, knowing the
terrible temper of his chief as he did. But for
vonce he was mistaken“

Though Colonel Cougar turned ghastly yellow
'with rage, it was a white heat, and when be
t spoke his tones were low and even, almost

gentle:

” You both say, no, but I say, es! I swear,
by heaven and by hell, that he sha l tell, or never

'again see the li ht of day! And as for you, An-
derson Filley— sten!

“ You went far out of your way to work me
and mine injury. We never troubled you,
never did you one hand’s-turn of harm. We
:simply turned wrong into right, and, while fool-
ing the tyrants, put a bit of honest money into

_ our own pockets.

“ You saw fit to play the cowardly spy upon
us and our actions. You marked us all down as
victims, and while you were riding to set the
devilish hounds of an unhol law upon our
backs, we saved you from be ng butchered by
the red-skins.

-“Now, you’ve branded us all as smugglers.
We are just that. I’m not ashamed of my trade.
,It’s plenty good enough for me, and—it’s got to
be cod enough for you!”

c paused with that, as though expecting an
answer or retort of some description but none
came. Father and son were silent. They were
helpless to do more than wait, but neither face
betrayed sign of fear or of faltering in the
all htest (is ac.

- ilo Plun ett seemed far more uneasy, and
plainly felt that his chief was going entirely too

ar in his plain talk; but even he was not hold
enough to openly object to those dangerous ad-
missions.

“Do ou know just what that means?”con-
tiuued ‘olonel Cougar, after a brief silence.
“ 5“. means that you both, father and son, shall

a my band of smugglers, and become precise-

\ guilty as you now deem us! It means that

0 call become one of the family, to share our

I Jphs or our defeats. _If we sufler from the

-detectives you have set on our track, you shall
.help nay the nalty! ‘

‘. You thin I caii’ fetch all thisabout? That

_ ;, proves you don’t even begin to know the man

 

ou‘ve undertaken to hunt down to a prison cell!

can and will do precisoly what I’m telling. you
—and more!

“ I’ve already let a hint or two drop as to‘ why
I’m so anxious to have your women-folk join
you here. I’ll tell you now, even more plainly,
that I love Linda Filley, and fully intend that
she shall become my lawful wife, or she’ll never
again see her father or her brother!”

“ Kill us both, then, out of hand, you devil!”
sternly cried Anderson Filley. “ Butcher us, I
say, for that foul hope shall never come true!"

‘ I’d sooner see her dead, a thousand times
over!” cried Maurice, his face flushing with
mingled rage and hatred.

Colonel Cougar glanced from father to son, as
they hurled defiance at him and his threats, but
he mere! y laughed in cruel malice as he finished
speaking.

“Kill you? Butcher you?" he echoed, sneer-
ingly. " No, no, my sweet-tempered friends! I
know a trick worth two of that, but still my
vow stands: neither of you shall catch a glimpse
of daylight until you have kuuckled down, and
the daint Linda is a wife—my wife!”

Colone Cougar stepped to the hidden trap-
door, swinging it open, then drawing back a
pace or two, to add:

“ As the first step, you are going below. You
know the drop is not 1great enough to break neck
or limh, Filley. Wi] you take it of your Own
accord, or must we pitch you down, neck and
heels?”

It was a severe test, but the rancher knew
how helpless they were just then, with arms
boaud behind them. If alone, he might have
offered resistance, but he had his son to consider,
and after a brief struggle with himself, he said
to Maurice:

“G0 first my boy. \Ve can’t fight these de-
vils, and we’ll not give them an excuse for piling
up the abuse. Sit on the edge, then jump down.
I ll follow after you.”

Without a word in opposition, Maurice obeyed.
He stepped to the edge of the trap, cast one brief
glance through the opening, then leaped boldly
to the stone floor.

Anderson Filley instantly followed, and Col-
onel Cougar cried out:

“If you grow hungr , eat the cat, my dear
friends! If thirsty, suc ' his blood, for noth
pe‘tEekr'shall pass your lips until you yield to al

 

CHAPTER XXIII.
CREATING TEE ROPx.

MORE than once since becoming a detective
by profession, White-horse Wheeler had found
cause for coggratulating himself on his keen eye
and ready t, but never did they serve him
better than on the night in question.

Peter Morris had spoken truly enough, so far
as his discovery of the famous white stallion
was concerned, and his consequent deductions
as to who the cool stranger in parle with
Milo Plunkett must be; but when he eclared
that he shot only to save his own life, he strayed
outside the boundar lines of truth.

As mentioned, bite-horse Wheeler, before
lighting the oil lam , took up his position facigg
the front door, and ehad not materially alte
that position when he caught a glimpse of a man
just without the opening, ifting arifle to a level
with his own head.

There could be but one meaning attached to
that movement, and acting on pure instinct,
the revenue detective dropped to the floor, just
in the nick of time. He felt the lead snap his
hat-crown, and knew that he had escaped death
by little more than an inch!

No sooner down than he was up, clearing the
way with his flats, for lack of more deadly
weapons, and leaving the smugglers in a wild
tumult, he darted away under cover of the
night-shadows.

A single brief call brought gallant Whirly net
to meet him and springing into the sa dle,
White-horse Wheeler bent ow along the stal-
lion’s neck, anticipating what quickly followed:
wild firing. '

He sent back a bit of mockery, for the lead
sped wide, and that was a cheap method of get-
ting even with his enemies for driving him off
the field.

“Who was it?” he asked himself, giving
Whirlygust the sign to run easily, at the same
time veerin sharply to the right. “ Would
he do that, a ter I sayed him from the reds?”

Naturally enou h his first suspicions had
turned toward Pe eg Ounce, who had vanished
so suddenly, just when his presence mi ht have
been of service by way of uarantev: ut even
so soon he began to doubt t e truth of those sus-
picions. ..

“ ’Twas but a glimpse I can ht, and that too
imperfect to swear b , but—i the rascal wasn’t
hea sight bigger t an Peleg, then he’s the
soil est heaviest ounce I ever met up with.”

Trending like a cat, hardly a sound came to
betray that change of course, and this was the
reason why the smug lers were so quickly at
fault. And then, rein ng in and facing the line
which he had at first laid in his flight, White
horse Wheeler waited, istols in hand, for the
fierce pursuit which he ooked for as a matter of
course. ,

White-Horse Wheeler. 7,

 

, Those few moments of swift racing had car~
rie‘d'him beyond ear-shot;of the Filley Ranch,
and the scattered trees which intervened had
shut off his eyesight before he covered one-half
that distance. All he could do was to wait
and listen, keeping his eyes open for later use.

After Milo Plunkett emptied his six-shooter in
the first flurry of rage, not a shot had been dis-
charged, and not a yell or an order could W bite-
horse Wheeler detect, listen how he might.

“ What sort of trick are they trying to come
over a fellow?” the revenue scout asked himself,
with a sensation of growing uneasiness.

An open rush, a death-meant storm of bullets,
he could have met with a reckless laugh, but
this strange silence was far more difficult to
bear, because so foreign to the nature of these
knaves.

To bafilve whatever cunning snare might be
preparing, White-horse Wheeler rode still fur-
ther away, at the same time circling pdrtly
around the Filley Ranch before coming to a
pause once more.

“ Trick for trick, and we‘ll see who rakes it
in!” he muttered, slipping out of the saddle be-
neath an overshadowing tree. “Stay here,
Whirlygust, until i call you, old lad!”

He primed for a caressing touch of that velvet
muzzle giving back a loving stroke in return,
then sowly, silently crept away through the
darkness, heading for the rear of the house.

Firm in his belief that, even if a trap of some
sort was not being laid for his discomfiture,
Milo Plunkett and his gang of rumans meant no
good to Mrs. Filley or inda,Whe<-ler,resolved to
run no extra risks until he sOIVed those suspi-
cions, for or against. ‘ _'

Thanks to the caution which he displayed,
making sure of each step before taking it, some
little time crept by before be We into fair view
of the ranch proper; and then the gan was
some little distance away, dooming Peieg unce
to death by the rope as a traitor.

Finding all silent at and around the house,
although the lam light still shone through the
open doorway, hits-horse Wheeler noiselessly
crept around far enough to steal a glance into
the room from which he had escaped so
neatly.

Still he could neither see nor hear aught of the
gang, and, gliding back to less open quarters, he
cast a slow, searching gaze around, to give a
little start as he noted a faint glow reflecting
on a bushy tree~t0p some considerable distance
awa . .

Hz knew there were no outbuildings in that
direction, and nothing to cause a fire unless it
had been purposely kindled since his hurried
leave-taking.

“ What does it mean! A trick to trap the old
man? Well, trickery goes, gentlemen!

Gliding silently away through the gloom,
keeping carefully out of such patches of moon-
lightaslay in the path he had chosen, White-
horse Wheeler maneuvered so as to steal closer
to that lighted point from the direction in which
his coming would be least looked for.

And then, to his stern horror, he caught sight
of poor Peleg Ounce dangling at the end of a
rope, with that damning label pinned to his

m! H
Instantly his pistols came out and pointed in
that direction; but before _he could clear the
twigs of the bush behi d which he had crept to
a point of view, Milo
which denoted a speedy departure, from the
scene of execution.

A cool, keen brain works with marvelous -

rapidity at times, and White-horse Wheeler held
his fire, for the time being, at least.
“ If they just pulled him up, he can‘t be dead

yet. He’d stand that sort of choking for a solid,

quarter of an hour, yet have life enough left for
pulling through, rightly helped. But—if I fire,
they’ll keep me too busy for lending him a hand,
eVen if they don’t drive me off the ound en-
tirely. 80— Skin out, ye dirty who i”

Scarcer had Milo Plunkett turn his face
toward the Filley Ranch once more, than
White-horse Wheeler was crawling nearer that
ghastly figure hanging in the bright light of the
fire. And almost before the last one of the evil
gang was out of sight, the revenue scout was
ens'i‘ng his keen-edged knife at the taut rope
ab0ve poor Peleg’s head. .

That one dextrous cast was sufficient. Tough
thougn the trail-rope was, cut and wei ht com-
bined proved too much for it, and Vheeler
caught the limp,'seennngly lifeless form in his
strong arms, saving it from a sudden and risky
shock.

Quickly recovering his balance, the detective
bore Peleg away from the scene of his execu-
tion. in t daring to linger in the light for an ex-
animation into his condition, lest the enemy re-
turn. to ruin :ill.

I “ Well, you’re cheating the rope, old fellow
even at the very worst!” rimly murmu

thitehorse, as he left the fire-glow for the
safer darkness. *

He did not retreat as far as Whirlygust
knowing as he did that a single call would

uickly fetch that faithful comrade to his side.
ale could not expect to make a perfectly silent
retreat while hearing such a limply awkward
burden, and so he came to a halt when a few

lunkett made the move ,,

 

 

.. -_3

White -Horse Wheeler.

21'.

 

 

rods away from the fire, gently lowering 'Peleg
to the ground, listening, as he unburdened him-
self, for some sound from the enemy.

It came to him, almost immediately, in the
shape of rapid hoof-strokes, and naturally sup-
posing that they would come by, for u last gloat-
ing look at their victim, White-horse \Vheeler
drew a pistol, meaning to give them scare suf-
ficient to enable him to escape with Ounce, on
the back of good Whirlygiist.

But the expected did not happen, in this case,
and as the hoof-strokes died away in the dis-
tance, VVhite-horse Wheeler began his examina-
tion of the hapless fellow whose particular bane
appeared to be the rope.

“Three times and out, pardneri” muttered
the detective, as his light touch distinctly felt a
fluttering lieart- bent. “ You’ve cheated the
rope twice in one day; don’t do it again, or—
keep away from the water 1”

As though he caught that grim warning, Pe-
leg Ounce gave a gurgling gasp, seemingiy at-
tempting to speak. He shivered violently,
drawing up his legs and contracting his arms,
but when 'Wheeler asked him how he reckoned
he was feeling, the poor fellow merely moaned,
then lay more quiet.

By this time the s«-out bud satisfied himself
that Peleg had suiIered no other harm, and
knovving that peace and quiet would do more
than anything else he could offer, he squatted
down near by, waiting with what patience he
could summon.

Not but that he had ample food for thought;
that was the trouble. he had entirely too ,much
of that staple!

What was the actual explanation of that de-
serted ranch?

Could Anderson Filley have escaped the In-
dians, and. making all haste home, have re—
moved his family? If so, whither had he taken
them?

Surely not to the Lone Ranch? If so, would
not that beleaping out of the fryingpan into
the fire? _

He could not make it clear that the rancher
had escaped with life. after the last glimpse he
had caught of him, struggling with a vicious
mustan , while a. swarm of red devils were
racing or his scalp. .

He thou ht of Maurice, whom he had not seen
as one of t e fugitives, be it remembered. Had
he taken alarm, and so removed the women! It
so whither? .

Then, too. if Maurice had taken them away,
Would he not bavetleft some word or sign to
guide his father on his return?

“Surely, yes! But—how if Colonel Cougar
took a hand in? How if he—but, again, there’s
Plunkett, just now l”_

It was a erlexmg affair, take it how he
might, but hitehorse Wheeler. would have
reached a decision far sconer, only for one fact:
it was man, versus detective.

Although he had never even. heard of Linda
Filley two months before this night, Walter
Wheeler had tumbled Overhead and ears with
the little lady, and her possxblc peril just now
clouded his usually keen and shrewd judg-
ment. '

He knew that, as a sworn officer of the law he
ought to be followi up the claw let fall by a.
leg Ounce in his f gIfiit at ' ng the voice
of “ the youn boss, ’ otherwise Milo Plunkett:
but if he shou (1 take up that trail, how could he
'easrndglilalt  become of Linda? M]

ueyceg vealtartwi Min:

“ Run-they're cggmin’—'to kill! ” y 8

CHAPTER XXIV,
Plum rmns ms roxaun.

THE violent start which Whitehorse Wheeler

ve at this sudden outburst, proved how com-
plewa be was 911 his guard, and even in that
moment of exc1ted expectation, he felt a, flush
of shame that such should  the fact.

Peleg tried to spring to his feet in his terror,
but as at was in poor condition for a foot-race
with oath, and supportingwhis failing fem
with one arm, White-horse healer c1. a
broad palm over his lips, hastily uttering ,cho
warning:

" Hist, old fellow! I’ll do the fl hting for us
both, if any’l needed just now. ou’ro now
What did you heart”

He part ally removed his hand, but 196:3
made no immediate reply, shivoring like a l
in that friendly grasp, tryipfito make out the
face abdke him. hen he 11! K8990“:

“ You, boas? Don’t iet ’em—don’t hang f”

“ Never a bit of it, Peleg,” distinctly spoke the
detective, his first fears set at rest, knowing now
that it was but a haunting memory of those hor-
rible moments while he was being brutally
dragged from his feet b the closing. sudooating
noese. “I mved you rom hanging. I‘he ras-
calr have gone, thinking you dead and put tell-
ing about them. You are worth a score of dead
men, old fellow !” m

“ They didn’t—I never had a show. '

“ The treated you worse thim Id treat a
shoe k lling cur, Peleg and that a a. scandalous
fact But you’re all hunkyianow, and if you
don’t play even with Milo lunkett ,and his
cutthroat» then I’ll always think you <1 ought
to! ,

 

 

White-horse Wheeler was all detective, now,
and had at aside all other thoughts for the
present. 8 was burning to question Ounce
about this gang, but hardly dared open tire all
It onCe.

“Little by little!” was his wise reflection.
“Get him used to the notion, before he fairly
rallies, and the trick will turn all the more easy
when I come to deal the cardsl”

For a full minute the rescued man remained
silent, supported by those strong arms, but then
he gave vent to an oath: full of intense hatred
toward the being at whose head it was aimed.

White-horse Wheeler believed his time was
ripe, sooner than he had dared hope, and as be
lowered Peleg to a sitting position, squatting be-
fore him, holdiiig fast to both treiiiulous hands,
he spoke sternl y :

“Curse them later, old man, but, (all: new!
They treated you like a dog. They strung 'you
up, without time to plead or to pray, and—’

“ They did! He did—hell blast him fereverl”

“Milo l’lunkett, of course?” asked Wheeler,
giving those hands another friendly grip as he
added: “ I know it, though I was too lute to
hinder the hanging. I cut you down, and risk-
od my own life in carrying yOu hi~re,to a place
of safety. Now, I’eleg, don’t you reckon, Ide'
serve to be treatvd white, on your part?”

Again there wasa brief pause, luring which
Ounce hungr his head, as though in deepreflec-
tion.

The detective waited, choking,r back his im-
patience as only a strong man can. He felt al-
most sure of winning his point, but with so much
at stake, he could not rest easy until thelast
doubt was cleared away.

Fortunately he was not held much longer in
suspense, for Pelvg drew a long breath, as he
lifted his face, to ask:

“ lit a man is hung—clean up an’ down hung!
Ef he’s that, boss, hain’t it jest the same as ef
he‘d tuck up a new life?"

The point was clumsily ut, but Peleg was
hardly himself yet, and l hite«horse Wheeler
caught at the hint, gladly enough.

“Of ocurse it is, pardnerl And being hung,
old Pele is dead, taking with him all the oaths
and pledges he may have given those who, by
hanging in], have proved themselves deadly
enemies to the new Peleg. And so, New Peleg,
out with it 1”

“You mean?” faltered Ounce, still hanging in
the wind a bit.

“I mean that you said just enough when
those rascals came down on, us, to need to say
more now! _You let part of the truth escape,
Peleg, and since Plunkett treated you so low-
down, you’re worse than no man at all if you
don’t play to get own with him, and the whole

l

n

“ I’ll do it—cuss an’ double cuss him allover!
An’ them, too! Never a one but what jest
cetched to pull the rope! An’ them—boss?”

“ All ' t, Peleg: you mean they are part of
the margins sans!”

“ Ef do tell, you’ll stand to my back, boss?”

“I’ll stand in front of you, Peleg and that’s
heap isight safer for you, ’ grimly chuckled the
revenue scout. “Don’t force me to go back
and report that you were the only smuggler I
could catch, old man i” -

“ Ef you’ll rake ’em all in, basal"

“ That’s precisely what I’m up here for, Pe-
leg. and With your help, from under covor if
you like it best, I’ll make a clean haul. Now—
get down to business, pudner! The gang is—
who and what?”

‘ Plunkett isone of ’em—one o’ the wu’st of
’em, ut it,bossl” ,

“ ve got Plunkatt down, Pel . But he isn’t
the actual chief you know. T t m-cclonel
Con , for a rude guess!”

“ on’t—talk Ewen/boss!" shiveringly ga
the frightened man. “Ef he shoul ketc a
word sech as them—an’ somehow he’s got ear:
that kin ketch a critter’s thoughts l” ~-

“ Has an army of spooks to carry him news,
ah?” the detective lau .hed, soft] . “Well, Pe-
leg, I’m a bit of a m min myse f, and agree to
lay out all the spooks the colonel send- our way.
So—g: on, pardner l”

Th light, chafl‘ln manner seemed to hearten
Ounce u , and in ow but clear whispers, he
proceech to tell all he knew concerning the
smu glcrs and their secrets. That was retty
niuc all, for Peleg. thou h anythi at a
hero in some things, ha proved h mac]! a
serviceable member of that identical gang;

“Kunnel Cougar is the head boss,” 6 ad-
mitted, frankly enough, eyen while casting a
half-superstitious glance Over his shoulder the
while. “ He at up the gang, an’ he’s the one
hiat‘iays out! 51 the tricks an’ schemes an’ sach-

e

“ Plunkett backs him up, of course!”

“ Sure! He’s the next to the boss, an’ he does
most of the fancy work. The kunnel stays at
home. mostly, or in makin’ b’liave at his mills
an’ lumber—camps.»

“ Doing the respectable, between spells. I
understand. That a just the sort I figured him
out as being. Well, 0 on; where do they stow
thfiir oods, while w ting for a market?”

ey’s many 'a. hundred pound o" o ium
Bone down to a market when the log-driv n’ is

 

on,” said Ounce, with a subdued chuckle. “ Put
up in tight tin cans, ye understand, an’ sent ’long
the drive, inside 0’ marked logs.”

“ The deuce you say 1" ejaculated the ama zed}
detective. “ I never once thought of a. tnck like
that ."’

" You won’t git hot under the Collar ef I tell
ye N'hO hatched the trick iip, fu’w-Ofl', boss!”
hesitated Peleg.

“ You, was it? Well, you’re even smarter
than I took you for, and that is needless!” de-
clared Wheeler, thinking: it hit of soft-soaping
would not come amiss just there.

It served its purpose, and Pileg resumed with
greater ease:

“ As fer the goods, ihat caiu’t well go through
in sech a way, the finer lots is tuck to the Lone
ltauch, nights, an’ hid in the pit.”

“ What sort of place is .hat, l’eleg i”

“Kind of a stoned-up Blllllfl', boss. That’s
three of ’em all in a row. One is jest under the
ranch itself, an’ you‘d take it fer a common
sullar, ef you didn’t at p to Count how mighty
smooth an’ strong an’ snug she’s built.

“J’inin’ on to this, ye know, Comes the fu’st
o’ the thrve pits like I sot our to tell ye of. That
fu‘st one isa stone sullar. like all the rest, on '
thnr’s a door opens into itjrom the sulliir under
the house.”

“ Through which the: gaxlsmre packed away,
of course. But—the door is a Secret one, of
course? If not, and the ranch should be search-
ed on suspicion, that do r would be a dead give
av‘y'ayJ‘i'I

Peleg was grimly chuckling to himself all
through this speech, but when an opening offer--
ed, be promptly improved it:

“Ef a body what didn’t know it all, was to
open that door, boss, him «Ir them wouldn’t want
to open Mother in a hurry—no they wouldn’t,
new! No, sir, they just wouldn’t I”

“It hides a trap, then .3"

“ It hide-s Grim Death, you meanl An’ Grim
Death—well, I do reckon he’s own brother to
the kennel! dA painter, rig ’nough fer to chaw
your head i if at one nip!"

Once more Wheeler showed his surprise with-
out disguise. lt relieved his own emotions, and
gratified the pride of Pele: Ounce, so why not?

“ And the other pits, Peleg? Can Colonel Con--
gar pass through With the goods? Is Grim Death-
a trained pet? Tell it all, man!”

“ I do reckon Grim Denth’d chaw the kunnel
jest as quick as ary other puSSon, boss. But he
don’t hev to pass through that way. Thar’s &
hole to git in at, on the top 0’ the airth, outside
the store-chamber, an’ that’s the way the best
goods is chucked in. An’ the other sullar, like,
which is easier to find of a close hunt was made
fer it bv them that wasn’t wanted to find it all,"
out, is est ’nother sech death~trap as the one as
holds rim Death snug. ’ceptin’ it hes two big

' ters shct‘u into it.

“ Well, we] , that does get awn with the-
whole confectione l” ejaculated bite-horse
Wheeler, and this me his amaument was not-
wholly artificial. “ He’s rightly named Colonel-
Cougsr! If ’twas me, I’d never be satisfied
31th so meek a title: I d be General, with a big

I

“ Ef you was to call’him Devil, with a mon—
strous lg D, boss, you’d come nigher to hittin"‘
the truth i” muttered Ounce, with another nerw
vous glance around them. “When I come to
think u what a p’insn critter he shorel is, it.
jest col shivers me all over to think! f he-
was to 'est dream how I'Ve— Good Lewd !”

“ He’ 1 never so much as dream of our havo
ing a finger in the pie, pardner. All ask of‘
you further, is to show me the main points—you.
can show me where the store-house is, Peleg?”

“ I kin, but—”

“ Good enough! You’ll show me the pla ,
and teach me how to enter it by the hiddg)
opcn' outside. You know the trick, cf
course

Pel nodded ascent, but now that he had-
made revelation, the natural reaction was.

, and fear was rapidly getting the better 4
of his rage and thirst for vengeance on those;
who had hung him up.

“Better yeti You’ll go along with me, and
after you’ve pointed the spot out, and showed'
me how to work the trick, you can pull out for-
safer quarters, just as soon as it likes on. Or,
if you care to stick by me, I’ll see tha no harm
comes to you from those rascals.”

With that assurance, White-horse Wheeler
rose erect, and they were about to make for the
t{got where Whirlygust was tiently waiting

0 return of his master, when eleg Ounce gave
a frightened start, gripping the detective’s arm
convulsiver as he hoarsely cried: -

“ Look ender! A spook—he’s sent a spook to
ha’nt me or tellin-‘l”

CHAPTER XXV.
A momenr unnmG. .
AL'rnouon Maurice Fillay had tried his best .
tocalm the fears which his mother and sister-
must naturally feel, his success was anything
but flattering. Then, too, his stron agitation,
which he so clear] was doing batte with be-
fore he abruptler t the cavern in which they
hadsought‘refuga from the marauding Sioux,.
increased rather than lessened their fears.

 

a

 

 

fl .

 

 

 

‘7722

White-Horse‘wWheeler.

 

 

v!-

 

The minutes crawl sluggisth at such times,
and long before Maurice had any positive
knowledge of having left the cave at all, mo-
ther and sister were growing uneasy at his pro—
tracted absence.

They had drawn close together, for mutual
comfort of mind rather than of body. The air
of the cavern was fairly dry, and they had
enough blankets to defy cold.

In guarded whispers mother and daughter
talked together, wondering, hoping, surinising,
but never openly fearing, at first. And because
they each avoided that one point in which they
were so deeply interested, each knew that the
other was really fearing the very worst.

At length that know edge brought them still
closer together, in mind and in heart, and
though their tears fell freely while they con-
doled each other, that yielding to morbid fears
actually did them good.

The knew now what was the worst each one
fear , and while trying to hope all would come
out right in the end, they could talk to ether
without having to keep watch and war over
each word.

“ Then, too, if I see you and Maurice whisper-
ing together, I’ll know that you’re trying to
coax t 9 whole truth from him, and I ll kee
out of the we until— You will make him tel
you, Linda? e’ll tell you, what he’d be afraid

’ to tell me, and—”

“0h, mother! I’ll try, but brother always
trusted you, his mother—’

“ Yes, I’m his mother,”.murmured Mrs. Fil-
ley, with a husky catch in her voice as she
a ded:“ I’m Anderson’s wife, too! And he—
Oh, oh I”

The woman broke down in sobs that
were al the more difficult to bear because they
seemed confined; there was a great lump in her
throat which blocked the passage.

Linda gave her whole attention to soothing
her mother, and that h sterical spell was
strange enough neither 0 the twain having
ever ex rienced aught like it before, to occu y

thgogir so entirely that she had no time or
br ing over their other troubles.

Mrs. Filley physically exhausted, at length
consented to lie still on the neat pallet which
Linda made by the faint light of the single
candle, and coverin her over with a warm
blanket, Linda sat at er side without s eh or
motion, until the regular breathing ld her
It‘s? sleep had come to the mourning wife’s re-

s .
Then it was that the hardest trial came upon

the girl. There was nothing but her then hts
to keep her company, and their dark, chil ing
nature made them almost maddening.

Her father was gone and des its the assur-
,ance given them by Maurice, s e feared that
serious misfortune had ovartaken him. If all had
gone well, as Mauricc tried to make out, would

er brother be so agitated, so unlike his usual
self! Instead of slimming such haste to leave

them alone there in that dismal den, would he
not rather ave lingered to fully reassure them?

“He was afraid to face mother!” Linda re-
peated for the uncounted time. “ He ran away

rom the light, so she wouldn’t see the awful
truth written in his face. He was a coward——
and 1 hire him all the better for it. too 1”

By which the little lady meant filial cowardice,
for, like all true women, she adored braver in
the sgépOsiW sex, and if she had been cose
pro on that point, Linda could have named

one who stood to her as a model in that line.

Part of her thoughts that trying evening were
given to him; to wandering where he was just
‘then, to hoping that he was far away, out of all

possible danger from those dreadful savages, to
longing for one glimpse of his noble countenance,
one touch of his strong hand, one word from his
true lips!

‘ If he was only here, how much easier it all
would become! He would quickly straighten
matters out and right all wrongs!

By which the reader can ve a shrewd guess
as to the state of Miss Linda 9 heart, if he or she
cares to take the trouble.

From thinking, Linda grew tempted to act.
The long absence of Maurice was beginning to
worr her beyond endurance. ‘

“ e’s afraid to come back—poor fellow!” she
fell to reasoning. “He’s afraid to face poor
mother, and tell her—he knows she’d read the
‘whole truth in his dear face, even though he
kept his lips tight locked! And so—if mother
'muld only sta sleeping!”

Having yiel ed to temptation in thought, the
rest came easy onou h. . '

Linda bent broat esst over her mother, fear-
ing to waken her in case she should be sleeping,
then drew back with a sigh of; relief.

“ Dear mammy! She lsleep on until— I’ll
surely find him, just outside!”

Making the least noise possible, Linda crept
away from the sleeping mother, going to the
caVeventrance and ring forth, with an odd
mixture of fear and ldness.

She could see nothing to awaken her suspi-
cions, nor confirm her belief that Maurice was
hard by, and so, ently at‘ first, but gradually
louder, she called name, ceasing only when
she feared the sound of her voice might arouse
her sleeping mother.

 

Having ventured thus far against orders
Linda naturally ventured still further. She he
set out to find her brother, to learn from his lips
the entire truth, and she could not turn back so
Boom

Failing to' find Maurice near the cave-entrance,
she naturally thought of their home, and with-
out pausing long enough to grow frightened
through weighing the risk she might be running,
Linda stole hastily yet cautiously toward the
deserted ranch.

Nothing occui red to alarm her, until she was
drawing near the house, but then a sharp,
strange cry startled her, and catching sight of
dusky figures in motion only a few rods distant,
the frightened girl turned to seek safety in
flight.

But keener eyes than hers were taking notes,
.and as VVhite-horse Wheeler recognized the
loose garb of a woman, he jumped to the right
conclusion, and sprung forward in chase, at the
suns time calling out:

“ Don’t be frightened, Linda! It’s a friend—-
I’m Edgar Winston i”

That name and voice combined, produced the
desired effect, and with a sob of joyful relief,
Linda paused, turned, was clasped to the bosom
of the revenue scout, all in a single breath!

“I thought—I feared—”

“And I was hunting for you, Linda,” quick—
ly said Wheeler, “for you-and your mother. I
had almost given up hopes of finding you, when
we caught sight of a ghost—of you, dear girl!”

Neither man nor maiden were exactly ac-
countable for what they said or did, during
those first few moments, be it remembered.
The meeting was an extraordinary one, and if
their conduct savored of the same, who can
reasonabl object?

It was or Peleg Ounce to recall White-horse
Wheeler to his senses, which he did by giving
vent to an ejaculation of amazed relief, at see-
ing his spook transformed into a neat parcel of
living beauty.

The couple stood in a patch of moonlight,
sufficiently bright to render their actions as well
as figures lainly visible, so Peleg must have
spoken by t 9 card when he spluttered:

“GoodLawdl Ketched thespook an’ huggin’
of it like~durned ef ’tain’t Lindy Filley, her Own
dientical self, so ’tis, now!”

The maiden gave a faint cry of fri ht, but
Wheeler quickly reassured .her, though is atti-
tude naturally became less affectionate, now
that his senses were recalled.

Explanations were the order of the day for
the next minute or two, and Wheeler contrived
to account for his presence in that vicinity
without telling all the ugly truth, as he saw it.

On her part, Linda explained how Maurice
had hurried her mother and herself away from
home, and how she had stolen forth to learn,
if possible, the cause of his protracted absence.

- ‘You ought not to have done that, Linda,”
said Wheeler, his chiding voice sounding almost
harsh as he thought of what might have been,
had Milo Plunkett delayed his retreat yet a
little longer. “ You don’t know what danger
you incurred by— But I’m glad you did it,
after all! If you hadn’t, maybe I’d never have
found you, at all!”

Pele Ounce, completely out out of the con-
versation, which fact may have felt doubly
Eointed by contrast with the prominence he had

eld onlya brief space before gave a hollow

roan of uneasy disgust, which reminded

Vheeler of his existence and spurred him to
action.

In a whisper bidding Linda wait for an in-
stant, the revenue scout turned to Peleg, draw-
ing him a little aside, then speaking earn-

est :

“I haven’t had time as yet to thank you for
your information, pardner, but I’ll make it all
up in the end. Of course I’m oing to look
after Miss Filley, first, and, while ’m taking her

h

back to he mo er, how about you?” _
“Cain’ go ’long, boss?” meekly whined
Peleg. \

“ You could, of course, but—the lea trail we
lay, the safer, and that means leaving the
horses behind. Will you stay and watch them

. uniil I can come back?"

“ You won’t—you shore will come back,
boss?”

“ I surely will, Peleg. You’ve seen the good
horse that gave me the name I bear. Would I
desert him? And, as {moot how surely I trust
you, pardner, 1 leave im in your care. Can I
say more than that?”

his was the sort of argument best suited to
Peleg’s caliber and with a sense of pride which
he had rarely felt before, he accepted the trust,
and gave not even a whine as the young couple
moved away through the mingled light and
darkness.

A few words satisfied Linda that Maurice
could not be lin ering about the house, and she
made no difflcu ty about guiding Edgar Win-
ston, as she knew White-horse Wheeler, to the
cavern gin which they had sought refuge from
the Indians.

The trip was quickly made for the detective
had firmly put aside his loverly longings for the
time bein , and was t ingto decide ust how

much, or ow little, 0 the dark tru he had

 

better tell Mrs. Filley when she questioned him,
as she surely would.

As they drew near the mouth of the cavern,
Linda somewhat nervously begged her com-
panion to wait outside, until she could prepare
her mother for his coming; but that suggested
precautitn was needless.

“ You have come back, child?” the gentle
voice of Mrs. Filley asked, while the accompany-
ing rustling of branches told of her parting the
leafy screen which so completely masked that
Opening among the rocks. “ There’s some one
with you: Maurice, Hi dear boy ’9”

“ It isn’t Maurice, rs. Filley,” said Wheeler,
advancing quickly, “but I trust you’ll believe
me when 1 say that ’tis a true friend?”

“ You, Mr. Winston?” ejaculated therwoman.
“ Where is my husband?"

CHAPTER XXVI.
A DETECTIVE IN LOVE.

 

WITH trembling eagerness came that ques— '

tion, and catching his extended hands, drawing
back through the opening at the same time,
Mrs. Filley brought the detective under the
clear if limited light shed by the burning
candle.

Her eyes were fixed upon his face, with pite-
ous eagerness, and her voice quavered as she
said, again:

“ Where is my husband, sir? \Vhere is he—
and my boy i”

Feeling that evasion would be cruel as it was
useless, White-horse Wheeler responded, in
grave, sym thetic tones:

“ I had oped to find them with you dear
Mrs. Filley, but their absence is not proof posi-
tive that harm has come to either one of
them.”

Non-committal though his answer was, it
caused the r woman to shrink and shiver,
almost as though a blow had been given her.
Only for a brief space, hOWever, Then, rally-
ing, she claSped his hands between both of hers,
speaking with forced composure: ,

“ You have something which you fear to tell
me, sir. I can read it in your e es, in your
face, .in the touch of your hands. ell me—all!
Tell me all, if you are a man!”

“ Mother l” '

“ Peace!” turning a swift glance toward the
startled girl. “ You were afraid to trust me,
but this entleman— Sir,” turning once again
to the etective, her voice growing calmer,
through pure force of will, “ ou think I’m not
stron enough to bear it. eel of my hands;
are tgey those of a cowardly woman? Touch
in pulse—sol”

t was piteous to see and to hear, but White-
horse Wheeler knew she was right. However
heavily that blow mi ht fall, better fall and re-
veal the very worst, 1: an hang above her head
with all its unknown horrors.

“They are the hands of a good, true, loving
woman, Mrs. Filley,” he said, takin her across
to the pallet from which she had n on dis-
covering the absence of her daughter. ‘f Sit
dowu, dear ma’am, and I’ll tell you what little
I know.”

With. enforced calmness Mrs. Filley obeyed.

She asked no uestions, but gazed leadineg
into his grave, dly face as he sat own near
b , ..
51‘ I’d be lying to you, Mrs. Filley, it I said
outright that your husband has not been in
great peril, but I’m telling yen my honest opin-
ion when I say that I’m almost certain he has
pulled through safely.”

“ You heard—you have seen him, then?”fal- '

tered Mrs. Filley, finding it terribly hard to.
utter even so many words without breaking
down. -

“ Yes. I saw him,” and then White-horse
Wheeler Went on to tell just how he chanced to
espy the rancher fleeing for life from the red-
skins.

It was by no means an one story to narrate
to those so deepl interested n the outcome, but
he made the bes of it all. And if he stretched
the truth a trifle, with Linda gazing piteously
into his face, who shall blame him? I

“ There was only one chance I could we him,
Mrs. Filley, and that I did give, not on for his
own sake, but for the sake of those he oved so
dearly, here at home. I scattered the red imps,
and shouted to him to catch a pony and make
for home.” .

“ But-who hasn’t come 1” huskily murmured the
wife, bowin her head and hiding hen, tear-wet
face in trem lin hands. _

“Brother sai he was gomg after help, you

know, mother, dear,” ventured Lind and found
her reward in the gateful glance w ich those
dark eyes shot her, fore their owner cheerfully
cried:
“ And of course that is 'ust wh he hasn’t
come home before this, my ear ma am! It,s 3
Ion ride—nei hbors are so scarce, up this way!
An he’ll sure y come, in good time, to join in
your laughing over these fears. ”

It was not a very heart effort, but it proved
his ood-will, and Mrs. Fi ey was woman enough
to sEow that she a preciated it at its full value.

She lifted her _ ead, wipin her tear-damp
hands before claspmg those of t e revenue scout,
to say:

 

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.

 

.39.. ,m.< ,. =.. .

(us-H‘V nvmn” <~.:-o.‘-‘o'

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.

,. . .- v-Mva. he.  

‘her scrutiny, all the more readily beca

White-Horse Wheeler.

23

 

 

“ I thank you, Mr. Winston, thank you from
the bottom of my heart. You risked your life,
trying tp save that of my husband, and if you
.faile.‘ —’

“ But Idldn’f fail, dear madam l”

“ Yes, you did, sir,” with grave sadness in
face and in voice. “ If my good man had es-
caped those red devils, he’d surely have come
home, long before this. But—I’m grateful to
you for what you tried to do. I’ll never forget
it -while life lasts 1”

“ You must not look at it in so dark a light,
Mrs. Filley,” the detective urged, though it was
with difficulty that he could maintain his own
outward appearance, particularly as he heard
Linda withdraw apart to smother her pitiful
:sobs of grief and despair. “ I can’t believe that
Mr. F illey was—that he didn’t escape, after the
«chancel gave him. Why, ma’am, I saw him
mounting a fresh horse, with along start of the
.l nllians, before I was driven Over the swell l”

“ He hasn’t conIe home, sir,” huskily repeated
the stricken wife.

“ That is bad, of course, but hOW much worse
lit might be? He may have been driven far out
of his course while trying to escape the Indians,
:and that would account for his delay in comin
looms. For come home he surely will I I fee
alt—I wish I felt as sure of inheriting heaven
when my time comes, dear Mrs. Fille ! ’

White-horse Wheeler had succee ed in con-
wincing himself, if not the sorrowing wife, and
Linda caught a little of his renewed hope. Not
so the wife and mother. She felt that all was
lost. and made no effort to disguise that despair.

“ You’re very kind, sir, and I’ll not forget it
to you. But—I can’t hope that way! He‘s dead
“my poor husband! And—wmy boy, too! He
knew of it—he couldn’t look me in the face,
(knowing what 1 would surely read in his dear
fyesh’ And so he went away, to— Lost—both
-ost.

She buried her face in the blankets, lying still,
save for a faint shivering. Alarmed at this,
Wheeler summoned Linda but her attempt at
soothing words was reJec .

“ Go away for a bit, girly,” huskily muttered
the sorely-smitten woman. “I’m not dying—
people can’t die of such misery! Let me be by
m self fora bit. Then—1’11 be better, deary. ’

inda looked appealineg to the detective,
who gently drew her away, speaking with grave
quietness:

“I reckon your mother is right, Linda, and
that she’ll bebetter for being efttoherself a

little. And you—you don’t refuseto hope for'

3tI'leiboczlmgazed itco s1 int hi
n a u y o 5 eyes tr to
read his real belief there. Wheeler bl'avyelggnet

use he
himself had come to think Anderson Filley had
won his way free.

“ Do you really hope, Edgar!” the maiden
asked, earnestly.

“Could I look into your dear eyes and say
yes, if I was lying, Linda? And I am looking
into them, and I only Wish I might—”

Wheeler cut his impetuous speech short, for
the maiden involuntarily shrunk away a trifle.
It was hard to lock his feelings up, for, never
until this hour had he realized how intensely he
loved this girl. Yet he knew that he could
hardly have chosen a less propitious moment for
uttering a love speech.

“Then I will hope, with you, sir,” murmured
Linda, her_cheeks showin a more natural tin e
of color, Just then. “ nly—if father wou d
only Just come! If he only mi ht!”

“I believe .he will come, Lfiida, but 'ust as
soon as it is light enou h toread sign, I ll ride
over to where l» lost-sight of him, and never
give over until I’ve traced out the whole truth.”

* “ You Will?” eagerly asked the girl, clasping
his hands between hers. drawing closer to in-
stead of shrinking from the man who loved her.
“ You will do this—for mother’s sake?”

“ Why not for your sake. Linda?”

“ For all of us, then,” murmured the maiden,
.her eager eyes dI'OQPmS before that ardent

aze. _

g “ I’ll do it, of course. Even if I had no other
interest in the matter, I’d do it for your dear
sake, Hi dear, because I love you so— i

A litt e hand flew up to cover his lips, than
Linda shrunk back, a touch of reproying pain
in her voice as she murmured: . .

“ Don’t—please don’t sir! 'Is this a timeJor
-—-for such idle words, ll r. Wlnston?” .

White—horse Wheeler gave a rueful Sigh as he
muttered: _ p

“ I’m afraid it isn’t, from your pomt of View,

‘ Linda, hulk—may I repeat them later?”

There was no immediate reply. Linda sliced
with bowed head, hands hiding her painfully
flushed cheeks. / _

She was a bit frightened, but it was not alto.

other at hearing such words from those lips.
ghey sounded very sweet—so sweet to her ting.
ling ears that she was frightened at be;- own
tremolous joy. .

How could she feel so happy Whlle her P00?
mother was suffering so intensely? How could
'she have such deliriously sweet thoughts while
her brother was missing, her father lost—if not
murdered? _ , .

White-horse Wheeler, feeling in a measure

. out one hand in an impatient,

 

guilty of rash imprudence, if nothing worse,
under the circumstances, did not attempt to
hasten her decision. He stood silently by, his
ardent soul shining through his eyes, scarcely
daring to hope, yet feeling that this hour must
determine his entire future. .

Presently Linda lbwered her hands, shyly
lifting her eyes to meet his, but gaining courage
from his gently grave countenance.

“You will do this, Edgar Winston? You
will save them—m y father, my brother?”

“I will try my level best, Linda,” was his
earnest reply. “ I’ll do all that one man can do,
and you can be certain that will not be less be—
cause I’m almost ashamed of making such a
condition. And yet, if you could only give me
a word of hope, Linda 1”

The girl cast a shy glance across to where
her mother was lying, but Mrs. Filley was
lost to all save her great grief, and paid
go heed to what was transpiring so near at

and.

“ Is it so hard to say, little woman?" murmur-
ed Wheeler, catching her hands between his,
bending lovingly over her trembling form as he
added: “ Just one word, darling! Just say
that I may hope to win you, some day 1”

“.Not now—not that I” murmured Linda,
shrinking away, but only for a brief space;
rallying, she looked bravely into his disappoint~
ed face, to say: “ I’ll tell you this, Edgar Win-
ston: I love no other man, in that way!”

His arms closed about her lithe form, but
then, with a strong effort of will, he released the
maiden, stepping back with hands locked behind
him, the better to resist temptation. And he
said, quickly:

“ I’ll wait, Linda. Tell mother what I’m go-
ing to do. ,Be wary, and don’t step outside of
the cave until they come, or I return. I’m
gging’now, to look up Maurice. Good-by, until

en t

 

CHAPTER XXVII.
COLONEL COUGAR ANTICIPATES.

CLOSING the trap-door above his captives,
Darke Cruger strode out of that room into the
one adjoining, a gesture of his hand bidding
Milo Plunkett'bear him company.

There had been a show of grim jocosity in his
parting speech to the Filleys, father and son, but
all that had. vanished now, and his florid face
showed nothing less than savage hatred for his
prisoners. A

“Curse them, man and boy !” he growled,
hoarsel , striking the air with his tightly
clinch fist, his eyes fairly glowing with rage.
“ I had to cut it short off, or ’d have torn their
stubborn tongues out, to cram down each other’s
throat!” _

Milo Plunkett did not venture to reply to this
fierce outburst, although he had the words at the
ti of his tongue.

ven he was afraid of the smug ler chief at
odd times, and never before h he known
Colonel Cruger more thoroughly worked up than
right now.

Something° in his dark face told Cruger as
much, and, after staring for a. few seconds at his
next in command, he broke into a laugh, drop-
ping back in a chair, looking and speaking more
na‘t‘iiirally.I did ’, I

ope n t scare you, youngster? was
hot—red-hot—but not against y0u, be sure of
that. Only,those stubborn idiots worked me up
“11:11 I’m sweating under the collar!”

We“, Chief, according to my notion, there’s
piglyvgfigrtgeigmd of (’iteatlaifif with than soit: put
8 s can e en w e
the hardest!" y , ’ I en t y "y

“ Croaking. you mean?”

“ How else can we ever be sure of their silence,
colonel?”

.“ Why. man, (1681:, you’re worse than I was l”
ejaculated Cru er, in real or well-assumed sur-
prise. “ Here rather expected to have you
reading me agrave lecture on man’s inhumanity
ltiottnlign, and Instead~ You’re joking, Plun-

c

“How much of a joke will it be to us all,
colonel, when the. revenue sharks light down up-
on us, through information laid by the F11-
le s? ’

I" That time’ll never come, Plunkett!”

“ Yet I found a paper Which certainly points
that We , sir.” I

“ An I’ve got it, haven’t I? You found it
before it had touched other bands or met other
eyes. So much for that.“ and I nfean to guard
against another list being sent forth.”

The lieutenant asked no questions, so far as his
tongue was concerned, but his eyes were not so
reticent, and Colonel Cougar chuckled afresh as
he read their anxious gaze aright.

“Then you really took .lb all for gas, Milo?
Don't you keep on thinking that way, man,
dear! I’m in sober earnest when I tell you,what
I told them: that both father and son shall 'oin
the family, with all that implies, or never ook
at the day again i”

The lieutenant could not kee from flinging
most contempt-
uous ture, .

ou surely must be joking chief! Even if
you could force them to take all oaths, which I

. .\.

 

seriously doubt, they could never be trusted as
members of such an association should be relied
upon. They’d sell us all out at the first possible
chance, and batch up a thousand worse crimes
to make it more binding.”

Milo Plunkett was deeply in earnest, as both
face and voice gave evidence, but his impetuous
speech produced precious little effect on his com-
mander in crime.

He listened to the end, with a broadening
smile, and when Plunkett broke off speaking,
his retort was ready.

“ Not if Linda Filley is my lawful wife, they
won’t, old fellow l”

Plunkett swiftly averted his face, ostensibly
to con h, but really to conceal the Venomous
look w ich he could not keep from leaping into
his countenance. Had Colonel Cougar caught

that, in its full force, he might well have paused 

to consider.

Plunkett rallied swiftly, and as a hand passed
over his face with that feigned cough, it brushe‘d
away all dangerous signs, and it was a cold,
composed visage that Cruger gazed into a mo-
ment later. u

“ You really mean to give us a wedding, then,
colonel?”

“I never felt more set on anything in In
life, Milo,” came the prompt response. “ An ,
though you may hard y think it, looking at the
big cinch the little lady holds over me in lack of
years, I don’t reckon ’11 have such a terribly
tough fight in getting Linda to fall in with my
scheme. ,

“ You’ve been paving the way, then, colonel ?”
asked Plunkett, with a forced smile, but which
served just as well as though genuine.

Still, Darke Cruger seemed to scent a jest,
and his face flushed up a bit more than usual,
while his voice took on a crusty snap as he

said:

“That’s all right, pardner! If I’m satisfied,
you have no occasion to kick because of scanty
courtship. Now—drop talk, and come down to
business 1”

“ I’m ready, and waiting, colonel,” said

Plunkett, salutin .

“ As ever— boy !” nodded his chief, with
greater cordiality. “Well, this is my pro-
gramme, so far as the Filley family is con-
cerned:

“ Of course the boy knows where the women
are stowed away, and of course the old man
will be  anxious to find it out. He'll
ask, or the i ’1] tell on his own book. Well,
ghg’t’s to hinder my playing' eavesdropper for a

it

“ At the tra oor, colonel?"

“Well, ha yl” with a curl of his ii
innocent quer .

at that
h M “Na "(11011 a “gilt, aha? “in?
courset ey on guar agai po
Can’t I o to the store-house, though i”

“ An from-that, into Grim Death’s den i”

This time Colonel Cougar laughed outr'fht,
seemingly hugely amused by the unusual ull-
ness of his lieutenant. As a rule, Plunkett was
the first to catch or to suggest'a keen point,
but on this occasion he was particularly stupid,
it seemed.

“ Not a bit of it, old fellow, and I’ll tell you
why. I left them both full use of their legs,
didn’t I?" '

Plunkett nodded assent, but still with a puz-
zled look in his face.

“ Well, if I had thought to play spyfrom the
room, in yonder woul n’t I have trussed them
up so tight that they couldn’t get away, even to
the corners? Sure, for I’d have wanted them as
near my ears as might be. Since I left them
free to walk, what reason!”

“So they could go into the other den?” sug-
gested Plunkett.

“Just that, of course! You’re beginning to
wake up, pardner, and if I had an extra hour or
two to spend in hammering at your skull I
might begin to rouse your wits! What’s t. e
matter with you to-ni ht, Plunkett, anyway?”

“ Well, I can’t help t inking about that cursed
detective,” frankly admitted the lieutenant,then
adding, earnestly:

“Can’t I take a couple or three ood lads,
colonel, and havo a hunt for bite-horse
Wheeler?”

Colonel Cougar frowned blackly at mention of
that hated title, but his words touched a differ-

ent subject: .

you to be on hand, Plunkett, to
send after the women folk if I manage to find
out, through playing spy, just where they are
stOWed awav.’ '

“ Wouldn’t some of the other men do 'ust as '

well for that, chief ? Now that we know hiw

horse Wheeler is in these parts, there’s nothin

like safety for us until he’s croaked, for g p
and all!” ‘

“You’re right, as to that, and if you really
wish it—” .

“ I do wish it, chief!” eagerly cried the hen-
tenant, rising to his feet like one who can hardly
contain his impatience“. “ I’m laying odds that
we can catch the devil gowling about the spot
arbor? we discharged eleg Ounce, and if we

0—-

“ Fill him too full of holes for anything but a
skimmer, man 1” .
“ You bet we will, colonel,” said Plunkett,

' 1

“v1.4...

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

24

White-Horse Wheeler.

 

with a short, hard laugh.
can ick my men to suit?”

“ ’ ‘ake your pick, and pick as many as you like,
Plunkett. if this fe110w is the genuine White-
horse Wheeler, rumor lies like fury if he isn‘t a
mighty tough nut to crack I”

“ I’ll do the cracking, colonel, if I can only
do the finding.”

W'ith that grim pledge, Milo Plunkett left
the room on his mission, followed to the
threshold by Colonel Cougar, with a final
word:

“While looking for him, don’t forget them,
Plunkett. It luck should be good to you, fetch
them back here, and we’ll just have a holy pic-
nic! With the women fast, it’ll be easy enough
to pinch you old fool into making a clean
breast of it. Then— You can guess at the
restl”

Leaving Plunkett to select his men for the
new venture, Colonel Cougar left the Lone
Ranch behind him, passing out of sight of any
eyes which might feel curiosity enough to take
note of his course. He made a circuit suilicient-
ly wide to satisfy himself that no one was
watching his movements, then turned more di-
rectly toward the particular destination he had
in his mind.

“Not that any of the lads are crazy enough
to play dog on me,” he mused, with a rim
smile at the thought. “ Still, it’s better to eep
on the safest side, at all times. If a man never
begins to be carelefs, he‘ll surely never end that
wa i”

he nearer Colonel Cougar drew to the ir-

“Then I can go? I

ticular point he had in View when leaving the.

Lone Ranch, the more guarded grew his move-
ments, and he covered the lax-t twoscore rods
almost at a snail’s pace, making frequent stops,
to gaze and to hearken, plainly resolved to
run no chances of discovery by either friend or

enemy.

Not that he really feared either one or the
other was near enough to play spy on his move—
ments, but as he had so often preached the stern
necessit of unceasing caution on that one point,
so he re igiously practiced what he preached to
others.

Much time, pains and money had been spent
in rfecting that odd chain of stone cells, and
rec less though he might be in other matters,
on this one point Colonel Cougar was a veritable
crank!

Only when perwa sure that his move-
ments were unobserv , did the smuggler chief-
tain creep forward to the hidden entrance to
the store-house, and even then he chose a
time when the full moon was hidden by a
iiense cloud, which cast all into obscurity be-
ow.

Perfectly familiar with the s t and its se-
crets, Colonel Cougar was who g independent
of light, and long before the clou sod from
in front of the moon, he had open the hidden
tra oor through which admission could be
ha to thestone cell, and unfastening the rope
ladder which was fastened in a neat coil to an
iron hook screwed into the under surface of
that door, he let the coils unroll until only one
and remained in his hands.

The stout hook with which this end was fur-
nished he sli ped into a hole drilled in edge
of the flats no coming next to the cor, and
knowing from past experience how secure all
fastenings were, he swu himself into the
opening, 0 g to the l der with one hand
while using t e other to lower the trap over his

“ so in, so oodl” he muttered, with im
expectation, as e descended the ladder. “ ow,
to ear those fools chatter!”

CHAPTER XXVIII.
nIaDs or A FEATHER.

MILO PLUNKnrr fell to work with just as
much caution as,his chief was displa ing, but
he accom lished his purpose in a muc shorter
space of me.

Without giving any of the other men a hint
alto his intentions, or a chance to ask incon-
venient questions, he quistl drop a suf-
ficient hint into two pair 0 cars. hen looked
after his own horse, preparin it for the road,
and leavin the Lone Ranch ide of the min-
utes from eparting between himself and the
colonel.

He drew rein when at a certain point, barely
out of sight of the Lone Ranch, listening for the
com of the two knaves whom he be. chosen
out 0 all that evil ng.

He was not kept cog in waiting. Scarcely
had be drawn rein to bend a hstening car,
than he caught the glands trample of hoofs, and,
one after the other, s picked men came riding
up to the rendezvous.

“All ' ht, lads,” was his brief
“Follow or a bit, and when we’re
quartem, I’ll talk to you.”

Leavin the Lone Ranch something like a
mile beh d them Milo Plunkett drew rain,
and as his mates drew close to him, one on
either side, he began his explanation.

One of the men had been of his force when
they were discomflted by White-horse Wheeler.
That was Peter Morris, who has already been

 

 ing.

introduced by name, and who was the tall

\

 

t
safer .

 

knave who started that “ circus” by his shot at
the revenue scout. The other was a much
smaller man, so far as physical dimensions
went, but in cool nerve, utter scoundrelism, and
general wickedness, Jack Broome was far ahead
of his big mate.

By way of preface, Plunkett gave a sketchy
detail of all that had taken place within the Lone
Ranch, so far as his own knowledge went, and
then he grimly added:

“ It’s a gloomy prospect for us oor devils,
and [’m telling you that, hard .' he chief is
all but crazed over a petticoat, and just so he
can carry his own pet ends, he isn’t giving a
curse for our health I”

“ \Vaal, i reckon the boss’ll scorch his tongue,
ef the rest 0’ us hev to sup hot soup—eh?” ven-
tured Peter Morris, feeling his way with charac-
teristic caution.

“Provided he don’t hang back until it’s all
dished out to us, why don’t you add?" bitterly
supplemented Plunkett.

J an Broome caught at the hint thus convey-
ed, and in subdued tones he asked, pointedly:

” You’re meanin’ a heap more’n you say, pard-
ner. If we‘re to help you in any sort of job,
speak out, fiat-footed.”

“ If I prove to you that we’ve got to take care
of ourselves, or have the law take care of us,
you’ll stick by me, lads?”

“ You kin jest bet Idon’t banker fer no law
in mine, bossl” hastily spluttered Big Peter,
while J ack Broome intimated something of the
same sort, though in more guarded fashion.

Milo Plunkett knew his men thoroughly, and
felt confident that he could carry them along
with him, no matter what course he might see
fit to take. His hesitation was but the natural
shivering of a swimmer on taking a cold plunge,
and he lost no further time.

“Of course We’ve sworn to stick by the chief
through thick and thin, boys,” he said, speakin
rapidly. “We’ve done so, up to date, and
reckon we’d never have done anything else, had
Cruger stuck to his part of the compact. But—
he isn’t doing that now! He’s laughed in my
face when I warned him that if he kept on as
he’s started, everything was dead-sure to go to
ruin, taking us with it! Now~l know Cruger
has proved himself a good man in the past, but
—so have wel

“After all, he’s only one man, and each one
of us counts just as many. Our liberty is just
as sweet to us, as his can be to him, and if it
came to a choice,.I reckon either one of you
would rather see him downed, than to fall your-
selves. Wouldn’t you?”

This time the response was simultaneous. Set
forth in that light, there could be but one an-
swer, and that was an assent.

“ Good enough! I swear to you both, that the
chief is taking a line that will surely bring every
man jack of us to the dookl Unless we turn
against him to save ourselves, that is! Now—
will on both swear by all that’s good and bad,
to stfhk by me in this, boys?”

“1’11 0 it blind of you say that’s best, boss!”

“ And I am with you, Plunkett)’

“ I don’t ask you to go it blind, for I brought
you out here, meanin to tell you the whole
truth,” earnestly adds the lieutenant. “And
as a roof, listen to this:

“ [though the Filleys, father and son, have
been playinghstpy on the gang long enough to get
a complete of our names, and had them all
written out for delivery to the sheriff, Cruger
swears that they must join us, and that he’ll
force them to take the oath. To do this, he
counts on catching the women, and making the
girl marry him! Now, even if he succeeds so

ar, how 10 will it be until those curs betray
us all to the aw i” '

“ No longer than they had to wait for a
chancel I wanted to kill the kid, ofl-hand,when
I can ht him sp ing, .but Westgate and his
c dog chok me off I”

“ Well, on can even u , if you seeflt, old
fellow, an I’ll show you ust how to turn the
trick. But. first, ma beyou didn’t know that
the chief is sailing un er a false name, up here?
Ma be you didn’t know that there are rewards
stil standing against him, amounting’way up
in the thousands!”

Both rascals plainly showed their ignorance
on these points, and Milo Plunkett chuckled
grlml at their ejaculations of amazement.

“ l the same, it’s Gospel truth I’m reeling
oi! to Iynou, boys. Just the weentiest hint, if let
drop a arter I know, would fetch a force
after the c cf, and put big money into the pock-
ets of those who let that hint fly. Now—would
eiiilzhgr of you seriously object to taking that

e
p “ Not ef—but how?”

“ To be shared with you, of coursel”cautious-
ly asked Jack Broome. '

“Oh I’ll givo you both a quit-claim on my
share, if that’s al that bothers you,” Plunkett
said, with a low, ugly chuckle. ‘ I’ll make my
gay in another fas on, although I’ll need your

61? for a few hours.”

be two lesser rascals looked at each other,
and Plunkctt uickl added:
“Mind ye, s, ’m not asking you to run
any greater risk than you are running right
now. If I break it 01!, you can only wait and

.. 57, .. .  ,

 

at

 

wonder, for I know you’ll never dare spml; to
the chief against me, for he’d never hear ‘0‘]
through: his gun would go off of its owiinru
cord, first i”

“ \Vhat is it you expect us to do, first thing,
Plunkett?” '

“To swear that you’ll back me up, through
thick and thin l”

“ I‘ll agree to that, if there’s any good money
in it, but—”

“ Wait. I‘ll agree to pay you each a hundred

dollars, cash down, in the morning; of course I '

haven’t got that much in my kicks, right now.
As soon as you have helped me to turn the trick,
I’ll make it an even five hundred to both. Isn’t
that a fair offer?”

“ Big ’nough to stuff a hog!” spluttered Morris,
hastily, but Jack Broome w as a little more
guarded.

“ Whut sort of trick is it you want our help
in PlunkettZ”

’I‘he lieutenant hesitated, as though hurriedly
debating with himself the advisability of being
perfectly open, but apparently he decided in the
negative, since he spoke:

“ Enough for now, boys. I can‘t well explain
further until we‘ve found the Filley women, and
got them— ”

Jack Broome broke in, with a coarse chuckle
of mingled amusement and surprise, following.
it up with the words:

“ Hellowl is that the way the cat jumps,
Plunkett? You’re struck on the girl, too, pard-
ner?

“ Well, yes, since you will have it! And I.
mean to make Linda Filley my wife, too!” bold—
ly answered the lieutenant.

“ Running Opposition to the colonel, eh i"

“ Does that fact scare you out, Jack Broome?"

“Never a bit of it, Plunkett,” came the
prompt response. “ Only, it sort 0’ set my
brain-pan to working, you know.”

“ In just what way i”

“ Well, you said the chief was bound to fetch
us all to ruin, through his crazy notion of mask-
in this same girl his wife. Now—how is it any
digerent, simply because the officer is chan ed?"

“ Well, the chief swore he meant to stay ere,
and still carry on the business, with the Filleys
as partners. You can figure out how that must
sure] and l”

“ on you mean to act different, of course?”

“ Certainly I do, or I’d be 'ust as big a fool as
Cruger is proving himself. at that don’t con-
cern you, for I’m offering you big wages, more
than you can clear here in six months, besides a
chance to rake in a little fortune just by saying
a few words to the right man.”

“ How big a fortin’ mou ht that pan out,
boss!” covetously chipped in eter Morris.

“ Well, I know of rewards regatin a cool
four thousand dollars, and I wouldn’t m d lay-v
ing odds there‘s still more to hear \from. Now,
isn t that enough to pay you for working blind a
few hours?”

“ You jest bet it is, sn’ hyar’s my paw onto-
it, boss!”

“And mine, Plunkett,” said Broome. “I’d.
hang him myself for half the money. ”

CHAPTER XXIX.
concurs concurs PICKS ms msr.

Evnnr ray of light was shut out when Colonel?
Cougar lowered that trap—door behind him, but
he carednothin for that. He was thoroughly
familiar with present surroundings, and did
not require the use of his eyes to carry him
through.

Guiding himself by the sense of touch, the
smuggler chief made his wa through sundry
packages and parcels, to t 9 narrow, iron-—
studded door between the storehouse and the
cell formerly occupied bi Grim Death, the.
mountain lion. It was is door which had
baffled the dawning hOpes of Anderson Filley,
after his exciting experience with the hungry
cou ar. ,

“glib never the slightest sound to betray nun.
self, Colonel Co or paused beside this door,
bending his h and listening eagerly for the:
words which he had so\confldently calculated on
eavesdro ins. ,

All waggilent in that direction. Not a sound
cums from the cell beyond that closed door, but;
the smu gler chief would not yet admit himself
defeat

“ The old fool has warned the kid I” he told
himself, chokin back a fierce curse of mingled
impatience an rage. “He’s lookin out for
another trick, I reckon but he’ll knuc ls before,
long, can’t wait a m ht without knowing

ust w s happened, so I’ll defy two men,
shut up as they are. to keep from chatteringl”

That portiOn of his reasoning was well enou h,
but only his own obstinate resolve to gain his
cum, kept Colonel Cougar from admittin what.
he surely was shrewd enough to have t ought
of : the almost certainty that a single whisper-
would, as it could, long since have passed from
son to father the information he was seeking
through espisl.

That idea had occurred to him, in fact, only
to be cast aside as too disagreeable for use.
Then, too, even 11 80, could t c lPrisoners

,houn together. apparently who y unwst ed.

 

  

. Va..__k._k_ ,

In an- hm.“ 

White -Horse ~ Wheeler.

25

 

 

without talking the matter over in all its
lights?

Sbmething like this reasoning was called into
play by the colonel while waiting and listening
there at the door dividing store-house from lion’s
den. *

He displayed unusual patience, for he was ever
10th to admit the possibility of his being in the
wrong or of his making an actual mistake; but
minute after minute passed by without the faint-
est sound from human lips coming to his waiting
ears through that barrier, and he was finally
forced to change his tactics.

“ Satan scorch that Plunkett l” he muttered, in
a wol sh growl of growing rage. “ He kept me,
with is aimless chattering, so long that they’ve
come and gone! Now—what next?”

That doubt dill not hold him long inactive. He
produced the key by means of which the division
door was opened, and, inserting it with all pos-
sible caution, he shot back the heavy bolts, top
and bottom.

He bent an ear in listening after each turn of
the key, but all was still beyond. If the prison—
ers had indeed taken to Grim Death’s den, as he
had reasoned they would, neither father nor son
was talking just then.

“ Maybe they’re waiting and watching, ready
for a break-away l” the colonel suggested to
himself, with a touch of grim scorn at the bare
idea. “ Well, if they want a holy picnic,reckon
they can get it i”

Slowly, gently,Colonel Cougar pressed against
that door, which opened away from him, as a
surer guard a ainst the imprisoned cougar
breaking out in-one of its mad rages.

Inch by inch the, barrier opened, but not a
sound came to those eagerly listening ears. A
dim, indistinct light begun to lessen the utter
darkness: and the chief knew his prisoners had
made no’atfempt to close the square door in the
opposite wall.

Still, he could not catch even a passing whis-
per, and weary with waitino for 'what .never
came, th‘écolonel pushed the door Wide, standing
where no ray of light could strike his own per-

son.

For a full minute he maintained that position,
read to foil any rush on the part of his captives
shou (1 such be made, but then he stepped around
into the doorway, knowing that one more failure
'was'scored ainst him. -

He ‘could \ ook directly into the first it, but
the light of the oil-lamp showed him not ing of
his ca tives, and, silently creeping forward, he
.cros the cougar’s den, to pause when nearly
at that other door.

He found it no easy matter to choke back the
fierce curse which rose in his throat as he can ht
:sight of the Filleys, father and son, sitting 5 do
by side, both silent, both apparently lost in sleep
or in deep reflection.

He was strongly tempted to rouse them a...er
an unpleasant fashion but he was restrained
by a remnant of his old prudence. To do that

would surely show the prisoners another mode‘

of reaching that spot, and he was not read to
let them more fully into the secrets of the ne
Ranch.

For some little time Colonel Cougar stood in
waiting, hoping even against reason that the

- longed-for information might leak out; but in

thiawais in all else, he was fated to bedisap-

in .

Turning away, the chief named through the
narrow door, closing it behind him with as great
caution as he had used in opening it. He shot
hem the bolts, then gave way to the savage dis-
appo tment with which his bosom was filled to
overflomng.

He showered vicious curses on the two pris-
oners who had cost him all this trouble, with-
out giving him aught but disappointment in re—

I'D. '

“ I’ll even it up, too 'and don‘t you think I
won’t!” be snarled, shaking a fist in that direc-
tion, just as viciously as though the helpless
ca tives could both hear and seethat menace.
“ f you reckon you can plarv dirt, when I so,
play white, more fools you! ’11 break your wflfi
or break your backs!”

As there was nothing more to be hoped for on
that tack, Colonel Cougar groped his we to the
rope ladder, quickly rising untll his h touch-
ed the closed tra oor. This he gently lifted,
looking and listen ng for several moments before
fairly raising the door for enough ‘0 Permit the
passage of his person. ‘

There was nothing to excite his icions and
securing the rope adder as he h found it
Colonel Cougar lowered the trap, removing all
sign with practiced hands, then stede silently
away from the lslpoiz, makingn half-circuit before
openly approac ng the Lone Ranch.

Smuggler Duke vs a 10". 11811me! ‘8 the
chief entered the uilding,and 9| tho colonel
turned a glance in that direction, I sudden
oha came over his frowning Wuntwm-

“ gt" your d”. WWI“? hO asked,
guided to the burly smuggler by MW!“ ‘0"

reps-00f to Duke.
‘ Yes, boss. He don’t mean any hurt, but you
see, he‘s so used to keepigg an 01° 090310? hi!
master that he couldn‘t-

“ Is he worth naything else!” interrgpted
Colonel Cougar. “ an hopicklp. mu

 

“ Times he can, and times he won’t, your hon-
or,” replied Westgate. “is there any work on
hand for us, sir?" I

Colonel Cougar made a sign which brought
dog and master to his heels, as he led the way
into the next room: the same in which he had
last parted from Milo Plunkett.

Closing the door behind them, Cruger spoke in
low tones:

“ You say that dog can ,trail, if he will.
Can’t you make him do it?”

“ Not if he takes a notion the other way, sir,”
hesitatingly replied Westgate. “ After all,
boss, he’s not a breed that one expects to do very
much in that line, 30—”

“Never mind hunting up excuses for him in
advance, Westgate. Come into the next room
with me.” ~

Passing to the chamber above the stone celi,Col—
onel Cou ar quickly lifted the trap-door, to see
father an son still Sitting together, with backs
propped against the wall.

The sound of the opening trap drew their eyes
upward, but neither father nor son gays greet-
ing of any sort to their enemy as they saw his
face outlined in that aperture.

“ W ell, gentlemen, how faresit with you, after
so long?” jeeringly asked the smuggler leader.

“ None the betror for sighting your ugly
phiz!” bluntly retorted Maurice, in true boyish
fashion.

“ Easy, son!” muttered Anderson Filley, in
grave warning, but his low notes were caught
by those keen ears above, and Colonel Cougar
8&1! : 3

“Oh, don’t button him up, old neighbor! It
gleaSes him, and don’t hurt me, i assure you.

ut now—~Maurice, lad?”

There came no reply. Since he was wanted
to speak, Maurice naturally preferred keeping
silence.

“ Haven’t recOVered from your obstinate fit,
as yet, eh? Well, I know you can’t stop your
cars so long as your hands are tied behind your
back, so I’ll just tell you: I want one of your
boots for a bit!”

“ Shall I dro down and get it, sir?” whispered
Westgate. “ ith their arms tied, they can’t
well toss it up here.”

Colonel Cougar dropped one end of the rope
ladder over the edge of the trap, and while
Westgate was descending, he spoke in warning:

“ you kick, so much the worse for both of
on! ’11 clap your legs in bonds, just so sure.

ake note of that, will you!”

Possibly something in his harsh tones warned
the prisoners that Colonel Cougar would a little
rather than not add those bonds, if a fair ex-
cuse was offered him, for Martin Westgate ex-

'enced no difficulty in removing one of the

ts worn by the younger Filley, and with it
in his hand, the smuggler climbed up the rope
ladder.

‘ Why don’t on ask what I want the boot
for dear fellow? ’ jeerlngly cried the chief, as he
took possession of the foot-gear.

“ Because you’d lie back, of course, you dirty
thiefA” boldly retorted the youngster.

“ Not when I know the truth would hit you
hardest,” chuckled the villain, too well pleased
with his new scheme to feel angry at plain talk-
lng, “You refused to give a ecent answer to
a civil question but there’s more’n one way to
kill a cat! Wlti] this bit of leather, added to a
keen nose, I reckon we can follow your trail
back to the spot where your women-folk are in
hidin l”

:‘ ou devil! If you dare—”

‘ Then lay white, and save trouble all ’round
{the b0" .” bluntl interru ted the colonel.
_ Tell me where to ad the la ies, and I’ll prom—
ise tgfireat them with all possible reapect. Will
you

“ NOt ’1 word. father!” almost fiercel cried
Mame. and Wlth a low groan of ming ed de-
spair and gage, the rancher (1er his head.

Colonel bonsar glared at the defiant youngster
for a brief 8 ace, but realizin how ho less any
attempt to orce aeonfession from his ips would

be, he let the tra oor fall securing it after the
usual manner, t on drawing back and rising
erect say

in :
I
“ Come, Vsestgate, and fetch your dog. You’ll
show me where Jack Brooms had his racket with
that devil’s cub. and the}! We’ll put our d on
the youngster’s back trail. Come, I m in 9. ur-
ry to turn the trick l” 4

CHAPTER XXX.
wnirs uonsn Williams .u' woax.

AFRAID to trust himself further lost his
powerful love lead him to frighten binds, the
revenue scout left the cavern, and headed for
the point where he had left Peleg Ounce in
Charge of Whirl gust.

His brain was 11 a mad Whirl, for this was hi.
fir? rebel love for mom, othegigha? amber,
"I W on a man as passed e eu-
withoutsuccumbing totho may-fingered pain.
“took comes hard and severe.

White-horse Wheeler was not an exception to
the general rule, and he was forced to call a
halt or clearing up his wits before he dared ro-

 

ioin his newt-found t:lly. w d .
l I 9 M1"
downed theqlg'vorfrgnd w ' White . horse

; W'heeler sent a faint warning signal to Pele

! Ounce, he was once more the revenue scout, and~
! all business.

? “On deck, boss!” said the ragged guard, with
T an echo of pride in his husky tones as he rose up
i from his place of retirement. “ Ye see, boss, 1
i hain’t run off, don’t e?”
; ” And mighty gla I am to see it, too, old fel-
! low,” cordially declared the detective, gripping
i a hand and pressing it warmly. " Stick by me
for a few days, and I’ll make a perfect man out
of on, Peleg!”

‘ I raally begin fer to b’lieve mebbe you kin,
boss,” declared the ex-smugglei, betraying some
little emotion. “ But-ef the kunnel was to find
it out; I do reckon he’d bloody murder me all‘
over!‘

“Instead of bothering you, Peleg, he’ll find
his hands more than full trying to guard his
own head. You’re not weakening, I hope,
pardner? You surely want to even up with
the gang that strung you up like a sheepkilling
cur?

“ I’ll try, sir, but—kin I run ef the kunnel
does show up .8”

” If you prefer, but, in your place, I’d a hen
sight rather stay by to see the colonel down ,
for keeps.”

“ An’ you-—- ou raally reckon you kin down
him, boss?” as 'ed the vagabond, his eyes widely
opened, his tones filled with awe.

“ l’ve sworn to do it, Peleg, and if I slip up,
’twill be my first rank failure,” quietly replied
the detective. “ But that’s talk enou h on that
point. Will you keep your promise, eleg, and
show me where the gang ,stows away their
smuggled goods?”

“ Right now, do you mean, boss 2"

“ Would you rather wait for broad daylight,
Peleg?"

“ Good Lawdi I wouldn‘t dast go nighst the
place, boss, for more money then this world
ever clapped two eyes onto—no I wouldn’t!”

“Then'wo’ll 'get a move on, without losing
any more time, old fellow. Come: you’ve rid-
den that U. S. critter once, so I reckon you can
back him again.”

With a signal to Whirlygust to follow, White-
horse Wheeler led the way back to the spot
where Peleg had so nearly lost his life, and find-
ing the horse taken from the Sioux brave still
tethered to the tree, little further time was lost
in tting under way.’

he creature seemed reconciled to the change
of masters by this time, and gave Ounce very
little trouble when once set in motion. And
heading for the Lone Ranch, with the situation
of which White-horse Wheeler was fairly famil-
iar, the newly-made allies talked together in
low, guarded tones, all the while keeping a keen
lookout for possible meetings with the smug- ,

lers.

Although the revenue scout was resolved to
make Peleg Ounce point out to him the location
of the smugglers’ store-house, be deemed it no
more than prudent to ask him all about the con-
trivance, in case some unforeseen accident should
lead to their separation before he had gained
that valuable information.

Now that Peleg had fully forsworn~ allegiance
to Cougar and his evil associates, he was more
than willing to tell all he knew, and answered _
each and every question put him, without reser-
vation. .

As White-horse Wheeler had counted on, he
was ardent! lon 'ug for revenge upon the ones
who had so ru y condemned him,to a shame-
ful death.

Still, even et he could not conquer his fears
where ColoneFCougar was concerned, and more
than onco he gave ventto his g100my foreboding
during that night-ride.

“He’ll butcher me like a fat hog, an’ I jest

knows it! No man ever yit run crooked to his
likin’, an’ got 03 ’tbout payin’ a turrible price
fer it, an’ twon’t be my luck fer to break the
record!”

“You’re foolish, man!” a little irritany re-
torted the revenue scout. “I’m backing you
up, as I told you at the send-off. Still, if that
.docsn’t satisfy you, you can pull foot for another
country just as soon as you fairly show me how
to get into this store-heme.”

‘ An’ you won’t—you won’t set the dogs onto
me for doiu’ of it that way, boss?”

“Never a bit, Pele ,” with such heartinem
that Ounce felt his don ts melting away. “So
far from that, I’ll be looking for you to run
back, with both hands wide open for a share of
the rewards. And I'll take care that youget
your we in hard cash, old fellow!” ‘

“  I wasn’t each a dug-gun coward,
boss, but—I .was horned that way, I do
reckon l"

Still, now that he felt vileged to run away
from rising danger, P eg showed more -
ness, and when near enough to their dentin-n
tion to render further a h on horseback
too risky for prudence, 0 gave White-horse
Wheeler warni , and they dismounted.

The Indian ngorse was securel tied, but
Whirlygustwasleftfree. Awo of caution
fromhismasterwasnllthatwas uirpd. No

‘‘3111 houble

 

i 

fear of his ing astray, or of crea
h mag a noise. .
Ouncenled the way, closely mellowed by

 

 

 

‘ness.I

26

White-horse Wheeler, silently approaching the
little chain of stone cells from a direction where
the cover was good, and there seemed less dan-
ger of meeting any of the smugglers, whom the
unusual events of that busy night might have
sent prowling about the remises.

It was White-horse W eeler’s keen eyes that
caught first sight of a human figure at the se-
cret entrance to the store-house, and with a re—
assuring gri on an arm of his guide, the detec-
tive watch and waited, taking note of every

- movement on the part of that phantom-er

shape.
It was not until the figure stole silently away,

"and was fairly lost to their view, that Peleg

Ounce huskily muttered:

“Good Lawd! Ef he’d jest looked this way!
Ef he’d jest tuck a thought that I was right
hyar playin’ spy onto him I”

“ What! you surely don’t mean— Who was
it, man i”

“ Kunnel—the boss, no less!”

White-horse Wheeler smothered a curse as he

. caught that tremnlons answer, but he quickly

rallied. 'After all, would he have it different?

True, he migh possibly have captured the
smug ler chie , had he known this night-

row or was he; but would that have been wise-
y done?

As yet he had nothing better than strong sus-
g-(lfions to work upon, or he felt morally cer-

‘n that, in case of an actual struggle, such as
this ca tnro would surely have preci itated, he
could p e no sure dependence on Pe eg Ounce.
Ten chances to one, he would keto his heels at
the first move, and never stop nning while his
breath lasted.

All this flashed through the busy brain of the
detective in the space covered by a sin le
breath, and, without further show of anger, e

’ asked his companion:

“ What do you suppose he was doing, Peleg!
Is that an where near the trapl”

“It’s ht thar, boss—right whar he was
my. An’ him never so much as dream-

“ Drop that, pardner, and get down to busi-

m going over yonder to take a closer
look, and you’re going with me to point out the
secret way inside. Come, brace up, and get 0.
move on you!”

Where coaxing might have failed, this blunt
talk prevailed. Afraid to han back, ashamed
to run Peleg crawled forwar , sweepiu the
ground in eve direction for an early g pse
of danger, shon d Colonel Cougar see fit to re-
trace his steps.

But, as we have seen, nothing of the sort took
place. Never once deeming it possible that all

is precautions had been taken in vain, the
smuggler chief was hastening to put his fresh
scheme to work.

Thanks to Peleg’s thorou h familiarity with
the spot and the manner In which the store-
house was entered, White-horse Wheeler ex-

rienced little difficulty in opening the hidden

p, which he persisted on doing, though
Ounce strongly advised him against running
such a risk.

“ The boss’ll find it out, jest soshore!” the
frightened fellow declared, shivering until his
tee h clicked audibl together. “ e kin tell
’itlf  eyes shet e ary finger jest teches the
9 0° '

“ Well, it’sa rule of mine, Peleg, to finish up
my work as I go along,” quietly retorted the
revenue scout. “If you’re too bad] scared
to stay and see me through, there’s t e whole
world for your running Over. Don’t let me stop
tylzsu. I’m going to see just what sort of place

is is, in here!

“Good Lewd! you don’t mean—yon hain’t
gwine down, boa! ’ K

“ I’m going down, if I have to take a tumble,
Pei ,” was the cool assurance. “Go kee
watc , and warn me if ande comes this
way. If you don’t and I get killed through

our neglect to sen a warn ng, I’ll haunt you
ihronWhgh all eternity, old boy i”
“toning he r0 ladder, and without further
Ielay he began escending into the store-house.

CHAPTER XXXI.
m Losr one room).

MILO PLunxm had struck the ht key at
last, and knew that he would ence little
further difficulty in keepi‘x'ig those two covetons
knleéves in line with lfis M t “id

was pretty muc as g e er : en h
toblufi! a hog, while Jack Broome might me
ed his answer, by including his ownfa-

 

amend

ther.
The lieutenant ave the two knavee -a few
mounts longer which to more thoroughly
test the flavor of his proposal, then spoke again:
“ Of course I’m not giving away such a pnd~
asall amounts to, without a for
my own good, ‘you understand, gentlemen. I'm
notench a foo as to try that on, but this much
Iwillmy,andyoucansetitdown for 1
try schemelmhwill not interflea in the slig is
our game, nor your in

one may dollar.” p

“That’s hearty, andaman’dbe worsethan a
hog to grunt after richer feed, but-couldn’t we

is , White-horse Wheeler was.

 

White-Horse Wheeler.

work to better advantage if we knew just what
mark you were firing at?” innocently asked
Broome.

It was a clever lead, but Milo Plunkett readily

arried it.

“ Little by jerks, and you’ll run less risk of
getting into a tangle by mixing matters up,

acky! First thing first, and when that’s wor -
ed out all right, time enough to figure the second
step. Now—listen:

‘ As a proof of good faith on your side, you
fellows agree to help me find Mrs. Filley and her
dau hter.”

“ ouldn’t it be safer to put it help hunt for

’em, boss?”
“ Mighty right you be, too!” runted Morris,
with a wry mace as he reca ed their recent
failure in t at same line. “ Ef the critters
hain’t come back to the ranch, thar’s a heap o’
wideness layin’ ’round in the dark fer to run
through the sitter, now 1 tell ya.”

“ That’s all right, boys,” a bit impatiently
spoke up their leader. ‘ Ive been rackin my
brain pretty lively since we paid that cal , and
now that the colonel has got both of the men
folk in his grip, without strikin any clew to
the petticoats, I really believe ve found the
clew for which he’d give—well, any one of our
heads!”

That grim fancy appeared to tickle the two
knaves, and they laughed as though heartily
amu . r
“ Hits him off, to a t- -ty! An’ of he wanted
to know raa] piert, I o reckon he’d lump in
’nother two or a couple 0’ heads l”

“ Just so his own cabeza wasn’t counted in the
lot,” contributed Jack Broome as his quota.

“ That wears it out, so let me have my say,”
out in Plunkett, plainly eager to get down to
actual work, now that he had successfully paved
the we for his plans. “ Keep your eyes open
for on siders, and I can finish up explaining as
we ride along. That will savealittle time, at
all events.” ‘

Headin toward the Filley Ranch, the lieuten-
ant gave is henchmen the required clew, and
with them keeping a keen lookout, he finished
his talking for the present.

“ While 1 can’t take my oath to that effect, I
fully believe that Kid Filley stowed his women-
folk in a cave of some descri tion, not far from
the house, hefore he at tang ed up with you fel-
lows at the crossing, rooms.”

“Maybe, boss, but I’ve never heard of any
such place.”

" I ve only heard a stra whisper about it my-
self,” added Plunkett. “ can’t say just where
it ought to be, or if it’s a fit place for women to
hide in, but that there is some such place, I’m
dead sure.”

“”Well, we’re willing to help hunt after it,

“ I heard it mentioned only a few days ago,
while at the Fille Ranch: Linda let drop a
word or two, but t e kid shut her up, too quick!
I let on I never noticed anything out of the
usual run, and in fact I real! forgot all about
it, until to—ni ht. Then, wh e I was trying to
cipher onta ‘kely hiding-place, that little cir-
cumstance came back to me, and I made up my
mind I’d struck it, sure!”

There was no remark made by either of the
lesser rascals, and that fact showed how little
faith they placed in the hopes expressed b
their present chief. They were perfectly wi -
ing to help him search, but theg' had mighty
gs‘c_(¢;n{;)lhopes of finding aught wort the time and

n e. I

Still, Milo Plunkett was not so foolishly san-
guine as they seemed to consider him.

Grantin that there was a cavern of some de-
scription, t to be made use of by women as a
temporary refuge, he knew that it could lie only
in one direction from the Filley Ranch.

Toward the river the ound rose hi her, and
became broken an roc y. If cave ere was,
it must be looked for in that direction.

Having ven his sworn allies sumcient in-
si ht into plans for the time being, Milo
P unkett touched up his nag, inc his pace
and maintaining i at that, until drawing near
their hunting-ground.

Although nothing had turned 1: to give them
trouble, and they knew of but a gle enemy in
that section, not one of the trio but gave more
or le- thought to White-horse Wheeler now
that they knew that page had actually put
in an ap ace in t eir range.

“ It’s ollars to cents that he’s taken the hint
and lied out for safer uarters,” declared
Plu e as he drew rein an ave his followers
the s! to follow suit. “ S l, we’re not run-
ning an longer chances than we just have to,
so we'll o the rest of our prowling on shanks
mare.

Hitching their animals in a spot where they
would be comparatively safe from discovery
Milo Plunkett bade his fellows separate and hunt
for some indication of the cave in the quarter
marked out in his mind as being the correct

one.

“Ifyoufindit,orfindan hingthatlooksas
though it might pan out ch, don’t chip inon
yourownhoo butomne ktothehorseeand
wait formqif'l’m not hereaheadofyou.”

After all aowthathewasaetuallyonthe

 

‘1

spot, Plunkett felt far less san nine than he had
while at a goodly distance. ight he not have
misinterpreted the real meaning of those few
stra words?

“ i ever!” he doggedly told himself, in answer
to this growing doubt. “ There surely is a cave
of some sort and where else could it be? And
when that’s found, they are found!”

From the words spoken, it can be seen on
what slight foundation the smuggler lieutenant
was basing his hopes, and how great were the
chances against his success, yet fortune scemed
to come his way, and before that actual search
had lasted half an hour, the problem was al-
most certainly solved!

This was mainly dne to the feverish impa—
tience which had taken 'on of Linda
Filley after the departure of White- horse
Wheeler.

He could not rest, and sleeping was altogether
out of the question, so far as the maiden was
concerned. Worn out with grief Mrs. Filley
had dropped oil? into a fitfnl, broken slumber,
but nothing of the sort visited the daughter.

Not so strange, bearing in mind all that she»
had to think over: the dark uncertainty which
enveloped the fate of her father, the strange ab-
sence of Maurice, the (possible proximity of those
merciless sava es, an , by no means least, even
if mentioned st, the man whom she knew as
Edgar Winston.

An inward fever seemed consuming the poor
girl, and thou h the words let fall by the man
whom she con d no longer deny was very dear
to her heart of hearts, kept ringing through her
excited brain, one portion of them was forgotten,
just when such forgetfulnes: proved the most.
disastrous.

Forgetting Wheeler’s Warning to,keep closely
within the cave, and on no account to venture»
forth before his return, Linda, fancying she
could be running no risk in so acting, crept fre-
quently to the entrance of the cave, listening,
es en y for some friend! sound.

ghe kept well back hind the leaf screen
while listening, but at len h, fancy g she
Caught the faint voice of her rother calling on!
her name, Linda pressed through the cover,
running a few steps out in the clear moonlight,
then pausin tolisten anew. ,

The scan was not repeated, and, as she real—i
ized how fully the rays of the moon were outlin-
ing her figure, Linda shrunk back with sudden
terror, the caution given by Edgar Winston
ringing through her ears.

It was remembered too late, however. Brief'
thou h that ex e was, it lasted long enou h
for 10 Plan ett to recognize the being or
whom he was searching and it was on y by
clapping a hand over his ‘lips that he smothered
the cry of fierce triumph which rose in his.

t.

“ Mine! all mine!” he muttered, to himself, as
he carefully took note of the exact spot before.
stealing away to secure his backing. “ I know
it takes a mightigood man to buck against you,
Colonel Cougar, ut I’m doingit, and I’m gettmg
there, too I” -

It did not take long for Plunkett to get his
men together at the rendezvous.

Feeling precious little faith in a successnt »

hunt, and knowin that it was just possible
White-horse Wh er might still be prowling
in that locality, neither Broome nor Morris were
overly anxious to wander very far from their
horses. v '

COV-

By freely expressing their delight, thggficon»

trived to cover their amazement at this
eg, and feeling a much keener interest in the
a air, they listened to the words of their
leader.

“ I only saw the girl, but of course the la lady-
is with her. I’ve no particular use for t t one,.
unless I can use her in carryin my main point
but we’ll have to count her , asa matter 0 '

course.

“ Now, this is the programme, for the present:
of course it may have to be changed, to suit cir-
cumstances, you understand!"

“ I reckon we will, boss, when you’ve told us
more,” dryly said Jack.

“ All right: you’ve only to follow after 2:11;]
and lay low at the mouth of the cave until I
on on for help. If I have to do that, just,
w e in, as I order, or as you may feel neoer

fl

fiilo Plunkett, now that his triumph seemed
so close at hand, lost much of his custom
coolmu, and when he started forward to v' t
the cave and its occupants, neither of his mates.

had a very clear idea as to what they were ex- V

todo or hotviv toqo into h

Gaining; oncose the intwere
he had seen Lm enter the bushapgefore that:
rocky front, Plunkett paused to lift his voice in
clear et ed accents:

" ey!” he cried out. “I’m a friend,
bringing im t news of your husband 1"

An instan ’s breathless silence, then the quav-
.dngerlyofawomancameinmnfiled to
gaming from the very rocks before them, an
the yschemerknewthathehadnotmim.
ed his calculations 1

“I’m a friend," be repeated, at the same time

advancingto the masked entranca “ I’m comp
ing in, to you all how-J"

 

s««.~.

N.‘

  

- -._ .a.»

. dignity, but her heart was torn and

White -Horse Wheeler.

27

 

The leafy screen was violently parted before
him, and the haggard wife stood revealed,
hoarsel gasping:

“ An arson—my husband—where is he!”

CHAPTER XXXII.
A COLD-BLOODED PROPOSAL.

THAT same impetuous movement on the
of Mrs. Filley, showed Milo Plunkett a faint ray
of li ht coming from beyond, and catching her
trem ling form in his arms, he bore her back
into the cavern, where he caught sight of Linda,
pale and frightened, shrinking away from his
coming.

He could see none others, and dim though the
candle-light was, if still other persons were in
that den, he felt sure he must have detected
their (presence as he swept a swift glance
aroun .

That fact set his last fear at rest, and by the
time Mrs. Filley rallied sufficiently to repeat her
question, the outlaw was fully prepared to an-
swer it, after his own fashion.

Permittin the woman to go free, and stand-
ing so that e could readily intercept either of
them in case an attempt was made to leave the
cavern, Plunkett deliberately spoke:

“ I hate to tell you, my dear ladies, but—both
Anderson Filley and his son Maurice are held
capt'ves by one who—”

‘ aptive? My man? My boy?”

“ Oh, mother!

Mrs. Filley staggered back like one dealt a
crushing blow, and Linda caught her falling
form in her arms.

Plunkett made no offer to lend his aid. In-
stead, a cold, hard light gleamed in his black
eyes. Let them suffer! ’Twoald make his an
easier victory in the end.

This was shrewd enough reasoning, or would
have been such with ordinary women for sub-
'ects, but both mother and daughter swiftly ral-

ed, and facing the outlaw, the wife and mother
almost sharply demanded: . _

“I can gases, but—name the Villain, Milo
Plunkett! ho dares hold my man captive!
By what right—”

“ Well, ma’am, I hardly think the question of
right occurred to the colonel when he—”

“ Colonel Cougar? Do on mean that he has-—

 

Speak out, sir! Tell me ust what it is we have
to fear!”
The poor woman tried bravely to speak with

her brain
inning to whirl anew as she faced that arch-

As for Linda never liking the man, just now
she was ing him with intense loathing.
Instimtively she felt that he was not to be trust-
ed, even if he did come to them with friendly
words upon his lips.

“I’d rather bite the tip of my tongue ofl,
dear ma’am,” purrineg said Plunkett, trying
to fill his notes with deepest sympathy, but mak-
in rsuccess of the attempt, thanks to his
mioggotriumph. “But—since you must learn
the ugly truth, perhaps the better way is to tell
it at once." .

“ Go on. I am not so weak—I em strong!’

“ Well, Colonel Cougar has captured both
our husband and your son. He swears that they
ave been playing spy on his movements, and

were in the very act 0 denouncing him and his
men as smu glers when-”

“ You are is ri htrhand man, Mr. Plunkett!”
impetuously cried .inda. “ I've heard him say
as much, more times than I can remember!”

“I admit it, with shame, ladi ” sadly con-
fessed the rascal. hisface len he g to corre-
spond. “ I might have ed his ri ht-hand
man, only for this last. deviltry of is. But
there is reason in all things, and when it comes
to brutal assassination, wh&-—n

“Not my manr’gasped rs. Fills , quailing
with horror in her “He hasn not my
man. in r bo ,

“NofiiBOEasn‘g killed either of them—yet,”
replied Plunkett, pitilemly playing on their
heart-stri “ But he swears the shall both
die deaths of such torture as wou d bring a
blush of shame to the painted checks of an In-
dian on the war-path, unle- they ifii’n his gang
%£"b’°£i.°i"m‘fid m» ‘ ‘° “m”

yo a ey.

The u‘il'aiden shrunk back with achokingcry
at those words, but Mrs. Fillezfinow that danger
seemed to menace her other e d, rallied brave-

1y. l Ill ht tinge of color lea ing into her
haggardfaoeassheconfrontsd evillainonoe
more

“And you—{cu can bring us such foul tid-
i MiloPlun stti"
ould ou ratherI kept on intotal igno-
nnoaMraT‘illei AmItob eforwhatan-
othermandoes
“Yes,if you are a man!” sternlycried tho
now hly amused woman. ‘You "’0
thatdevil’s end. Youareinallofhisfilzles,
as you admitted but a moment . -
alnos you didnotliftahandto hin “you”!
bettsrthanColonel himself!

m
“fist h mm” rmfi’ mkmg’u‘nrkrs
m.
m 79 ’m Plunkst

matters worse. - 9'-
0h.airi” herolaspsdhands ,hertsar-wet
syss fixsd imploringlyupon dark]! “34’

 

some face as she continued: “You are a man-—
you are not all evil! Say that you will save m
poor father, my dear brother, and I’ll—I wil
pray for you, al the days of in lii‘e !”

“Is that all you are wiling to promise,
Linda?” slowly asked the villain, his hands
reaching out toward the maiden,. the unholy
light growing more intense in his black eyes.
“ f I risk my life in saving both father and bro-
ther for you, what reward will their daughter
and sister bestow upon me!”

With a swift movement Mrs. Filley stepped
between the two pushing her frightened
daughter back, facmg the ruffian boldly as she

o e:

3p“ Are the prayers of a daughter nothing?
\Vhat more can you ask of the poor girl, of me,
when we ofi'er you our undying gratitude?”

“ No doubt you think I stand in sore need of
prayers, Mrs. Fille i" .

“ If you can me e a mock of our fears, our
torture—yes I”

“ So you think I’m jestin , Mrs. Filley i” he
asked, in mock surprise. “fi was never more
earnest in my life than I am this minute, and if
you will give me a chance, I’ll prove it to you.”

Mrs. Filley, growing paler, feeling that the
real truth must soon come out, fell back a pace
or two, her arm stealing around the waist of her
dau hter as she managed to utter:

“ 0 on. You have more to say. Tell us the
very worst, for—I fear .I can’t endure much
more!”

Only an utter brute c0uld have seen and heard
unmoved. it was a brave effort, doubly piteous
in a woman whose heart was doubly rent.‘

But 'Milo Plunkett hardly knew the meaning
of the term mercy. He had set up a certain
mark, and until that was won, he would permit
nothing to turn aside his aim.

“ If you don’t know what manner of man
Colonel Darke Cruger is, Mrs. Filley, I can
quickly enlighten you. He does not know what
pity or mere means. He never gives wa ,
when his min is once fixed. He would trample
his Own mother to death in the mire, if she tried
to clh1eck his progress when once he has fixed his

oa

“ Now, he knows that both your husband and

our son have been playin spy upon him and

is. He knows that they ave tried, even if
they. have not succeeded, to sell him to the
sheriff, for smuggling. He found the plain
proof u n your us and this day, when he
sfivedl him from being butchered y the red-
s me

“Now, he holds them both prisoners, and
swears that they shall only go free after join-
ing his band,_taking the most solemn oaths,
and forcing Linda, there, to become his unwill-
ing wife.

“ This is what he has told your husband and
your son, for I heard his very words. But, to
me, he spoke still plainer: he said that, Linda
once his wxfe, he meant to kill both his ca tives,
to make sure neither of them could ever tray
him to the hounds of the law!”
th‘f The demon! And you—you come to tell us

is '

“ I come to tell you all this, and at the same
time to offer you the life and liberty of both
your son and your husband, Mrs. Filley.”

“You will— on can—”

“ Mother—his eyes!” gasped Linda, in that
awful moment keener-sighted by far than her
parent. “ Don’t trust him! He means evil!”

With difiiculty Plunkett choked back his hot
rage to say:

I mean to ofier you their lives and freedom,
I repeat. I can save them both, but I’m the
only man livi who can say or do as much.
Now, it rests wi h you whether or no I do res-
cue §our dear ones, ladies.”

“ on mean— What do you ,maan, Milo
Plunke i”

“ The I have long loved Linda Fille . That
if she will swear by the Heaven she ieves in
a; becot C[£18111 gife on th; day I may name, I’ll
c ea one ougar,an brin our loved es
back home, safe and sound.” 3 y on

'As the h yned, the poor women heard
him throng , utas his measured tones ceased,
simultaneous cries of aversion broke from
theirhllips, and Mrs. Filley spoke up, alm0st

“You merciless demon! If we were weak
enou hto eld to our vilepro my has.
ban woul be the to curse our olly! if
this is your only terms, sir, you can— 0! leave
us,'I say, or, woman as I am. I’ll ve you
firth like the pitiful, cowardly knave‘ you surer

0 l

Milo Plunkett uttered a whistle, which
quickly bro ht his word‘s-miss inside the
ca‘v‘eiand to t em he spoke:

ive greet-$3511?” boyitl him"? If I

9 011

“a: d we". a?”  T...“

“ o u w or. on tell ”
replied Jac , or both. ’ u,

‘Good enough! And now.Linda,swear on
the Bibi:l tqu me whenever I say the

an save your dear ones. Refuse
and leave them topsridi hesidesturning yes;
overtoColonel Cougar. l't’s himur me for a
husband; now take your choice!"

 

CHAPTER XXXIII.
A NIGHT TRAIL.

HAVING fully set his mind on winning, Darka
Cruger was not a player who sat down and wait-
ed for the right sort of cards to be dealt out to
him in the regular course of the game. He pre-
ferred tolend chance a helping hand, and rather
than idly wait, Would almost rather stock the
deck against himself.

“ Up and be doing” was a favorite motto with
him, and this eventful night was not to see him
throwing that maxim over his shoulder.

Although Martin Westgate had been far from
enthusiastic over the prospect when he came to
understand just what the chief ex ted to gain
through the nose of Smuggler uke Colonel
Cougar seemed to think failure impossible.

As into all other schemes, so he plunged into
this new one, hurriedly leading t e way from
the Lone Ranch, and heading toward that part
of the river known to the smugglers as “ the
crossing.”

Smuggler Duke seemed willing enough to play
his part, and when, after leaving the Lone Ranch
pretty well behind them, Colonel Cougar tested
him with a scent at the confiscated footwear
eagerly bidding the dog “ hunt ’em up, old boy 1”
the St. Bernard gave a whining growl as of
eager understanding, and tore around, sniffing
the leaves and ground as though crazy to take
up the trail.

“ Look at him, will you!” exclaimed the chief,
in high glee, but pressing onward while talki
“A thoroughbred bloodhound couldn’t take
it quicker! And you doubted? Why, man,
we’ll only have to give him the scent at the!
crossing, take the back trail, then hold our
breaths in for yelling whoor !”

“ I’m t ing to hope it’s that way, sir,
but—weufihflre isn’t a born trailer, you remem-
ber, colon i"

“ But his master is a born croaker!”

Martin Westgate said no more, for that retort
had in its tones a touch of anger, and he knew
that the colonel was a bad man to thorough]
arouse even by those who werehis truest friend’s,
and followers.

There was no dimculty about finding the point
where that brief encounter had taken place,
thanks to the report made by the si al-
and not a little to his owner’s relief, D e show
just as much eagerness now as at the start. He
sniffed at the boot held by Colonel Cou ar, then
began quartering the und like a we l-trained
setter, sniffing and giving brief whines, as though.
eager for the unusual du . And then, with an
eager but subdued bark, e started away like
a bloodhound on a fresh scent.

“ Didn’t I tell you so?” triumphantly cried
the chief, giving the smu ler a sound thump
between the, shoulders. ‘ e’s on it, bigger’n
a hungry wolf, while you—out with ye, croakerl
You’re not fit to own such a treasure wrapped.
up in hair 1”

“ A better dog never lived, colonel, in his own
way; but when it comes to followin a trail, it’s.
pretty much as the notion suits. If e feels that.
way, he’s good as the keenest. If he don’t—well,.
I’m ogly hoping this is one of his feel-good times,
boa!

Colonel Cougar was too busy following the St.
Bernard to fully catch or comprehend this an--
swer. As he had declared, he felt that it was:
all over but shouting, and, truly, there seemed.
good ground for such a belief.

Smuggler Duke had caught the trail and was;
carrying it at a but not too reckless pace,
oocasionally gi tongue after his own {ash-J
ion: a low, eager whine, or a smothered bark'
which was barely loud enough for the ears of
his two followers.

The trail which Duke alone had senses keen
enough to discover, much less pick up in tint.

loom, Proved a tolerany crooked one, but that-

act di not alarm the colonel, when he roman.-
bered that it had been laid by a spy, who would.
hardly be rash enoug: to advance in a more
direct line upon those e was shadowing.

Martin Wesgfate was far less at ease in min},
although be h d his doubts? incheck for the till, .

being.

He oculd not fully what pow
reasons Colonel Cougar for wishin to
the Filley women, but he could not be p seeing,
how intensely eager he was in this chase. en,,
if Sm ler Duke should'fail, as was only to be:
that turn would hisragetakei

ithout chick child or wife Duke as all in:
all to the ex-nilor, and while'Martin‘ estgate‘
felt a respect t amounting to awe for the
being whom he frankly admitted as his chief
and master, even he must not lifts menacing
hand againu that lifemate.

There was one fact which Westgste noticed,
and which ought to have been remarked by the-
colonel: instead of growing fainter and less easy'
to follow, the trail Smuggler Duke was lifting:
a to w hotter further he ran it,

as the cams near. he ually left filo
two men further behind, despi their efforts to
the contrary.

All at onoetheexcited dog burst into rapids-
harking. and giving a smon whoop of exqu
tation, Colonel Cougar pus-ed on, pantinglr
W to the dog’s owner:

‘ orthhiswdghtinjswslaWsmtsh

r,

Intent 1.

‘28

'Treed — trailed home, or I’m a howling fraud
from Deceptionville!” -

Westgate had heard alike haying before, and
tried his level best to pass his chief in that head-
long race for the goal, but in vain. The master
of the Lone Ranch reached the spot in advance,
and when Martin hurried up, the colonel was
staring hlankly at—a barkless, topless stump of
a lightning-blasted tree!

And against that tall stump Smuggler Duke
was reared whining and growling, almost be-
side himself with doggish eagerness to claim the
prize he had trailed so long and so far.

And that prize?

The moon was shining fairly upon the stump,
and there, twenty feet above the level, perched
up: n that Splintered top, was—a, huge ’coon !

No sooner did he recognize this fact, than
Martin W estgate, with a grip on the neck of his
dgf, plunged from light into shadow, thinking
0 y of saving that dog from a possible shot.

“ Didn’t I fell fie he didn‘t know how to trail
ta mun critter?” t e ex-sailor spluttered, excited-
l'y, as he beat that hasty retreat. “ Don’t shoot
-~don’t blame the dog, boss, but—take it out 0’
.me!

Even then Colonel Cougar failed to at once
realize what a ridiculous mouse his mountain
had lirOUght forth. This was but a bit of by-
‘play. 'l‘he’coon had been surprised, and had
run up that stump, to escape its natural enemy,
but ——Duke surely had been on the right trail?

But as Westgnte called back that hasty plea
for his pet, the disgusting truth forced itself up-
on his mind, and for a few moments Colonel
Cougar was fully as dangerous as one of his
harm-sakes.

He cursed and blasphemed, he stamped and
kicked, he rushed forward through the dark-
ness, swearing that he would murder the fool
dog who couldn’t tell the difference between a
raccoon and a human being.

Doubtless he would have put this threat in-
to execution, and might have received bullet
or steel in return from Duke’s owner, only
for one fact: Martin Westgate had taken to
silent flight, and Smug ler ane was hearing
him company, both hea ing for healthier quar-
tors

It was only when he failed to find the fugi-
tives, and when no answer came back to his
more placable calls, that Colonel Cougar final-
ly gave over that too brilliant fancy, sullenly
admitting himself defeated once more.

 

Growling, cursing, fuming, the smuggler
chief turned his face toward the Lone Ranch,
in a far more dangerous mood than he had
been at any time since he learned of the peril
menacing him and his through the Filley
‘mmily.

“ I’ve out too much time to waste already,”
he growled, viciously. -“I’ll waste no more.
I’ll twist the truth out of those devils, or I’ll

ut them to worse torments than ever a crazy
I’ililck”lnjun invented in a nightmare! I’ll—

He was far too angry to be able to picture
details, but the enera result was never in
doubt; and when 9 reached the Lone Ranch,
it was with the firm determination to extort
the truth from the lips of his prisoners, or kill
them while trying.

With this savage determination uppermost,
Colt ins-l Cougar passed directl to the room con-
'taining t he trap—door. He jer ed this up, with-
out wasting time in taking his customary

cauxions, and harshly calling out to the

corned ones: I

“ Wake up, you devils! I’m tired of foollng,
and now I’ll— I say, Anderson Filley!”

There was no anewer, and flinging the trap-
door clenr back, Colonel Cougar leaned-over
the opening, to see—nothing save the bare cell!

,For an instant it gave him a stunning shock,
but from that he quickly rallied. His prisoners
had simply passed into the adjoining cell,
and were too stubborn to answer his harsh sum-

mono.

“ Will you talk, or must I come down there to
do a bit of coaxing?" he called out, threatening-
ly; but, as before, without an answer.

Waiting a few moments, then makin sure his
weapons were securely in place, colone Cougar
drop down the rope ladder, descending it in
.n‘yt ing, but an angelic humor.

‘ I’ll make you pay for the trouble, gentle-
men l" he declared, striding across to the open
door in the partition wall, peering through: to
see only an empty cell!

is ca tives were surely gone, but howl He

sprung t rough, rushed to the narrow door,
gut i; hold firm. Then—where were his cap-
‘ vac .

 

CHAPTER XXXIV.
warm-nous]: wmm’s Lu'cx.

ALL was darkness about him, as White-
=Ic Wheeler felt his foot touch the floor of
mu glen’ltoro-houso and he hold fast to
dder with one hand, while listening

. lace he had witnessed the cautious exit and
retreat of Colonel Cougar, the revenue scout

.0 r0 e

 

\

had no fears of finding any others of the evil

I l

White-Horse Wheeler.

gang in that place, and that pause was but me-
chanical on his part.

The strange story told by Peleg Ounce was
flashing across 'his brain, and now he could
rightly understand that peculiar odor of wild
beasts which mingled with the musty, earthy
scent natural to an underground receptacle like
this. -

“ Smells as though the other dens had been
opened, lately,” be reflected, as he released the
rope ladder, to find and ignite a match. “ Was
he itere, feeding his pets, I wonder?”

That question received no answer, just then.
By the flickering light of his match, the detec-
tive glanced swiftly over sundry packages
which instinct told him must contain smuggled
goods, and for the time being he was all de-
tective, with room for professional thoughts
alone.

Culling an aniline pencil into play, VVhite-
horse \Vheefer made his private mark on u num-
ber of the packages, in parts where the charac-
tcis would be least conspicuous, but to which
he could swear when the right time came
around.

This done, he gave a little more scope. to his
curiosity, and heedless of the fact that Peleg
Ounce Would be suffering torments at his de—
layed return, “’hite - horse VVheelrr burnt
enough matches to give him a tolerably ac-
curate idea or the place in which he now found
himself.

He took note of the two doors which led into
the wild—beast dens, one on each of opposite
sides. It “as a grim scheme, and not without
its advantages, although both troublesome to
make and to maintain.

He was passing to the door on his right hand
as he had entered, but his match burnt out and
the cut! fell to the floor before he could catch it.
Thus far he had carefully ocketed each bit, to
guard against suspicion ' eing awakened too
early, and he stoopedover for this end, groping
for it in the dark.

His fingers, while brushing the stone floor,
came in contact with a piece of cold iron, which
be instantly recognized as a key!

Catching up this find, White-horse Wheeler
struck another match, and curiously examined
his prize: for prize it surely was, if his sudden
suspicion should prove true.

“If it’s a key to either of these doors, what’s
to hinder my fixing up a nice little surprise-
party for the colonel?’ was the thought that
flashed through his mind.

That would be a flttiu reward for the smug-
gler’s carelessness, and t en what better safe-
guard could he invent to prevent those smug-
gled goods from being removed before he the
detective, ‘could strike his blow at the aw-
breaking gang?

As yet this was but a whimsical fancy in his
brain, but as he took time to recall the exact
location of the Lone Ranch, White- horse
Wheeler turned toward the door which opened
in that direction, striking a fresh match, by the
gleam of which he examined the two strong
locks with which that door was supplied.

He cautious] inserted the key, and, to his

'grim pleasure, ound that it turned freer in the

wards. Beyond a doubt it belonged to the very
door, and certainly had been lost by olonel
Cougar during his recent visit to the store-

ouse.

As his match burnt out, White-horse Wheeler
bent an ear close to the door, listening for some
sound from Grim Death, the cougar which, ac-
cording to the story told by Peleg Ounce, had
his quarters in the adjoining cell.

He could hear neither gr0wl nor stir, but just
as he was about to give over his listening the
faint, indistinct sound of a human voice grei‘
audible. Some person was talking, and that
from no very great distancel ‘

Acting o impulse White-horse Wheeler
turned the k y in one of the locks, then withdrew
it. to slip a little bar of brass into the other, or
lower, keyhole. He turned this also, but held
the key with a firm grip as he slightly pushgd
the door ajar. '

If the cougar should hear him, and try to
force a way‘in, he could easily jerk the door to
and lock it in time. All the more readil from
the fact that it swung into the cougar’s en.

Slight though that crevice was, it admitted a
faint streak of light from the other side, and
the revenue scout could more clearly catch the
words which Colonel Cougar was just then utter-

in U

% stran e thrill sw t over his frame as he
distinctly card the v0 cc of Maurice Filley cry-
ing out sharply:

‘ Not a word, father!”

Closely followin that brief sentence came the
hollow echo an o a closing door, then all was
silence.

For a few moments White-horse Wheeler stood
like one trifled, hardly able to trust the evi-
dence of is own senses, yet fully uware'that he
had made no mistake: that was Maurice Filley
speaking, and his sharp, almost fierce words had
been directed toward his fathom

“ That devil! He’s caught 'em both!”

. Before he thought of what he was doing
White-horse Wheeler pushed the iron-studded
door wide open and stopped acres-the threshold.

 

9—

He remembered, the next instant, for the smell
was very rank, and could be mistaken for noth-
in else.

e swiftly drew his knife, but, even as the
Weapon came forth, he noted the opening into
the further cell, and by the light which came
through from the oil lamp he saw that the den
was vacant save for himself.

The terrible thought that Colonel Cougar had
turned his pet lion loose to dispose of his prison-
ers struck the detective, and he sprung across
the den,to stop short in mute amazement at
what met his eyes.

The carcass of Grim Death lay in a pool of its
own blood plainly dead. And there, sitting
close together, were Anderson Filley and Man-
rice, his son!

Instantly all his coolneSS came back to the
revenue scout, and crouching down when he
could not be seen by the captives, who might
easily ruin all by giving vent to their glad sure
prise in recognizmg a frien(l,\\'heeler made sure
that none of the cm my were visible.

His fears set at rest on this point, the rest
was not very difficult; the main point being to
make his resence known without exciting the
prisoners into uttering a cry loud enough for
watchful ears to catch.

Crouching close by the opening, White-horse
W heeler whispered:

“ Be wary, friends! Lock your lips tightly,
for your loved ones’ sake!"

The ca tires gavea bewildered start, but made
no sound), and the detective quickly added, in
low but clear tones:

“' I’ve come to set you free. I’ll show my face
at this opening, but for your lives don’t make a
sound those devils can catch!"

White-horse Wheeler rose up, revealing his
face by the lamp-light. He saw that he was
reco nized as a friend, and springing into the
cell, e used his knife to cut their bonds and set
them at liberty, at the same time hastily mutter-
ln 1

5No questions! Mrs. Filley and Linda are
safe. I’ll take you to them, if you’ll only act
sensible. Now—come on 1”

Knowing as he did how full of questions they
surely must be, White-horse Wheeler hurried

both father and son into the cougar’s den, with- ’

out giving them a chance to rally from their
amazement sufficiently to put their thoughts in-
to words. And not until they all stood inside
the store-house, with the iron-studded door dou-
bly locked behind them, would he permit them
to utter a syllable. '

“I’ll explain, if you insist upon it, dear
friends,” he then said, but quickly adding:
“Only, ’twould be a heap sight safer for all
hands if you could bottle it up a few minutes
longer.

“ One word: they are safe .9” tremulously ask-
ed Anderson Filley.

“Safe and sound, when I left them, only a
couple of hours ago,” was the prompt response.
“Now, let me go up fint,to give you a little
more light. Follow after me, when you can see
the rope.”

Time was too precious to be wasted in idle
chatter, and White-horse Wheeler rapidly as-
scended the rope ladder, pushing. back the trap-
door, emerging, to be rooted With a groan of
intense relief bv Peleg unce.

“ Good Lawd l I done reckoned you was—-”

“Button up 1” muttered IVheeler, sternly.
“ I’ve found my friends, and they’re ‘comin
up after me. Don’t make a sound, or I
smother you!” _

Father and son quickly ascended, and th
as essential prudence, Whitehorse Wheeler
Peleg Ounce assmt him in removing all sign from
above and around the secret entrance, before
gomg further. A

Not until this was done to his satisfaction,
Would the detective consent to moving away
from that spot. He wished to keep the secret
of that escape shrouded in mystery as lon as
possible. lest the enemy take alarm and to ht
at one and the same time.

Hastening to where the two horses had been
left, W bite-horse Wheeler insisted on father and
son' mounting, while he and Pele-g. trotted along-
side. And as that retreat was fairly begun, ex-
planations were made on both sides, suflicientl
clear to serv for the time being, although muc
of interest necessarily omitted by all of
them.

Nothing occurred worthy of note, until the
had almost reached the cavern: then, a woman
shriek rung forth with terrifying intensity!

CHAPTER XXXV.
wa nous]: wnnnmca’s anwun).

“ MY g l—it’s Linda 1”

In hoarse, almost chokik accents came that
cry from the lips of Anderson Filley. as he re-

that voice. but never a sound uttered
its-horse Wheeler, though he was th‘ very
first to take action.

Without giving a thought to thirrfl which
that wild scream almost surely i fated the
revenue scout dulled. straight ahead, in
for the masked entrance to the cavern. 0
only knew that thowomnn he so dear! loved
was inoxtremi and that he must save or, or
shanthe some ate.

 



 

\i

 

\.

3".) \

an“

:Mmiih.‘ ,J _

_.~..___m__:.-___us..._‘.\

nu-.. . 4.- , .A. __. A i .n..,-- sham-«q. «aw---

 

 

O
' calm ~ v

 

.‘L-J‘Q‘vV ' ‘

_in wild excitement, as

White -HorSe Wheeler.

29.

 

 

He dashed through that leafy screen, throw-
ing all caution to the winds. He caught sight
of Linda struggling to break away from the arms
of Milo Plunkett; he took note of nothing else,
just then.

His rush was fierce as that of an infuriated
wild beast, and as the smuggler lieutenant.
warned by the shouts of his mates, partly turn-
ed in that direction, it was to meet a crushing
b10w full in his face.

With a gasping sound, Plunkett reeled back,
to fall like a lump cf wet clay, relinquishing
the prize he had so surely deemed his own.

White-horse Wheeler caught Linda with his
other arm, but the maiden gave a cry of terror,

ushing him violently back; not through hatred,

But to save his dear life!

“ “"hite-hoss—the devil l”

“ Shoot—kill him, or we’re—”

With startled but Vl('lOllS cries, Peter Morris
and Jack Broome did all that lay in their power
to save themselves and avenge their chief by
downing the revenue scout for g00d and all.
Each one fired a shot, but both bullets missed
their mark, thanks to Linda’s swift action.

Then, almost destroying the mask of vines
and bushes in their frantic haste, Anderson
Filley and Maurice came rushing into the
cavern, and closed with the smugglers.

It was a brief but desperate struggle. More
than one more shot was fired, but by good for—
tune no life was taken, thanks to the rush made
by the detective. Down went the two ruflians,
and before another minute had passed over their
heads, they were deprived of their weapons and
in a fair way of being bound.

Peleg Ounce had not taken an active part in
that spirited skirmish, partly because he had
been distanced in that fierce rush by those
who had far dearer interests at stake, but
mainly from a constitutional dislike to hard
knocks. .

Still, he came to the cavern—entrance, pistol in
hand, and doubtless would have ut in a shot or
two where it would count to the st advantage
only f r the impossibility of distinguishing
friend om foeman by that dim light. V

But presently he caught si ht of Milo Plunk-
ett, lying on the ground, wit his bruised face
turned toward the light, and recognizmg the
man who,had doomed him to death by the rope,
Peleg lost his fears, and leaped forward to take

ion of that prize.

“ l’ve done ketched him boss!” he spluttered,
bite-horse Wheeler
rose to his feet, his hands full of the weapons
taken from the overthrown smugglers. “ I‘ll
hold him fast, or I’ll blow him clean to thunder
of he tries for to skoot l”

" Hold him fast, but don’t harm him, Pelegl”
hastily exclaimed the revenue scout. “ Shoot
him, and I‘ll skin you alive!”

“ Good Lewd!”

Half in amaze, half in di st came that ex-
clamation, but Peleg was w olly under the in-
fluence of his new ‘boss ” by this time, and
contented his heart as best he could .by squatting
on Milo Plunkett’s stomach, rubbing his nose
with the cold muzzle of a revolver as the smug-
gler lieutenant slgiwed signs of rallying from
that knockdown b ow.

“ Stiddy, ye p’izen imgl 3y fer to kick or to
squirm, an’ of! comes t e h dog-gun roof 0’
yer shanty I”

With the exception of that drawn by the de-
tcctive’s hard knuckles, it proved to be a blood-
less victory.

T017119]! agitated though the were, neither
Mrs. Fill nor Linda permitted themselves to
utter we or sound that could distract their
loved ones’ attention from their stern duty, and
the elder woman, with a forethou ht such as
few could have exhibited under ke circum-
stances, hastily tore strips from a blanket to
bind the smugglers With.

Then—that meeting and that ting; word.
alone are powerless to do it anyt ng likejustice,
so wh make the attempt?

Wh te-horse Wheeler 3 face was hardly broad
enough to contain his smile: of Joyous satisfac-
tion as he saw that glad reunion, and, leaving
the four together, he crossed over to make sure
of Milo Plunktgt, who was held in hated subjec-

n b P 1 once.

“Q‘an’te 08ve him ary show, boss!” excited]
luttered goleg, as the detective came to h 3
do, bonds in hand, ready to fasten the limbs of

the smuggler. “Just look at him! Plufnern

trigopperhead in shoddin’ time! Pizener n ary

-— y still, dog-gun ye, houn’ dog!” .

It was about the scroll: temptation P8198
Ounce ever battled against, and fasting lest he
yield to it, scatterin the outlaw’s brains with a
shot White-horse healer hastened to apply
bonds strong enough to answer his present pur-

“You know him, I should judge, Pelegl” he
half-asked, half-asserted, as he remOVed the

ard almost by force. “,You cling to him

ke a twin brother!” .

“Know him? MebbeI don’t! Mebbo’tain’t
the dirty devil as sent me u a tree, for some
thin’ I never didn’t even thin o’ doin’l”

“You dirty traitor!” viciously snarled the
captive. “ Only for you, nothing of all this
would have happened! Only for you—” -.

i

 

“Who is he. Poles?”

“ Plunkett—Milo Plunkett! An’ he’s the next
big toad in the puddle a’ter the kunnel, boss!
An’ ef I hed my way, I’d jest—”

“ Guard him, then, Peleg, but do him no hurt,”
hurriedly interrupted the scout, who had kept
one eye on the reunited family, members of
which were b inning to look around for the
man to whom t ey owed their present joys.

Mrs. Filley was the first to claim his hand in
gratitude. Her eyes Were dimmed by tears of
joy, and she could not control her voice, but her
tremulous lips were pressed almost reverently to
his bent forehead.

“That‘s one for gratitude, now give him a
fair one for love'." said Anderson Filley, a hand
on each. “ Only for him—”

“ God’s choicest blessings be yours, my son 1”
murmured the grateful wife and mother, her
lips touching those of the abashed detective.

Weak and trembling with pure joy, Mrs.
Filley was caught in the arms of her husband,
who was in hardly better case, just then. And
with a touch of boyish malice, Maurice pushed
Linda forward, whispering in tones loud enough
for the detective to catch:

“Give him anothhr sweet buss—for lore,
siss l”

lVot a little to his amazement, Maurice was
obeyed. With a bravery which proved how
truly she loved this man, Linda gave her hands
into his warm grasp, then lifted her face, to
yield her lips as well!

“GOmi Lawd!" ejaculated the deeply inter-
ested Peleg, unconsciously smacking his own
lips, with a report so distinct that Maurice
burst into a fit of hearty laughter, and the
lovers drew apart, blushing, yet supremely
ha’ppy, even if a bit confused by that unlucky
cc 0.

For a time all was happy c0nfusion, so far as
those at liberty were concerned. Explanations
were in order, and while it would have been ini-
possible for them to have cleared up all misty
points under several hours of steady talking,
the Filley family were not long in arriving at
the same conclusion: only for Edgar Winston,
they might never have seen each other again, in
this World at least.

“And yet,” said Anderson Filley, with a
humorous twinkle in his gray-blue eyes as the
passed from Wheeler to Linda, then back
again, “ I’m not so sure that it’s worth while
adding my thanks to our friend 1”

The detective quick! caught his meaning,
and it hardly required uricc's low chuckle to
add more color to the checks of poor Linda.
And then the revenue scout roved his true
metal, by taking one of those httle hands, and
facing the parents with:

“ I ask more than your thanks, dear friends;
give us your blessin 1”

Linda, confused, ut happy beyond descrip-
tion, broke away, and would not be reclaimed
just then. even by White-horse Wheeler himself.

Peleg Ounce produced a timely diversion, by
making kn0wn the desire of Milo Plunkett for a
word with the detective. This was granted,
and without beating around the bush, the
emu gler begged for his life and libert de-
cla nfi-lthat, to earn them both,he would ex-
pose the secrets of the Lone Ranch, and
give the entire gang of smugglers up to jus-
tice.

“Your offer comes entirely too late,” coldly
responded White-horse Wheeler. “ I already
know enou h to run in the whole gang, but
even if I di n’t, I’d rather lose every other mem-
ber than give you even the ghost of a chance to
cheat the gallows l” .

Peleg Ounce was unsigned to outside guard
duty for the present, w ' e Maurice and Wheeler
fell to work getting up a much-needed break-
fast. After that had been discussed, all
there would be time enough to discuss their
next movement.

In this, hawever, they were fated to be disap-
pointed. Thanks to circumstances which no.
foresight could have guarded against, trouble
was coming upon them, and Pelog gave the first
warning by is scared rush.

“ They’re comin’, boos!" he spluttered, in
alarm. “ Kunnel an’ all!”

 

CHAPTER XXXVI.
WHITE-HORSE WHIRLER‘S WARNING.

COLONIL COUGAR was fairly stunned for a
time by the mysterious vanishment of his im-
portan captives. He could scarcely credit his
Own senses, and moved dazedly about thou two
cells, empty save for himself and the carcass of

The door leading into the store-house was
locked, and thanks to the manner in which its
looks were attached, it would be impomible for
any person or persons on that side, to have
opened a passage without actually destroying
that door.

Hard as it was to credit such a thing, be con-
cluded that the Filleys father and son, must
have esca through the trap in the flooring ,
above the r cell, ing from thence throng
the house, to f m beyond. .

.,“Who helped them! I’ have blood for

 

thlilsl HBlood—l'll kill every cursed traitor
w 0—

His voice choked, and he almost suffocated
with his furious rage before he could rally sufii-
ciently to make his way up that rope-ladder
once more.

He tried to learn the truth, but Was unable to
do so, unless he could credit the solemn oaths of
all the men within the ranch: they had neither
seen nor heard aught of the prisoners, since his
de rture.

Yot knowing on whose head to:wreak his ven~ ‘

geance, Colonel Cougar managed to choke it
down for the present. If delayed, his blows
would not fall any the less heavily in the end,
and while he was wasting time in blind rag-
ing, his enemies were making their escape
gOod. '

That reflection enabled the smuggler chieftain
to rally, and bidding his men prepare for the
road, be rushed to saddle his own horse.

“They’ll make for home, of course,” his
thoughts ran, in part. “ If the women hadn’t
hidden near that, why was the boy prowling
around so soon after darkt They’re there,
and if we find one, we’ll surely find them all!”

He knew that the fugitives could not have
gained a very great start. They must have
escaped during his absence from the Lone
Ranch on his wild-goose chase with that infer-
nal dogl

“ I’ll kill him ! I’ll roast the mongrel whelp
by inches!” °

Only for his mad trust in Smuggler Duke,
this escape—this cursed treachery could never
have taken place. For, even yet Colonel Cou—
gar did not suspect the real facts. How Could
he, knowing how guarded he had been in his
visit to the store-house, and ignorant as he was

of having lost the key by means of which that,

door could be, opened?

Still, the colonel was not a man to neglect
any possible chance, and as so doing would
consume but a few seconds, he passed around"
by the way of the secret entrance to the re~
ceptacle for smuggled goods, and by the gray
dawn of a new day, he quickly detected
signs which the darkness had hindered thite-
horse Wheeler and Peleg Ounce from entirely
obliterating.

He stared aghast at those marks, as the ter—
ribly significant truth dawned upon his whirl-
ing brain. The store-house had surely been
visited since his departure, and his prisoners
had made their escape through this hidden

wa l

libs blow was a crushing one to Colonel Cougar,
yet he almost instantly rallied. His face was
ghastly in. its lack of color, but his tones were
cold and even as he spoke:

“ They’ve found us out, men! Now we’ve got
to catch them, just got to catch them I That or.
—were broken all up 1”

Without lpausing to explain his meaning more-
clearly, 09 onel Cougar ed the way at a hard

op, heading directly as ponible for the
illey Ranch, where he hoped to either find his
prey, or to be in time to intercept their flight as
may came up. ‘_
be cool, fresh morning air seryed to clearhn
muddled brain, and after ridi for several
miles in breakneck fashion, the c ief slackened.
speed. both to permit their mounts to catch their
second wind, and to more fully warn his follow-
ers of their actual ril.

“Ynon anhlinow t at there’s gm velry dfeziilhti:
pa was 3 beginning, as a gna ca
meyii close enough to catch all his words. “ You.
know that we caught the two whelps who have
been trying to sell us out to thelaw. You know
what us I took to keep them fast, until I could
force hem to admit just how for their treachery
had been carried. But now—they’ve broken
away, and taken. with them the secret of where
we hide our contraband goods!”

A united growl of fierce rage came from the

mug lers, bringing a grim smile to the face of
their coder.

Little need of wasting time in working up n
reve eful feeling there! Unless his strong
hand a ould hold them back, finding
would be fully equivalent to slaying itl
' “I hate to even think that any one of our
family would deliberately betray our score}:
after this fashion. I own u frankly that I did
In some among you a playing me false,
an setting free in prisoners, but that was
while my head was 01:, and I couldn’t reason it

out.

“ Now, I believe I’ve hit on the truth! I firm-
ly believe that White-horse Wheeler, the most

deteCtive in the entire North or

No west, has dealt this heavy blow at our
security!”

Again that venomous growl.

“ know that he has been rted as be
right- in this neighborhood. Milo Plunke

. brought the news. Some of you were with him,

so you can give a gueu as to his jud meat." _

“ I reckon ’twas White-horse, co onel,” said
one of his men.

“ If I hold any doubts then, they’ve gone
glimmering by now,” was Cru r’s quick addi-
tion. “ I know some of you fel ows are a bit in-
clined to be afraid of the hound; to think he’s I.
devil on ten wheels! But, when all’s told, he’s

the game-

  

‘30

only a mom and a bit of lead, or a few inches
of cold steelcan lay him out as stiff a corpse as
any other man i”

‘ If we can only catch him, boss!”

“ We’ve got to catch him, or we’ll catch worse!
He’s up here for the express purpose of breaking
up our honest work, and unlesswe down him,
he’ll surely down us

“ If we find him ’twill be in company with the
Filley outfit. Kill him, without giving him a
chance to hit back, but—don’t harm the women!
Kill each and every man you see in the gang,
but spare the petticoats!”

By this time, though the party had kept mov-
ing onward a l the time, their horses had gained
breath, and ere ready for a longer, harder dash
than had been their first urt.

Eagerly enough Colone Cougar prefied for-
ward, though ugly doubts would haunt his too
busy brain. He knew that it was only one
chance out of a score that he would find his prey
at the Filley Ranch. Knowing as they must
that discovery could not be long delayed, and
that they would naturally be expected to take
that direction, would they be rash enough to
take it?

“ Unless the women are actually hidden in
that neighborhood!”

That was his main hope, now, and even that
five him but scanty satisfaction when he came

count up his many disappointments of the
past dozen hours.

“ Will this infernal streak of bdd luck never
come to an end? Am I fated to make a botch of
everything I turn my hands to?”

Over and over Colonel Cougar kept asking
himself those questions, not because they afford-
ed pleasant food for thought, but simplg because
he could not drive them out of his min .

But, ere long, it seemed as though fortune was
turning his way once more, for the party was
met by Martin Westgate, with his dog, and
pantineg the ex-sailor made a bid for restora-
tion in the good-will of his leader, by crying

 

aloud :

“ I’ve found ’em. boss! We’ve found ’em—
Duke and me!”

“ You’ve found— Out with it, curse ye!”

snarled the smu gler.

Westgate e a very brief story of it. He
saw that Colonel Cou ar was in one of his most
dangerous moods, an at once plunged into his
re rt, which may be briefly summed u .

cping to make a strike which wo d make
full amends for Duke’s folly, Wes ate had con-
tinued the hunt long after his 0 cf had aban-
doned it in hot (i .

For hours he h failed; then guided in art
by. a trail which seemed perfectly fresh, he rew

' near the broken ground in which the cavern

actually existed, and was just in time to catch

.a glimpse of the Filleys, father and son, rush

forward and plunge into the very hill, as it
seemed to him.

“There was some shooting, but I knew I
couldn’t tackle the gang b my lonesome self,
so I set out for you, cclonel!’ was his conclusion.

“And you can show us where that place is?”

“ I’ll risk my neck on that much, boss!”

“ Good enough! Jump up behind Watkins,
there, and lead the way. If we catch our game—-

On boys 1”
'1‘

oo thoron hly excited by this bit of unex-
pected good ortune. Colonel Cou r led the
way at a swift gallop, only slacken ng his pace
when warned by Westgate that they were draw-
ing perilousl nigh the spot where their game
had taken re uge.

Alighting, fastening their animals, then lead-
ing the way with Westgate at his side, Colonel
Cougar only paused when a clear, stern voice

called forth the wa ' a,
“Halt, you imps! £me

who’s warning you 1"

CHAPTER XXXVII.
want-aches: wuss-Lass DEFIANCE.

INVOLUNTARILY Colonel Cougar and his guide
recoiled, even as they came to a halt catchin
the 1:zigimficemt sound of a Winchester being fulf-
coc e .

The human voice might possibly be mistaken,
but not so the meaning of that clear. sharp
click-click!

The smuggler chief cast a quick glance over a
shoulder, but it was not born of fear, though
more than one of his men gave it that very in-
terpretation, and so felt in a measure justified
in their actions.

Like chickens when they hear the warning
croak of chanticleer that hungry hawk is hover-
ing above, the rascals made a wild dart for
whatever cover lay nearest them at that re-
cise moment. Of them all, only Martin est-

ate and Smuggler Duke stood by their chief-

” .

“Stand up to it, {e devils!” hoarsely cried
Colonel Cougar, but t e harm was already done,
and it takes more than empty words to bring
order out of a panic.

" You’d better show the same good sense,
Darke Cruger,” called out the same stem voice
which had sent forth that grim warnin . “ I’ve
“get you lined, and I’m studying whether or no

r

 

White-Horse Wheeler.

your ’life is worth wasting a good cartridge
over! .

“ Who the dogs are you, that crows so mighty
loud i”

“ Do you ask who I am?” another voice broke
in, stern yet tremulous with an honest indigna-
tion. “ Come one inch further, you black-
hearted whelp, and I’ll write my name all over
you!

Colonel Cougar was in an ugly predicament.
He could bear, but he could not see. He knew
right where his coveted prey was stationed, but
just how, and with what manner of backing. he
could only surmise.

He knew that at least one gun was covering
him, hardly forty yards away, and if its holder
was anything of a marksman, he could surely
lay him out, cold as a wedge, before he could
reach cover on either hand.

If his men were repared to back him up in a
charge, that risk e would have counted as
nothing; he would have rushed straight on,
without using to hear or to heed. But, in-
stead of acking him up as they werein duty
sworn, the cowards had scattered to cover, like
a bevy of frightened quails!

,In such a dilemma, one must reason swiftly,
and Colonel Cougar called forth in answer:

“ You can shoot me, if you like, but ’twill be
all the worse for the weaker members of your
party. I’m the only one who can save them

rom perishing, if so much as a single shot is
fired!

“ Listen to the cur whining!” cried the mock-
ing voice of Maurice Filley. “ Get out 0’ that,
you wolf’s‘whelp! I’ll waste—”

The impetuous d was taken at his word
and having selected his most Promising line of
retreat, Colonel Cougar took t, plunging head-
lorig into the nearest cover.

aurice certainly did not intend this should
be the case, and his pistol—one of flame confis-
cated from their ca tlves—tried to catch a bead
on the smuggler c ef, but only to be foiled by
the strong and ready hand of White-horas
Wheeler.
th“ Don’t! You’re letting him off!” protested

e boy.

“ That’s just what I meant to do,” retnri’ed
the revenue scout, his grip relaxing as he saw
Cruger plunge' into concealment.

“ at if you only knew what that devil has
said and done! If you ODE”

“ I knew this much, urice,” earnestly
spoke up the detective, one hand resting light-
ly upon the youngster’s shoulder, while his keen
eyes kept watch without the entrance. “The
first shot fired from this side, even if it killed
the chief, would surely fetch the whole outfit
down on us, in a bunch.”

“ Well, will it make it any easier toleave them
their chief?”

“ You heard what he said; you know what
he ho to win 1”

'“ on. can ask that! You can even hint at
such a thin i”

Before bite-horse Wheeler could reply to
that indignant suspicion, Colonel Cougar chal-
lenged from his covert:

“ I say. you fellows in the cave! One word
with your head-talker, or we’ll rush you, then
ask questions—provided any are alive to answer
them. then l”

a,
“ You. surely will not be on the living list,

Darke Cruger.”

“ And pray who ma on be, loud-blower?”

“ You can call me its-horse Wheeler, for
lack. of a better title. But names or titles out
little figure, jut now. What is it you want?”

“ First to make you and the fools who a
pear to be trusting you, understand one ug y

act. That is this: not one of you can leave
that den alive, without my full and free per-
mission!"

“Did you ever try your luck at enumerat-
ing young fowl, colonel, basingryourcalcula-
tions on t e number of egg-fruit deposited in the
various inpubatorsl”: .

“Chickens or no chickens, your goose is
cooked!” '

“Good luck to your teeth when they come
to dinner, colonel!”

“Curse such chair! I mean sober business.
And when it’s all simmered d0wn, here‘s the sum
total: I’ll kill every last one of you, unless my
terms are accepted, without delay or debate!”

“ And those terms are what?”

“The sacred oath of each man among ye to
'oin my company. The word of honor given

y Anderson Fills , his wife and his son, that
they will induce 1nda Filley to become my
legal wife!”

‘The answer is soon 'ven, Darke Cruger,”
cried White-horse Whee er, losing all trace of
mockery or of carelessness from that moment.
“ I can shoot by sound, just as surely as I can
by sight. I have had you lined through all this
i le 0 atter, and I would have killed you for the
cur you surely are, if I hadn’t known the gel-
lows is awaiting you, Percival Tudorl’”

For a single breath there was silence, than a
hoarse, hateful voice cried out:

“ You, is it, cursed bloodhdundi Down him,
lads! ”A cool thousand for his head, living or

!
“Steady, men, out yonder!" called out

.1; I . ‘

 

‘1-

Wheeler, in clear tones. “ We’ve got three of
your mates in here, and I’m blocking the passage
with their living bodies!”

If Colonel Cou ar had really meant his fierce
words as signal or a charge, they failed of the
desired effect. There was a rustle among the
bushes in front of and to each side of the cave,
but nothing more serious took place. And,
possibly to cover that irresolution, the smuggler
chief called out, sha 1y:

“ Steady, lads! sit a bit until—1 What lies
are you pitching this way, VVhite-horse i”

“ he plain truth, Darke Cruger, so I’m not

-greatly s rised at your failure to reco nize it,
off-hand. ut, maybe you’ll believe t e testi-
mon of your own pals, you cut-throat!”

“ t’s truth, colonell” cried Milo Plunkett, in
tones through which almost abject terror was
echoing. “They’ve 1got me, and Peter Morris,
and Jack Broome, a t up, and used to
stop the mouth of—”

“ All a lie, men!” raged the colonel, from his
COVert, and suiting action to words as he added:
“ To prove it, here’s my shot 1”

He fired his rifle, and, through a stran e mor-
tality. the leaden missile struck Milo P unkett
squame between the lips, passing through, to
sever the spinal column, and so producing in-
stant death!

There came a fierce charge on the part of the
smugglers, led by their chief; but it was brave-

y me .

“Block ’em, mates 1” sternly cried Wheeler, ‘

his pistols beginning to talk sharply. “ It’s
death to all if they et in; so, keep ’em out !”

Shoulder to shoul er the three men stood: for
Maurice was a man, now that the tug-of-war
was coming! Shoulder to shoulder, each man
fully armed, thanks to the weapons taken from
their prisoners.

That mask of bushes and vines seemed spout-
ing fire and smoke, so ra idly did the defenders
work their revolvers an that charge, desper-
atedliy though it had begun, came to an abrupt
en ng.

Not a dozen yards were gained, before the
smugglers began to falter, then to recoil, finally
to dart aside for the nearest cover.

Even Colonel Cou seemed cowed, for he
was not to be seen “fly the defenders when the
blue smoke lifted s ciently for them to view
the battle-field with some distinctness.

As for themselves, White-horse Wheeler alone
had been touched by a bullet, and that was but
a skin-doe wound on one shoulder.

Neither roome nor Morris had been injured,
ayes: all] this sienna? incredible unitil Whigs-hora

eeerexp in item nawh per
the Fills , father and 

“ By is orders, they fired wild He wants
Linda—living] Swear that you’ll never let her
fall into his clutches, if I’m killed!”

The stern pledge was given, and then matters
settled down for a few minutes; no longer than
that, however.

Brush, and dry limbs, and even trunks of dead
tmes began to rain down in front of the cave
entrance, and shortly after this diabolical trick
could not be mistaken by the besieged, Colonel
Cougar called out in his mo¢ malignant-tones:

“ Rain the fire down. lads! Smoke ’em out of
that hole!”

Blazing brands came sailing through the air,
to fall 11 n that combustible pile, and with
fierce ye the smugglers began to triumph.

 

CHAPTER XXXVIII.
WHITE-HORSE wunsnna’s VICTORY.

COLONEL Congas laughed harshly as the dry
pile began to ignite, and once more he hailed the
apparently doomed inmates of that den.

‘ Last call, you fools! Come out, em? -
handed, begging for mercy, or slowa roas
your living grave!”

No answer was made to this fierce speech, but
the menaced party were grave enoug as they
summed up the situation. .

“ We can’t hinder them from kee ing the fire
burning,” said White-horse Whee_er nothing
save his frequent glances toward Lin a betray-
ing how sorely his heart was being racked; on
her account, not on his own. _

“ You heard what he said ” grimly muttered
Anderson Filley pistols in hand. ‘ When we
can’t stick it out lo r, we .can leave this.”

“ Never to surren er to him, father!” flashed
Maurice, hotly. ‘

“ Of course not. my bo ,” with a fleeting smile
as a hand touched those ght locks. “ But, we’ll
die fighting the demons!”

“ Not until the last hope is gone, though,"
hastil inte the revbnue scout. “ mem-
ber t e is es; they must never fall into his
clutches!”

As thou h fearing to trust himself to say
more, Wh te-horse Wheeler turned awe and

seed back towhere Whirlygust and the ndian
Ezrse were standing. They had been brought
inside the cave, at Peleg’s warni , and now the
rough-rider was meditating a be] stroke.

It might fail to produce the desired eflect but
matters were already so bad that they could not
well be made worse!

“ What are you going to do. Winston?‘ asked
Filley, as the revenue scout came forward. in

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

. Sr .mmgw

 

 

NNR «nah-,2”: m.

'1' ,T

White-Horse Wheeler.

31

 

r7

 

company with Whirlygust. “ Surely you can’t
intend trying—"

“ i can’t stand idle and see her-see you all

rish like rats in a hole l” almost fiercely replied

he detective.

He gave Linda a quick kiss, then sprung into
the saddle, and sent the noble white stallion
plunging straight through that mass of fire!

in each hand he ripped a Cooked revolver,
and from each m e spouted a puff of flame—
tinged smoke, one to the right, one to the left,
as the astonished smugglers burst into wild
cries at that wholly unexpected apparition.

And then, clear and thrilling, came the call of
:a bi le‘! 1

“‘ ’ he soldiersl Look out, everybody!”

“ Halt l” rung forth a stern voice, and with
waving saber, a captain of cavalry gave the
command which deployed his men, smftly cut-
ting ofl‘ all retreat on the part of the law-
breukers. “ If one of you fires another shot, I’ll
.string him higher than Hamanl”

White-horse Wheeler, partly blinded by the
fire through which he had so recklessly dashed,
came to an abrupt halt, Whirlygust stopping in
his tracks with a suddenness which would have
unseated almost any other rider.

“ Hold ’em level, captain!” the detective
"shouted, in wild lee at this unlooked-for succor.
“They’re smugg ers, and I’m a detective, here
to— H'ould ye, you devil 7’”

Seeing his prey surely wrested from his grip,
and feeling that he could expect no mercy on
either hand, Colonel Cougar made a desperate
stroke for life and liberty.

He cre t swiftly along toward One end of that
deploy line, meaning to shoot down a soldier,
trusting to catch his horse, and thus break away;
but it was not to be.

White—horse Wheeler caught sight of him, and
sent Whirlygust forward in a tremendous
bound. He left the saddle at the second leap,
coming down within grasp of the desperate
criminal.

Cruger fired one shot, but his ead went wild,
'for the detective had him fast. 0y fell heavily
to the ground together but Wheeler was upper-
most, and by the time elp could reach the spot,
his muscular fingers had choked Colonel Cougar
into insensibility. _

Terrified, demoralized, seeing how surely their
time had come, each and all of the smugglers
dropped their weapons and threw up their
empty hands, beg ng for narter.

The captain h (1 them evel longrgnowh to
: ather at leasta hint of the truth m hite-
‘ orse Wheeler and the Filleys, then gave orders

for their binding.is . '

Lon before t task was com leted, Willing-
.i as t e soldiers fell to their wor ,White-horse
Wheeler had disarmed and bound Percival Tu-
ldor, alias Darke Cruger, alias Colonel Cougar,
who had at last been run to earth.

When the entire band of law-breakers were
safely put in bonds, explanations were inorder
and a few words explained the timely arrival of
.the soldiers.

The belon ed to the —th cavalry ' and were
a'port on of t e force in pursuit of itting Bull
and his Sioux braves who were making for
Canada, across which boundary line they
a10ne might find a refuge from Custer s
avengers.

A marauding squad of the red-skins had been
trailed to that neighborhood, and when firing
was heard, the so diers at once took saddle.
'They were guided more 'directly by the rising
column of smoke, and thinking to take the
demons wholly by surprise at their fiendish work
of destruction, the ha in blue had approached
with all possible cant on. . _

After this explanation was given, White-
horse Wheeler, on his side, showed his creden-
tials, and brief! but clearly detailed the evfi
deeds of this law ess gang.

He asked the ca tain to help him convey his
prisoners to the ne Ranch, where he could
surely guard them all,until he could get word to
the county sheriff, who would hasten to his aid

with his posse.
Although this sort of guard do was out of
his regular line of business, the g ant captain

consented. Possibly the sight of fair Linda Fil-
ley elped him reach this conclusiop,.but, even
so, t at fact did not lessen his merit in the eyes
of our friends. ‘ .
The prisoners were taken to the Lone Ranch,
and With them went the entire Filley family.

.As White-horse Wheeler said, that building

could be defended against a ible attack by
the red-skins, far more rumba could the

Filley Ranch.
' Their fears on this point, however, failed to
materialize. Doubtless the Sioux braves learned
how closely they were being pressed by the
soldiers, and, abandoning their marauding, they
rushed off for the boundary line.
Their later history need not be alluded to in
this connection. It is known to all men, 'to-
ther with the fall of their wily leader, Sitting

Peleg Ounce of course formed one of the re-
fining party when the Lone Ranch was taken
osseuion of, and from that day to the‘pres-

ant, eleg has lived an honest life liked nei—
ther honor td nor highlympected. elsgwss

 

hardly a character to inspire either emotion.
And yet, all things taken into consideration,
many a worse man than Peleg has lived and
flourished in these, our daysl

Colonel Cougar was brought to justice, and
after a fair trial, was found guilty of murder,
and duly hanged.

His followers were convicted of smuggling
and passing counterfeit morier being shortly
thereafter placed where their abors, while less
highly remunerated than they had been as law-
breakers, certainly did their country more good.

Milo Plunkett, slain by the chieftain whom he
had tried to cheat and supplant, was buried near
where he had fallen. No stone marks his grave,
and if his memory is ever recalled. it is as quick-
ly banished.

He had been without merit while he lived, and
he was without respect or regret now that he
was dead.

White-horse Wheeler reaped due credit for
breaking up the most dangerous of all the bands
which have flourished near the boundary line,
and possibly deeming it just as well to “quit
while his credit was good,”he resi ed his ap—
pointment, buying in the Lone Ranc , where he
settled down as a nestock grower, shortly after
his marriage to Linda Filley.

It is hardly necessary to add that neither of
the parties most concerned have ever regretted
that alliance. Their children are growmg up
around them, a credit to their parents, and a
future blessing to their country.

Anderson Filley and his true wife are yet liv—
ing. Maurice, with a fair young wife and a
couple of fine children live with the “ old
folks," and Filley Ranch is as well-paying as its
owners are po ular in the land.

Whirlygust sstill alive, but old 6 is wear-
ing him out, and are long the nob e stallion
must lie down, his life’s journey over. But, so
lon as tender and loving care can keep him
wit them, he will be sure of tender treatment,
and when he dies, many sincere tears will
dampen his grave.

Until a few years since, another loved animal
was growing old gracequ . When Martin
Wes§ate went to prison, he ueathed Smug-
gler uke to the lad whose life the St. Bernard

ad saved, on that eventful night, and right
well was that trust fulfilled. A neat stone marks
the rave of Duke, and Maurice often regrets
the ass of the noble brute. ‘
THE END.

Beadle's Dime library.

BY MAJOR DANGERFIELD RU“.

448 Hark Kenton, the Traitor.

188 The Phantom Mazeppa; or. The Hyena.

156 Velvet Face, the Border Bravo.

142 Captain Crimson, the Man of the Iron Face.

117 Dashing Dandy; or, The Hotspur of the Hills.
92 Buflalo Bill, the Buckskin King.

BY CAPTAIN HOWARD HOLMES.
684 Velvet Van,,the Mystery Shadower.
678 The Dude Desperado
671 Jason Clew. the Silk-Handed Ferret.
664 Monk Morel, the Man-Humor.
654 Sol S binx. the Ferret Detective.
642 Red ard and Yellow.
608 Silent Sam the Shadow Sphinx.
592 Ca tain Slil, the Shasta Ferret.
579 01 Cormorant, the Bowery Shadow.
569 Captain Cobra, the Hooded Mystery.
559 Danton, the Shadow Sharp.
550 Silk Hand. the Mohave Ferret.
543 The Mngnate Detective.
5'32 Jack Javert, the Independent Detective.
523 Reynard of Red Jack: or, The Lost Detective.
512 Captain Velvet's Big Stake.
505 Phil Fox, the Genteel Spotter.
496 Richard Redflre, the Two Worlds‘ Detective.
487 Sunshine Sam, 8. Chip of the Old Block.
480 Hawkspear. the Man with a Secret.
468 Coldgrip in Deadwood.
460 ,Captain Coldgrip. the Detective.
453 Captain Coldgrip‘s Long Trail.
II47 Volcano. the ll‘risco Spy,
441 The California Sharp. _
434 Lucifer Lynx. the Wonder Detective.
421 Father Ferret. the Frisco Shadow.
413 Captain Coldgrip in New York.
407 Captain Coldgrip‘s Nerve: or. In 'un Nick.
400 Captain Coldgrip: or. The New ork Spotter.
392 The Lost Bonanza; or, The Boot of Silent Hound.
382 The Bonanza Band: or, Dread Don of Cool Clan.
374 Major Blister. the S ort of Two Cities.
365 Keen Kennard. the haste. Shadow.
352 The Des )erate Dozen.
347 Denver uke, the Man with " Sand.“
340 Cool Conrad. the Dakota Detective. A
335 Flash Dan. the Nabob; or, Blades of Bowie Bar.
321 California Claude, the Lone Bandit.
294 Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy.
278 Hercules Goldspur, the Man of the Velvet Hand.

BY NB!) BUNTLINE.
657 Long Tom, the Privateer.
633 The Sea Sipy.
621 The Red rivateer: or, The Midshipman Rover.
584 Fire Feather. the Buccaneer King.
517 Buffalo Bill’s First Trail.
361 Tombstone Dick, the Train Pilot.
270 Andros, the Rover; or, The Pirate’s Daughter.
122 Saul Sabberday, the Idiot S y.
111 The Smugglcr Captain; or, he Skipper’s Crime.
61 Captain Seawaif, the Privateer.
23 The Red Warrior; or. The Comanche Lover.
18 The Sea Bandit; or, The Queen of the Isle.
16 The White Wizard; or. The Seminole Prophet.
14 Thsyendanegea,the Scourge;or, The War-Eagle.

,. . Ii...

 

 

BY \VM. G. PATTEN.

089 The Sparkler Sharp.

67 F- ]lurl'icane Hal. the Cowboy Hotspur.

669 Old True Blue. the Trusty.

663 The Giant Sport; or, Sold to Satan.

056 Old Plug gly, the Rough and Ready./
648 Gold Glove Gid the Man of Grit.

641 Aztec Jack, the esvrtNomad.

631 Colonel Cool. the Santa Fe Sharp.

602 Ca )tain Nameless. the Mountain Mystery.
571 Old Dismal. the Range Detective.

545 Hustler Harry. the Cowboy Sport. 1

BY JACKSON KNOX—“01d Hawk.” ‘ l

643 Cdstlemainc, the Silent Sifter.

616 )Iagnus, the Weird Detective.

606 The Drop Detective.

595 \Vellborn, the Upper Crust Detective.

582 Joram. the Detective Expert.

574 Old Falcon’s Double.

561 The Thug King; or. The Falcon Detective’s Foe.
548 Falconbridgv. the Sphinx Detective.

536 Old Falcon’s Foe: or. The Detective’s Swell Job.
515 Short-Stop Maje, the Diamond Field Detective.
509 Old Falcon, the Thunderbolt Detective.

501 Slaringsteel Steve, the Retired Detective.

494 T e Detectives Spy.

485 Rowlock. the Harbor Detective.

477 Deadarm Brandt.

467 Malnwaring, the Salamander.

462 The Circus Detective. ‘
451 Griplock. the Rocket Detective. .,
444 The Ma ic Detective; or, The Hidden Hand.

"4-- g"

. 0-1)‘

4.-.

424 Hawk eron’s De July.

386 Hawk Heron. the alcon Detective. <
BY OLL COOMES.

619 Kit Bandy & Co, the Border Detectives. \

148 One-Armed Alf. the Giant Hunter.

137 Long Beard. the Giant Spa;
99 The Giant Rifieman: or. ild Camp Life.
51 Red Rob, the B0 Road-Agent. l
43 idaho Tom, the oung Outlaw of Silverland.
46 Bowie-Knife Ben, the Nor’West Hunter.
44 Old Dan Rackhack, the Great Extarminator l
43 Dakota Dan..the Reckless Ranger.

7 Death-Notch. the Destroyer. l

BY CAPT. FRED. WHITTAKER.

614 The Showman Detective; or, The Mad Magician;
509 The Texas Tramp; or, Solid Saul. ,
445 J ourne man John. the Champion.
412 Lang ke. the Man of Iron. i
406 Old op Hicks. Showman. ,
878 John Armstrong, Mechanic. '
326 The Whitest Man in the Mines. 3
310 The Marshal of Satanstown; or, The League. .
303 Toy-Notch Tom, the Cowboy Outlaw.
295 01 Cross-Eye. the Maverick-Hunter.
290 The Lost Corvette: or, Blakeley’s Laét  i
284 The Three Frigates; or. 01d Ironsides’ venge.
277 The saucy Jane, Privateer.
272 Seth Slocum. Railroad Surveyor.
%5 Old Double-Sword; or, Pilots and Pirates.
2):; A Yankee Cossack; or.The Queen of the Ni hilism
247 Alligator Ike: or, The Secret of the Everglade.
242 The Fog Devil; or, The Ski r of the Flash.
236 The Flying Dutchman of 1 .
22' The Mad Hussars; or. The 0‘s and the Mac’s. ‘.
215 Parson Jim,‘King of the Cowboys. .
211 Colonel Plunger; or, The Unknown Sport. .
206 OneE e. the Cannoneer. 
193 The an in Red; or, The Ghost of the Old Guard. i
187 The Death's Head (.uirassiers. !
174 The Phantom Knights. ‘
159 Red Rudiger, the Archer.
132 Nemo, King of the Tram s.

115 The Severed Head; or. T e Castle Coucy Secret. l
108 The Duke of Diamonds. ,

98 The Rock Rider; or. The Spirit of the Sierra.

96 Double Death; or, The S y of Wyoming.

69 The Irish 08. tale. A Ta e of Fontenoy.

65 The Red Ra ah; or, The Scourge of the Indies. ;

39 The Russian Spy; or, The Starry Cross Brothers.

MISCELLANEOUS.

Avenger. By Tom W. King.

542 The Ocean Drift; or, The Fight for [Two Lives.
By A. F. Holt.

534 Green Mountain Joe; or, The Counterfeiter’s
Cave. B Marmaduke Dey.

518 R0 111 Ric ard, the Thoroughbred. By J _ W.

sbon.
410 Sarah Brown, Detective. B\' K. F. Hill. -
366 The Telegraph Detective. y George H. Morse.
353 Bart Brennan; or, The King of Straight Flush.
By John Cuthbert.
350 Flash Falcon. Societ " Detective. By W. J. Cobb.
312 Kinkfoot Karl. the ountain Scourge. By Mor-
wmg.
275 The Smuggler Cutter. B J. D. Conro
261 Black Sam, the Prairie hunderbolt.
Jo Yards.

190 The Three Guardsmen. B Alexander Dumas. \
179 Conrad, the Convict. By f. Gildersleeve.
166 Owlet, the. Robber Prince. By. S. R. Urban.
158 The Doomed Dozen. By Dr. Frank Powell

152 Captain Ironnerve. the Counterfeiter Chief.
146 The Doctor Detective. B George Lemuel.
144 The Hunchback of Notre ame. By Victor Hugo. .
140 The Three Spaniards. B ' Geo. Vi alker. ,‘
133 Body the Rover. By Wi liam Carleton. ’
125 The Blacksmith Outlaw. By H. Ainsworth.
110 The Silent Rifieman. By H. W. Herbert.

102 The Masked Band. By George L. Aiken.

78 The Mysterious S y. By Arthur M. Grainger.

76 The lQueen‘s Mus 'eteers. By Georg. Albany. ~

68 The ighting Trap r. B Capt, J. .0. Adams.

60 Wide Awake. the obber ing. By F. Dumont.

32 B‘hoys of Yale: or. The Scrapes of Collegian.

11 Midshipman Easy. By Ca tain Marryatt.

lO‘Vidocq. the French Police . py. By himself. ,

9 Handy Andy. By Samuel Lover.

6 Wildcat Bob. By Edward L Wheeler.

.4 new issue every Wednesday.
Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale by all

5By 001.

 

Newsdealers, ten cents per cop tar Lent by mail on

recei of twelve cents each. LE'& ADA“
human-.98me New gout. _.

566 The Dauntless Detective; or, The Daughter 

 

 

  

 

BEADLE’SsDIMEsuBRARY.

 

 

BUFFALO BILL NOVELS.
By Colonel Prentiss lngrnllnm.

921 Buffalo Bill‘s Quandary: or. Velvet Bill's Vow.
915 Buffalo Billand the Surgeon Seoul.

909 Buffalo Bill’s League: or. Red Butterfly.

904 Buffalo Bill’s Tangled 'li'ail.

900 Bu alo Bill’s Rough Riders.

895 Bu 'ilo Bill‘s Sei‘i't‘l Ally.

890 Buffalo Bill‘s Life-Stake.

882 The Three, Hills: Buffalo Bill Wild Bill and Band-

liox Bill: or. The Bravo iii Bri'iadcloili.

.71 Buffaii'i Bill’s BHUkSklll Braves.

869 Buffalo Bill’s Road-Agent Round-up.

863 Buffalo Bill's Dea‘li Charm.

857 Buffalo Bill‘s Royal Flush.

851 Buffalo Bill‘s lloiilile Dilemma.

845 Buffalo Bill‘s Redskin linse.

830 Buffalo Bill‘s BoiAiii Blue.

26 l-hii'fiilo Bill's Sharp Shooters.

23 Buffalo iill‘s Best Bower.

816 Buffalo Bi l‘< lied Trail.

812 Buffalo Bill‘s Death—Knoll.

79-1 Buffalo iili‘s Winning.r Hand.

7‘ 7 iiiffiilo llill‘s Dead Shot.

781 Buffalo Bill's Brand.

7 7 Buffalo {ill‘s Spy ShadoWer.

769 Buffalo Bill‘s Sweepstake.

765 Biii'alo Bill’s liozeiir or, Silk Ribbon Sam.

761 Buffalo Bill‘s Mascnt.

757 Buffalo Bill‘s Double.

750 Buffalo Bill‘s Big Foiirzor. (‘iisfer's Shadow.
743 Buffalo Bill‘s Flush lland.

739 Buffalo Bill's illind: or. The Masked Driver.
735 Buffalo Bill and llis Merry Men.

731 Buffalo Bill‘s Beagles: or, Silk Lasso Soul.

727 Buffalo Bill’s Bodv Guard.

72:! Buffalo Bill on the War-path.

716 hiffalo Bill‘sSeouf. Shadowers.

710 Buffalo Bill Bafiled: or. The lieserfer Desperado.
697 Buffalo Bill’s Buckskin Brotherhood.

691 Buffalo Bill’s llliiid Trail; or, Mustang Madge.
667 Buffalo Bill's Swoop; or. The King of' the Mini-OS.
658 The Cowl» 1v Clan: or, The Tigress of Texas.
653 Lass.» Kino’s League: or, Buck Taylor in Texas.
649 Buffan Bids Chief of Cowboys; 01'. Buck Taylor
644 Buffalo Bill’s Bonanza; or. Si ver (‘ircleKnights
362 Buffalo Bill‘s Grip: or. 0:11 ii Bound to (luster.
329 Buffalo Bill‘s Pledge: or. The League of Three.
189 Wild Bill’s Gold Trail; or. The Desperate Down.
175 Wild Bill’s 'l‘runip Card: or, The Indian Heiress.
168 Wild Bill, the Pistol Dead Shot.

By llufl‘alo Blll.

839 The Ranch King Dead-Shot.

820 White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

807 Wild Bill, the Wild West Duelist.

800 Wild Bill. the Dead-Center Shot.

639 Buffalo Bill‘s Gold King.

599 The Dead Shot Nine: or, My Pards of the Plains.

414 Red Renard. the indian Detective.

401 One-Armed Para; or, Borderland Retribution.

397 The Wizard Brothers: or, White Beaver’s Trail.

394 White Beaver. the Exile of the Platte.

319 Wild Bill, the Whirlwind of the West.

304 Texas Jack, the Prairie Rattler.

243 The Pilgrim Sharp: or. The Soldier‘s Sweetheart.
83 Gold Bullet Sport: or, Knights of the Overland.

I52 Death-Trailer, the Chief of\8couts.

By Leon Le‘vis, Nod Buntllne, etc.

773 Buffalo Bill’s Ban; or, Cody to the Rescue.

682 Buffalo Bill’s Secret Service Trail.

629 Buffalo Bill’s Darin Role; or. Daredeath Dick.

517 Buffalo Bill‘s First rail; or. The Express Rider.
158 Buffalo Bill, Chief of Scouts.

117 Buflalo Bill 5 Strange Pard: or, Dashing Dandy.
92 Buffalo Bill. the Buckskin King.

BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMI-

914 Snowflake Sam’s Double.

897 The Six-Shot Spotter.

887 The Stranger Sport from Spokane.

873 The Sport Detective‘s Colorado Clew.

860 The Spangled Sport Shadower.

843 The Crescent City Sport.

832 Gid Gale’s Block Game.

804 The King Pin of the Leadville Lions.

786 Chicago Charlie’s Diamond Haul.

776 Chicago Charlie, the Columbian Defective.

758 The Wizarl King Detective.

723 Teamster Tom, the Boomer Defective.

709 odestone Lem, the Champion 01’ Chestnut Burr.
695 inger Sam, the Pil rim Detective.

688 River Bustiers; or, t e Detective from ’VVay Back
673 Stuttering Sam, the Whitest Sport of Santa Fe.
666 Old Adamant, the Man of Rock.

618 Kansas Karl, the Detective King.

552 Prince Primrose, the Flower of the Flock.
5% Huckleberry, the Foot-Hills Detective.

BY HAROLD PA YNE.

883 The Man from Mexico in New York.

872 The King-Pin Shark: or, Thad Burr‘s Ten Strike.
861 The Tenderloin Big Four

853 The Quaker City Crook.

844 Tracked to Chicago.

836 The Policy Broker‘s Blind.

829 The Frisco Shurper’s Cool Hand.

821 The Tramp Sliadower’s Backer.

813 The Sham S otter's Shrewd Scheme.

806 The Grand . ti'eet Gold-Dust Sliarpers.

798 Detective Burr’s Luna ic Witness

792 The Wall Street Sharper’s Snap.

784 Thad Burr‘s Death Drop. /
742 Detective Burr Among the New York Thugs.
734 Detective Biirr‘s Foil: or, A Woman‘s Strategy.
728 Detective Burr. the Headquarters Special.
713 Detective Barr’s Spirit Chase.

706 Detective Burr‘s Seven Clues:

698 Thad Burr, the Invincible; or, The “L ” Clue.
690 The Matchless Detective.

680 XX, the Fatal (Slew: 0r, Burr‘s Master Case.

 

Published Every W'ednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double N’umbcrs.

BY CAPTAIN HOXVARD HOLDIES.

91‘.‘ Goiitoel Joe‘s Lone Hand.

90:2 The Train Defective.

896 Kent Ken-11, flie i‘i'ooki‘i‘iislier.

HRH Nightshade in New York.

879 Falcon Flynn, the Flash Detective.

871 The (,‘i'ook (‘asliieit

859 (‘lewilawk Keene‘s Right Bower.

811' liii'ain Hawk, llli‘ llarleni Defective.

819 llaljor Bullion, Boss of the Tigers.

Sill Shadowing the London Defective.

M7 l’liisli Velvet, flio Pl‘lllt‘l‘ of Spotters.

“ll-"’1 The lloq'us Broker‘s Bight Bower.

788 The Night—Hawk I)t'l("’"iv(“.

779 Silk Rililioii‘v; Crash-out.

766 lli-teefiVe Ziu-li. the Broadway Spotter.

75 The Dark Lantern lleii olive.

736 The Never—Fail [)-ieefi\'e.

7'31 (‘aptiiin liei'eiih s. the Stroll]: .\rni Detective.
711 Dan llfllll'fll. the Gilt Edue Defective.

701 Silver Steve. the Brandi-d Sport.

691 Gideon Grip, the Soviet Shadowor.

681 Velvet, Van. the Mystery Sliadower.

ll?" 'l‘lielluile Desperado

671 .l-ison (‘le\\', the Silk—Waiided 1’1 ri‘et.

6‘31 Monk More], the )Iiiii-llnii’er.

i‘mi Sol Sphinx, 1hr Fern-i Defective.

61'.’ lied l’nrd and Yellow,

608 Silent Sam. [lli‘ Sliiidow Sphinx.

592 ('apf'iiii Sid. the Shasta Ferret.

579 Mid (‘oi-iiioi-aiit.. ii‘ii- lzoivery Shadow.

509 (.‘apiaiii Llolii'vi. the Hooded Mystery.

559 Danton. the Shadow Sharp.

539 Silk Iiaiiil. the Moliaw Ferret.

513 The .‘ilarnale Defer-1 ivo.

1.’ Jack Javert. the independent Detective.
fl Reynard of" Red Jack: or, The Lost Detective
2 (‘nptain Velvef’s Big Stake.

595 Phil Fox. tlieGeiitecl Spotter.

496 licliard Rednre. the Two Worlds’ Detective.
:18? Sunshine Sam, 3 Chip of the Old Block.

480 Hawkspear. the Man with a Secret.

4‘8 (loldgrip iii Deadivood,

460 (‘aptain (‘oldgriyx the Detective.

453 (‘apfain (‘oldgrip‘s Loni: Trail.

417 Volcano. the Frisco Spy.

411 The California Sharp.

434 Lucifer Lynx. the 'i\ onder Detective.

4‘21 Father Ferret. the Frisco Shadow.

4133 Captain (.‘old rip in New York.

407 Captain ,Colilgrip‘s NerV’: or. In'un Nick.
400 Captain Coldgrip; or. The New ork Spotter.
392 The Lost Bonanza: or. The Boot of Silent Hound.
382 The Bonanza Band: or, Dread Don of Cool Clan.
374 Major Blister. the Sport of Two Cities.

365 Keen Kennard. the Shasta Shadow.

352 The Des erate Dozen.

347 Denver )uke. the Man with “ Sand.”

810 Cool Conrad. the Dakota Detective.

335 Flash Dan. the Nabob: or. Blades of Bowie Bar.
321 California Claude. the Lone. Bandit.

294 Broadcloth Burt. the Denver Dandy.

278 Hercules Goldspur, the Man of the Velvet Hand.

BY WILLIAM H. MANNING.

920 The Montana’Miner in New York. ,
908 The Doomsday-Den Detective.
899 The Double-Quick Defective.
893 Yellow Gid. of Dark Divide.
885 The Expert Detective‘s Shake-up.
875 Trap )ing the Race-Track Judge.
864 The olice Special’s Dilemma.
849 The Genteel Sharper’s Combine
841 Graydon‘s Double Deal.
833 The Sport Defective’s Grip;
823 The. Athlete Sport About own.
808 TheCrook—I)e tective’s Pull. ‘
790 Plun er Pete, the Race Track Detective.
782 Born Rock, the Round-up Detective.
774 Steve Starr. the Dock Detective.
764 The New York Sha ls Shadower.
738 Detective Cluxton, t e Record Breaker.
714 Gabe Gall. the Gambolier from (Street Hump,
703 Spokane Saul. the Samaritan Sus ct
692 Dead Shot Paul, the Deep-Range 4x lorer.
655 Strawberry Sam. the Man with the irthmark.
6 Dark John, the Grim Guard.
8 Murdock. the Dread Detective.
623 Dan erous Dave, the Never-Beaten Detective.
611 Alka i Abe, the Game Cl icken from Texas.
596 Rustler Rube: the Round-Up Detective. .
585 Dan Dixon’s Double.
575 Steady Hand. the. Napoleon of Detectives
563 Wyoming Zeke, the Hotspur of Honeysuckle.
551 Garry Kean the Man with Backbone.
539 Old Doubledark. the «‘Win Detective.
531 Saddle-Chief Kit, the Prairie Centaur.
521 Paradise Sam. the Nor’-West Pilot.
513 Texas Tartar, the Man With Nine Lives.
506 Uncle Honest. the Peacemaker 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 Sassajack.
470 The Duke of Dakota.
463 Gold Gauntlet. the Gulch Gladiator
455 Yank Yellow-bird, the. Tall Hustler of the Hills.
449 Bluff Burke. King of the Rockies.
442 Wild West Walt. the Mountain Veteran.
437 Deep Duke: or, The Man of Two Lives.
427 The Rivals of Montana Mill. 4
415 Hot Heart, the Detective S y. .
405 Old Baldy the Brigadier 0 Buck Basin.
885 Will Dick Turpin, the Leadville Lion.
297 Colorado Rube. the. Strong Arm of Hots hr.
279 The Gold Dragoon, or, California, Bloo hound.

BY J \V. OSBON.

905 Shasta Sam. the Sparkier.

877 Cool Creede, the Dead-Shot.

759 The Sport from St.' Louis.

518 Royal Richard, the Thoroughbred.

 

ALBERT ‘V. AIKEN'S NOVELS.
Dick 'l‘nlbot Series.
741 Dick Talliot‘s (‘lose f'all.
37 Dick Talbot in Apache l and.
33 Dick Talbot. tlie Rani-h King. ~ 5
29 Dick Talbot’s Clean-Ont. g
2') Dir-k Talbot in No Miii's Camp. .
81 Dick Talbot in the Rockies: or. lnjun Dick.
.ifyl iiiel: Talliof: oi. The Brand of ('riinsoii Cross.
2149 Dick. the Gentleman Road-Agent.
107 lliek Talbot, of (‘iimahaiz
{l3 [iii-k Talbot. KiliL' (if “11‘ Road.
'1] Dick 'i‘alliot in Utah: or. Gold Dan.
35’ Dick 'l‘alhot‘s iron (trip: or. '1 lie, Velvet Hand.
36 Dirk Talbot; or. The Death-Shot of Shasta.
35 Dick Talliof at the Mini-s: or, Kentiick. the Sport.
31 Dick ’l‘olliot,'s Foe: or, Rocky Mountain Rob.
33 Dick Tiillml. at White Pine: or 'OVerlaiid Kit.
Alken’s Fresh of Frisco Series.
8‘35 Fresh, the Rnee-Ti'ael: Sport.
660 The Fresh in Montana: or. Blake's Full Hand.
652 Tue li‘resh’s linslle at l'ainied City.
017 The f“l't‘\‘ll at, Santa he: or. 'l‘lii- Srrane'e! Sharp.
5.36 Fresh, the Sport: or. The Bi: Racket at S'ide Out.
537 Frea‘ii Against the Field: or. Blake. the Lion.
5'39 The Vl'i'Sll of Fi‘i~..~o in New York.
491' The Fresh in Texas: or. Tl!" liseoliedo Millions.
461 The Fresh of' Frisco on the llio Grande.
173 The Fresh in Ariwma: or. (':ilil'oriii:1.lolin.
" 'l‘lie l“r»sli iii Mexim: or, (‘apiain Volcano.
93' The Fresh iii l'.i;_r Walnut (jump; or, Bronze Jack
H The Fresh of Frisco.
Aikeu’s Joe l’lienix Series.
865 The Fenian Barber lietecfiv '1 or, Joe I’lienix in
Silver City. '
799 Joe l’lieiiix’s Great Blue Iliainrnd Case; ()1', The
New York Sport at Li iii: Branch.
793 Joe Plienix‘s Dewy: or. The Man of Three.
760 Joe Phenix’s Lone Hand.
749 Joe Pll‘dilXS Biz" Bulge.
745 Joe l’lienix's Mat! Case.
708 Joe l’henix‘s Siri ii: or. The Woman Ilawksliaw.
700 Joe Phenix'f Unknown: or. Crushing the Crooks
681 Joe Plienix's Specials: or. The Actress Detective
637 Joe Plienix in ('raxy Camp.
68‘! Joe I‘lienix's Master Search.
628 Joe Phenix‘s (‘omliin :ii‘,tlie Dandy (‘onspirater
620 Joe Phenix‘s Silent Six.
601 Joe l’heiiix‘s Sliadowzor.tlie Detective’s Monitor
4 Joe 1’henix., the King of Detectives.
391 Joe l‘lieiiix's Still Hunt.
161 Joe Plienix‘s Great Man Hunt.
112 Joe Phenix, Private Detective; or, The League. 3
79 Joe Phenix, the i’oliCe Spy.

Aiken’s Misc elluneous Novels.

901 The Hotel Swell-Sharp; or. The Siren Sliadower.
892 The Countryman Detective.
876 Gold Button Sport; or, The Miner Sharps.
812 Teton Tom. the Half-Blood.
835 The King—Pin Detective.
814 The New Yorker Among Texas Sports.
775 King Dandy, the Silver Sport.
753 Gideon’s Grigiat I‘ahylon liar.
717 Captain Pat 1 cGowen, the Greencoat Detective.
674 Uncle Sun Up, the Born Detective.
70 The Lightw eight Detective. .
665 The Frisco Detectivo; or, The Golden Gate Find.

_.i

.4
'«C

. 613 Keen Billy, the Sport.

607 Old Benziue, the “ Hard CaSe " Detective.

594 Fire Face, the Silver King’s Foe.

586 The Silver Sh arp Detective. . . \

577 Tom, of Calif ( mm; or, De tective 8 Shadow Act.

570 he Actress Detective: or, The InVisible Hand.

562 one Hand. the Shadow.

520 The Lone Hand on the Caddo.

490 The Lone Band in Texas.
75 Chin Chin, the Chinese Detective

465 The Actor Detective.

440 The High Hor-e of the Pacific.

425 The Lone Hand; or. The Red River Recreauts.\

408 Doc Grip. the Vendetta. of Death ‘
381 The GviBwsy Gen tlen'an: (r. Nick Fox, Detective.

876 Black eards: 01. The 1.10 (tramp. High Home.
370 The Duskv Detective: or. Yiirsued to the End.

363 Crowningshieid, the Detective

320 The Genteel Spo tter: or The N. Y. Night Hawk.

252 The Wail Street 1 lood; or. The Telegraph Girl.

203 The Double Detective: cr,’l'he Midnight Mystery.
196 La Marmoset, the Letrcuve Queen. . _
101 The Man from New York. ' .
91 The Winning Oar: or. 'lhc Iiinkeener’s Daughter.
84 Hunted Down: or, The League of Three. I
81 The Human Tiger: or. A'Heai‘t of Fire. ,
75 Gentleman George: 01'. Parlor. Prison and Street.
72 The Phantom Hand : or, The 5th Avenue Heiress.
6% The Winged Whale: or. The Red Rupert of Gulf.
59 The Man from Texas: or, Tie Arkansas Outlaw.
56 The Indian Mazeppa: or, Madman of the Plains.
49 The Wolf Demon: or. The Kanawlia ,ueen. ‘
42 The California Defecti ve: or, The Wife es of N .Y.'
31 The New York Sharp: or. TheFlash of Lightning;
27 The Spotter Detective: or. Girls of New ‘York. '

NEW ISSUES.

925 White-Horse Wheeler, the Revenue Detective;
or, Bouncing the Smuggler Boss. By J. E. Badger

926 Old Sunflower. the Silent Smiter; or. The Man
from Chicago in New York. By A. W. Aiken.

927 Buffalo Bill’s Bluff; or, Dusky Dick the Sport:
By Col. P. Ingraham. 

JUST ISSUES. . '5

922 Gilbert Goldspiir. the Dandy start; or, Dark
Dan & Co.. Detectives. By J. W. Oshon.

923 ,Old Sunflower. the; HnySeed Detective; or, Trap-

ing the New York Sharper-F. Bv A. W. Aiken. I

9% IThe Detective in Mask: or. The Chicago Crook‘s

Deal. The Mystery of the Millionaire Miner.  

A new issue every Wednesday. I

Beadle’s Dime Library is for sale ry all

Newsdealers. ten cents per copv. or sent by mail on

reCeipt of tivelve cents each. BEADLE & ADAMS,

Publishers. 92 William street, New York. ‘