BUFFALO BILL’S WILD W

 

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by BEADL-E AND ADAMS. 9,; mp AS 321mm» 0.4:.» niAT’l‘ER AT THE NEW YORK, N. Y., POST OFFICE.

 

wedn°5day' 93 WILLIAM STREET, NEW YORK. 35"” “ ye“

 

N0. 8 2 0 . Published Every gBeadZe  fldams, QDLL Z) Ushers, Ten Cent: :1 Copy.  

 

Still Hunt;

01:, THE

WEB MARAUDER’S DEATH-TRACK.

_ The Magic Medicine Man’s Mission.*
BY BUFFALO BILL, (COL. W. F. Conan)

CHAPTER I.
THE RED RIVALS.
OVER hill and through valley, their horses
panting with fatigue. two persons rode at; a
desperate pace to seek a goal of safety, it

‘ WHITE 'BEAYER’

"*  * Doctor D. Frank Powell. the resent Mayor 0!

WHITE BEAVER DREW REIN AND GAZED DO‘V’N AT THE TRACKS BEFORE HIM. . La Crosse, Wis” andanoted phys cian “dim-goon.

 

 

, l y halted.

. battle with his foe, for the Red nearest-a!

V more, though unsteadily, for it was very

 
   

' and a second one had also wounded him. V

was impossible, dispatch

 
   

2

 

White Beavér’s Still Hunt.

 

 

would seem, for their faces were constantly

pursners.
One of the two could not but hope for pur—

suers, for that one was a young girl and she i

was bound, her feet beneath the horse she
rode, her hands behind her.

The other was evidently her captor, and
leading her horse he urged the horses on and l
on.

Both riders were Indians, the one a chief l
in full war-paint, the other a maiden of the
tribe to which he also belonged.

Suddenly as they neared a heavily wooded '
ridge, at the base of which glided a clear
stream, the maidcu’s lips parted with a cry
of joy, for her eyes had fallen upon a horse-
man dashing into view back on their trail.

lie, too, was an indian chief, and riding
like the wind in pursuit, though alone.

The fugitive chief saw him also and gave
Vent to a lowly uttered threat.

Reaching the stream the tired horses
thrust their nostrils deep into the cool waters,
and no lashing and urging could force them

n.

Seeing that the pursuer was gaining, the
fugitive chief suddenly sprung into the
stream, freed the feet of the captive, lifted
her in his arms and bore her across to the
other side.

He looked ahead upon the trail, and ap—

eared to realize that further flight was use-
ess—that he must light then and there for
iris prize-that, to keep her, he must kill his
oe.

He then stood at bay, as the other came
on, until, suddenly, another thought flashed
through his mind, and whipping out his
knife, he raised it over the Indian girl,
whom he grasped about the waist, thus
holding her at his mercy!

She uttered no cry, but calmly looked into
his face.

A few moments more and the pursuing
chief was near at hand, but seeing the
threatening act of the other, came quickly to
8 ha t. .v

“ Let the War Eagle go back on his trail
if he does not wish to see the Red Bird

iel
' “If he comes Ion, the knife of the Killer
will drink the Red Bird’s blood."

The one who called himself the " Killer”
$01“; in the Sioux tongue, and his looks

owed that he meant .to carry out1his
threat. ' v . . ,

The War diagle came quickly to a halt,
half raised his rifle, then leaped from his,
horse and stood undecided.

His enemy protected himself with the form

of the Indian girl so that he could not fire .

upon him, but lowering his knife he snatched
from his belt a revolver and in an instant
sent several shots at his enemy. the Red Bird
seeking to destroy his aim. V
The snapping, of the hammer showed that
he had no more shots in the weapon, and
once a sin he seized the girl and raised his
knife, gor the War 'Eagle was rushing upon
him now, though with tottering feet, for one
of the bullets had brought him to hisknees,

At the si ht of the knife again raised over
the heart 0 Red Bird, the War Eagle quick-r

 

But, clear and fearless the words came;
from the girl‘s lips: ' I
"Let the rreat War Eagle come on and'

not to die. "
‘At this the War Eagle advanced once

9m run off with Red Bird and Seek another
turned behind them as though watching for ‘ tribe.

rwearing the insignia of a surgeon upon his

 

evident that he had been hard hit by thcv
bullets.

Still he showed no fear. for himself, only a ,
desife tovrescue the Indian maid from
riva . v '

But the Killer was determined to prove his
right to his name. and his hand was nerved
for the deadly blow ()fa'thc knife intothe
Indian girl’s "bosom. ‘

A glance miles back on lhe'trail had show]:
him t rat a party of horsemen had come into

new. . r v

[If knew that they Were the/band of his
run. I " " ' - " .
He would kill thogirl, as escape with her 
(his foe, and then ;
continue his" flight out his‘ horse, .for the '
animalr of War, Eaglediad' proven himself
better than his own animals he had picked.

is
l a moment, and down the hill trail came twq

i quickly to where thel ar Ea le”.lay,'p  ,

The young girl looked him straight in the
eyes and began to chant her deathsong,
for she read there her fate.

The War Eagle was pressing on, but had
the stream to cross and would arrive too late
to save her. ,

As the knife began its descent there rung
out a rifle-shot and the blade fell from the
shattered hand of the Killer!

 

CHAPTER II.
Tim PALE-FACE unst'unu.

THE knife in its fall from the shattered
hand of the Indian chief, cut a gash in the
check of the girl, who, released from the
grasp of her intended slayer, sprung back
from him with a startled cry at her escape.

' The War Eagle had tottered upon the
bank of the stream, and fallen, unable to go
further.

And the Killer?

Surprised, enraged, and with his shattered
hand stinging with intense pain, he turned to
face his new fee.

The shot had come from the ridge, but the
timber concealed the one who fired.

Fearing to meet a foe with his hand use-
less, no load in his revolver, hisrifle and bow
and arrows swinging to his saddle, the Kill-
er determined to at least have his revenge,
kill the girl, then his rival and take refuge
in flight.

Soizing his knife in his left hand, he
sprung toward Red Bird,who had not suspect-
ed his intention, and again would she have
been at his mercy, when a second shot was
heard. this time nearer than the other, and
the Killer dropped dead in his tracks.

At the same. instant. a tall, sinew ' form
bounded into view on the side of the h ll, and
came dashing dawn tothe a ct.

Red Bird stood- as thng about \to dart
away. for her hands were still bound behind
her back, and she glanced anxiously towardl
the War Eagle,,who lay still and dead, or‘un-
conscious. -

“ Do not fear me, for I am not one to
harm you.” cried the one who came toward
her, speaking in the Sioux tongue, and speak
in it fairly well. , , y ‘

he Red Bird looked at him and beheld a
very striking personage, tall, splendidly
formed, clad in the. fatigue uniform of a
cavalry officer of the captain’s rank, and

shoulder straps.

His face'was a handsome one, but stern,‘
determined and fearless, and his.,eyes were
dark, penetrating and most expressive.

‘ He wore top-boots with spurs. a slouch hat
with gold. cord, crossed saber. a belt in ‘which
were a pair of'revolvers and, carried 'in his
hands a repeating rifle.

“The pale~face is the foe of my people)

but he has saved the Red Bird from death,”
said the'Indian girl, gazing intently at him.
_ "And lad ‘am I to save the Rc‘d Bird
from deat ; but, that mad chief wounded
you, after all, I see, and has killed the one
who sought to rescue you from him."

-‘fN‘o, no, the War hagle is not dead, for
 he moves 1’,’ cried the girl. i
. “ You are right; he is not dead. , .

“So that is the great ybung chicf,-War
Eagle,. is it? and you are the Red Bird, the
daughter of the
Fighter! " ' ,. v .

"I have heard of you all, and I will see if
I can do anythingior the War Eagle. For-
tunately I have my case of instruments and
medicines with me; for I am a medicine-man
of the pale-faces, as the Red Bird’svfather is
of his people.” - , ‘

Givingashrill whistle, the surgeon waited .
homes. one saddled, the other a packjanglmal. ‘

They mama/hp to him, and impinging):
his saddle. he “threw. his warm about ,
Bind/.i'mhose'ihandsg are bad alreadyetreéd- of
pack-hm following? '
- Springing to the-x;

. the 'bdndfi‘.‘ and 3 rode-memes: the stream. the ,

him 11 on his back and began examiw‘hfi

woun 5, Red Birdilooking'on 

face. ' i .  . a . .
“Two wounds; gas in theneck, the other

'walked by the side, of Red Bird, who came
great medicine-chief, Death. 11

it f ' 1'.
’ g

   
  

saint, »  a -

’ From his pack-saddle he took his case of

surgical instruments and medicine case, got ‘cx
Red Bird to fill his canteen at the stream, ed
and was soon hard at work- with his patient. SC
The young Indian chief winced under the m
probe, opened his eyes and saw the white
face of a fee bending.r over him; but he saw w
Red Bird, too, and heard her words: . w
“ it is the brave pale-face chief who killed i u
the Killer and saved the Red Bird. .
“ lie is the medicine-man of the pale- 
faces, and will save the War Eagle." n
The young chief’s eyes were again bent u
on the surgeon’s face, and he said ii a whis- S!
per almost: a

“ My young braves will soon be here.

“ Let the Red Bird protect the great pale- 0
face medicine-man." I

“ The Red Bird hears,” was the answer of
the girl, and she glanced down the trail,
where she could see all of a mile, and then
watched the movements of the surgeon.

She saw him take out the bullet from the
chief‘s neck, and soon after extract the one
:mI'iL’tl in his side, and he handed them both

0 nor.

Then the wounds were most carefully 1
dressed, a soothing draught given to the suf- "
fering chief, and he was turning to attend to
the gash on her cheek when she sprung to
her feet and glided swiftly away.

He saw the cause for her sudden act. for
not three hundred yards away came a'band
of half a hundred mounted warriors, riding

Aggr—

hard, having come by another trail than the i
one the Red Bird had been looking for them i
n. l .
“ Well, ,I am in for it now to live or die," i

coolly muttered the surgeon as he stepped to
the Side of his horse.

CHAPTER III. V
THE GIRL SOLDIER OF THE SIOUX.

Tun moor saw the Indian horsemen halt
at the c mand of Red Bird, who stood in
their trellvand held up her hand to check them.

What she said to them he could not of
course hear, but she was talking earnestly, .
and pointed toward him, and he felt that she "
was making known the rescue of her from
death and the care he had shown the wound- '
ed chief. "

The surgeon was a man of iron nerve. and
he showed no anxiety, no dread as to what
the result would be. ~

If they did not heed the words of the

youn Indian girl and come on as foes, he
woul meet them as such, selling his life
dearly.

if they came as friends he would oifer the
hand of peace to them. 2

Whatever their intention he would meet
them half way. -

He saw them dismount, stake their horses
out and then iolldw the Red Bird to the s at
where he stood by their 'waunded ch ef,
whose splendid horse had,_distanced them in
the pursuit of the kidna jper, Killers ' .

They advanced with t eir hands raised, all
of them, presenting a strange a pearance,
the palms being extended toward t e surgeon
in sign at peace, to show that they  'DO
weapons in them. . r ' ‘ ‘ "‘

One of the band was a sub-chief, and he

5.7-.

“waxes... _ ~

v. .W~\
V

straight up to the. surgeon and taking his ,'
and said: - , ' . I ~
“‘ The braves of my people wish to be the, '
red brothers of the igreat pale-face medicine— ,
man, for the Red B rdhascyold them that he“ i‘ ;
saved her from the bad hief Kilian.” lie“ ' ‘.
he hlas been  to the young chug, figs ‘
age. , ~ v» ,.  ,~ 
“The chief Poison Arrow will speaks" 01'

hubs-eves.“  . ,

$21: euhgfihgefmttil‘i’ia .

w ’- " over!
band Bind: and  ,

retinitis“ “at. 5 
' e.‘ 9» Vernon  if .. 7‘
p y haggard»

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I frigid“? we:
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Vet:    - . .- -
filogg  shakinghg dg‘w ? ‘ I
each; and muttering to himself: ' i v a  p

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in the side: bathrsczibufi- bufi not fatal, I he-
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ifit,‘ that is certain) -;- ,: , 3 ‘
Then he stepped mp ‘to thy-young gm,

id's.

 

White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

3

 

 

examined the wound upon her cheek, bath-
ed it carefully and drew it together with
sew-ml stitches, the Red Bird not flinching
, under the needle.
I ~ In perfect silence the braves stood and
' watcde him, and stoir-al as they were, there
was a look of admiration in their glance for
“ the pale-face surgeon.

“The Red Bird is brave, she is a Little
Girl Soldier, for she hears a wound a war-
rior might be proud of, and faced death
untlinchingly,” sail the surgeon with a
smile, and suddenly the low, but firmly-ut-
tered words fell upon their ears:

“ The white chief has named the Red Bird
over again, for she shall be known as the
Little Girl Soldier of the Sioux.”

The speaker was the War Eagle.

Believed to be asleep, or unconscious, he
had heard all, seen all, and his braves, at his
words, quickly surrounded him and showed
'their delight at seeing that he was not fatally
wounded as they had feared.

They had been happy in the rescue of
Red Bird, but their joy was dimmed by
the condition in which they had found their
chief.

Approaching the War Eagle, the braves
falling aside respectfully to allow him to do
so, the surgeon placed his hand upon his
pulse and said:

“The “far Eagle is badly wounded, but
needs rest and care and will he himself
.agaln.

“ Let his young braves hear him back to

. his village, and his white brother will go

' with him and make him well.”

i The face of the oung chief brightened at

; this. for he seemet to f ccl that he was beyond

,‘ the skill of his own medicine-men, even of

,‘ the great medicine-chief Death Fighter.

He had known how skillfully the surgeon
had extracted the bullets and dressed his
wounds, had seen him sew up the gash in
Red Bird’s cheek and felt that he could save
his life, and so he was glad to hear that he
would go with him to his village.

“ The white chief will be welcomevamong

. my people.

I‘ “He has killed the Cheyenne chief, Killer,

- who came to our village years ago and we
‘ called him brother.

“ lie wished to steal the Red Bird from
her father, the great medicine-chief, Death
Fighter, and from the War Eagle who loves
her, and he would have taken her life but for
my ale-face brother here. ‘

“ at him take the scalp of the Killer and
wear it at his belt, and my people will call
him brother."

The surgeon hesitated to. moment,then leap-
~ed into his saddle, rode across the stream,
and, scalping the dead renegade chief, re-
turned with the ghastly trophy and war-
bonnet, and said: _

“Let the Little Girl Soldier of the Sioux
have them." '

The looks of the girl and all showed that
he could not have bestowed upon her a more
. graceful compliment.

"{‘P—Qll

.-.—  .

 

5 ' CHAPTER 1v.
3 - _ THE SURGEON SCOUT.

AMONG the officers of Fort 11— no one
, ,1 was more p0 ular than was D. Frank Powell,
! ,1, surgeon of t e post.
- § ' ' There was that about him that won officers
and men alike to him, and with the fair sex
‘2» l he was a univ'ersal favorite.
A Few knew much of his past history, save
it that some shadow had fallen upon his life in
earlier years which had driven him to the
frontier, where, after serving as a- scout,
I guide and minor, he received an ngpoint-
_ meat as surgeon in the United States rmy,
for be had graduated at the head of his class
'- . in medicine and surgery, at had given up
 practice in the confines o civilization. amid
.; comforts and ploaSant surroundings. to enter
.- upon a wild mining life' upon the border;
' 5‘ - Appointed to the —.—-th cavalry, he soon

5  ; became knowu as a man most‘ skilled in his.

. profession, while he quickly won the name
not a scout and Indian-fighter, and was also Ia

'   dashing and fearless officer, ever found in tho ;

-‘ ' ,' front in action. _'
a s , Being named by the regiment the Surgeon
‘Scout, he seemed to like the appellation, and.

, 3 time and again had rendered most valuable
sz’, - cervicestoth'e command as scout and guide.

t

 

 

  

Ordered to Fort l\[———, he became post i cheer, and the saw him disappear over the
surgeon. and continued to gain popularity 1 prairie, his pad—horse following him, with

there as before in the field.

A man of splendid physique, handsome
face, courteous manners, refined, well edu—
cated, and with a way about him very fasci-
nating, one could hardly believe that when
his anger was justly aroused he could be-
come a perfect tiger and would risk any dan~
ger to hunt down a foe who had wronged
him.

That his life had been clouded by some
great grief all felt assured, and yet, as he
never spoke of the past, no one, not even a
woman, had the telnerity to ask him of his
bygone career.

When, therefore, it was whispered about
the fort that Surgeon Powell had received
some news by tne Overland mail that had
caused him to mutter to himself something
about resigning his commission, all were ex-
ceedingly sorry and hoped that it could not
be so.

They saw him go to his quarters, lock
himself in and there remain for several hours,
until nightfall, when, in full uniform, he was
seen going to the quarters of Colonel Merrill,
the commandant of the post.

The colonel received him pleasantly, bade
him be seated, and said in a kindly way:

“Some one told me, Powell, that they
feared you got bad news by the Overland
mail to-day ?”

“I received news, Colonel Merrill, which
I regret to say will cause me to resign from
the army, sir.”

“ Not so bad as that, I sincerely hope,
doctor?"

“ Yes, sir, it must be.”

“ If you wish an extended leave, you
know I can arrangefit for you, but we can‘t
give on u altogether."

“ than: you, sir, for your kind words;
but a leave would not do, for I must resign
my commission, and have come to tender it
to you now, sir.”

“ I am indeed sorry to hear this, and can
it not be arranged in some other way ‘2"

“ No, sir, in no other way save by my res-
ignation, for I have a mission to perform
that must be at once entered upon.

“What that mission is, Colonel Merrill, I
cannot make known, sir, but it is a demand
upon me, a duty, and must beaccomplished,
and‘I do not care to go upon it holding a
commission as an officer of the army, and
hence, sir, you will confer a favor upon me
by immediately acceptin my resignation.

“At present, sir, the ndians are not on
the war-path, so it is not like resigning in
the face of a foe.”

“ No man would dare hint such a thin of
on to me, Powell, in fact, the trouble as
con to keep you from constantly facing

your foes. -

‘4 I do not wish to pry into your affairs, so
will ask you nothing about your reasons for
resigning, and, as far as I am concerned, will
accspt your resignation and send it on with
ain indorsement of sincere regret at its neces-
s ty."

“Thank you, Colonel Merrill,” said the
Surgeon Scout with feeling.

“I only wish it was possible for you to
withhold your resignation for awhile, and
see if you cannot get along without leaving
the service.”

“ I cannot, sir, for it is impossible.

“I must resign,” was the firm response.

The colonel then accepted the resignation
and asked:

“ But when do you leave us, Powell?”

"At dawn, sir."

" So soon?

.” I will order an escort for you to where
you wish to gowns no coach leaves for a
week. you know.” '

“Thank you, colonel, butIdo not care '

for an escort. as I prefer to go alone, and my
destination is the mining country.

“ I shall depart at dawn. air, and I beg to
thank you for your great kindness to me in
very many ways. - ‘

“ I have enjoyed life here, and shall often
recall my arm life with regret that it had to
come to an en ”, .

Bidding the colonel , farewell the Surgeon

Seout, returned to his quarters where, until. -
late in’the night he was receiving calls from

his many friends. . v , I -
’ As he rode out of the fort at dawn officers

and men had risen togive him a parting!

l
v I.

 

    
 

deep sorrow in having lost from their midst
the dashing, gallant Surgeon Scout.

CHAPTER V.
IN semen or INFORMATION.

THE Bed Rock Mining-camps were on the
boom, for gold was being found in paying
quantities, saloons were crowded, gambling-
dens prosperous, the stores were making
money, and noise, confusion, excitement,
work and brawls were the order of the (lay
and night.

There were half a thousand men gathered
in and around Bed Rock City. and there
were a score of nationalities represented in
those who had one there in search of gold,
be it by fair or 0111 means that they got it.

They were a hard lot most of them, many
of them bearin the brand of Cain u on
their hands, and. showing by their law css
lives that they were willing to be branded
again and again, for to have “killed his
man,” was the acme of heroism to some of
the toughs, and one who could count half a
dozen fatal encounters in which he had
come out safe was a hero of heroes, at least
in his own eyes.

If Bed Rock City went a couple of days
without a deadly shootin scrape, a knife
encounter, things looked dull, and the ten-
derfeet got too impudent, the old-timers
were wont to say, so must be kept down by
examples of what they might expect if they
did not yield gracefully to all those who
wished to run the community in their own
wa .

Ii: was into Bed Rock City that the Sur
geon Scout rode several days after leaving
the fort.

He had been eyed curiouslyas he went
along the main trail, called by courtesy an
avenue, his pack-animal trotting close upon
the heels of the horse he rode. and both of
them being splendid animals.

The surgeon was dressed in his fatigue
uniform, save his shoulder-straps, and the
gilt cord and crossed sabers upon his hat, for
he had no citizen’sapparel to ton. ._

He rode up to the shanty wh ch was called
the Gilt Edge Inn, dismounted and first look-
ed to the care, of his horses, although the
ten h-looking landlord who greeted him,,
gel him that they would be well cured

or.

The Surgeon Scout had heard such legends
before, and took promises for what they
were worth—nothing. '

" I can t a place to spread my blankets
here to-nig t, landlord, and something to
eat?" he said. 4 >

“ You bet you kin, as good abed as a man
would want, and the best grab the camp
affords.” '

The bed was a bunk a ainst the wall, it:
with a grass mattress in t, and no sheets,
pillow or covering. but then every man car-~
ried his own bedding, so that was a slight
matter.

The , “best grub" was bacon,.bresd and
coffee, but the Surgeon Scout ate with the
appetite of a man who had roughed it and
took things as they came. ‘ '

Then he asked the landlord if he could 
tell him whether amen by the name of David . .
Dunston was in the mines there.

“I knows him well, a tall, fine-looking
chap, and a gent from ’wayback.

" He came here some months or more a , =

. along with several pards, and began min ng
down on Cherry Creek, but they'don’t come

itréto Bed Rook often,’ so I seldom sees' '
cm." , .
“How far is their camp from here, land- ‘

lord?"

“ Don't know, but only a few miles.

“ You must have passed it coming up
Cherry Creek Trail, as yourcamo that way;
but I’ll tell youwhokin give yer full par-
tic'lsrs about Dunstan andhis pards.” '»

‘.'. Who is that?” ‘ ! ~

“Buck Bolton, ther Card-Sharp 0’ Red

Rock. . ,

“ Who is he?" i

" Don't know Buck?" , Y _ 3' -~,

“I confess that I do not, though now 15'.
think ofit, I have heard of a gambler by that r‘ ‘
name who: is a merciless wretch, and boasts .
of his having killed and ruined more tender. . 3
feet than anyyoiher man on the border.” _   \

 

4

White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

 

 

“ ’Sh! Pard, go slow in what you say
of Buck Bolton, for he is a bad one, and a
killer from Killville, and there are those al-
ways ready to run and tell him what they
hears about him, jist to curry favor with
him."

” I never choose my language in speaking
of’a villain, such as I have heard that man

“ Waal, he’s not a saint, that’s a fact; but
folks is afeared of him, as he has got nigh
onto a dozen graves upon lher hill which he
supplied with human fruit, and he’s quicker
than greased lightnin’ on ther shoot, and
uses a knife equally as well as a revolver.”

“ So robs a man at cards, and kills him if
he cb'ccts to it, eh?”

“ hat is about the size of it, sir,” whis—

. pered the landlord.

“And he can tell me where to find David
Dunstan?”

“He can, for they is pards,”

“And where can I find this man Bolton
the card-sharp ?”

“ He goes the rounds of the saloons every
night, gambling awhile in each, and he be-
gins at my la -out of the Gilt Edge next

oor, and t’s a ut time he showed up,” and
the landlord looked at his watch.
“All right, Iwill drop in and see if he is
there."
“I’ll go with you, pard, for it strikes me
that on and Buck can’t get along together
ist like turtle-doves, and wants ter be thar;
ut remember, I has warned you what Buck
is, and Iha pen to have heard 0’ you too,
and you he n’t no slouch, them tells me as
knows yer best."

CHAPTER VI.
'rnn cann-snsnr or nan ROCK crrv.

 

WITH the compliment to Surgeon Powell, [
that he had heard of him, and those whol
knew him best said that he was " no slouch,”
the landlord accompanied his guest to the
Gilt Edge Saloon.

Where the gilt edge came in was not visi-
ble with a, microscope, for all that glittered
there was the gold piled up before the gum-
blers. . .

It was a rough-looking place, within and
without, but the latter was preferable to a
wise man.

Within was a space of some sixty by thirt
feet, with boarded sides, low roof, throng
which there were openings for ventilation.
as it would never have done to have had
windows, through which a man on the out
side could fire upon a foe within.

There was but one door, and that swung
open on the outside.

Oil lamps were ranged in a row from the
peak of the roof, swung down b wires, and
these gave light enough for t e purpose,
which was to see one’s cards.

‘ Then, too, much light was not needed to
drink by, and if an encounter took place too »
much light was not needed.

With tobacco smoke filling the room,
where sat half a hundred men, the fumes of
“ tanglefoot ” liquids,” and the hum of voices
mostly engaged in uttering oaths, the place

- was not an inviting one by any means.

Rude tables and benches, a rough bar, a
fare table and a few other games comprised
the furniture in the place, and the bar-
tenders Were kept busy dispensing drinks,
the card-players generally ordering a bottle

'of whisky and glasses at a time, so as to
drink at will during their games.

The men there at a lance looked like
bandits, though. as one picked out the wheat
from the chaff, for the latter was most
numerous, it was seen that appearances were

deceiving, for now and then (good, honest

miners were to be seen in the saloon, their
wild life having rendered them rather outre
in looks.

There were men there who had once been
rich, college graduates, men of mind and

I one time position among their fellows. men
who had traveled the world over, and yet ‘
whom poverty had put upon a common level
with the most of their race. 5

Surgeon Frank Powell had taken in the

' situation at a glance.

There was nothing new to‘him in that’

wild frontier camp, and he looked coolly
ovriar the crowd, and asked the landlord
£9“ 9

 

ti :
“ Where is the card-sharp ‘3”

“ He is not here yet, air; but he’ll be along
soon."

“ Will you have suthin’ ter drink with me ‘3"

“ No, thank you?" ‘

“Maybe you’ll play a game while wait-
ingtzl)

The Surgeon Scout hesitated, then said:

” While waiting I do not mind risking a
few gold pieces at fare."

With this he went up to the faro-tablc,
selected his card and placed upon it a twenty-
dollar gold piece.

Almost instantly he won, and the win-
nings in gold were raked over to him.

c placed two twenties in gold upon the
same card and again won. ,

The third play it was three twenties, and
with the same result.

The fourth play he changed his card, put-
ting down four twenties, and again he won,
while those who had begun to follow his
lead, and bet on the card he deserted, lost.

A fifth and sixth time he won. and so it
continued, no matter what card he played.

The dealer looked nervous, and the land-
lord began to feel sorry he had asked him to
play, so said:

“ There comes the man you wish to see,

ir.’

The landlord was only too glad to see Buck
Bolton come in, for the Surgeon Scout’s luck
was beginning to tell on the bank, and he
 a large sum in gold coin piled up before

1m.

But, though Buck Bolton had entered the
saloon, Surgeon Powell did not look around
at once, placing two more bets before doing
so, and each time adding another twenty dol-
lar g ld piece.

“ ’ve been lucky, landlord, so treat the

' gentlemen all to drinks and cigars at my ex- ‘

pense,” he said uiet] , turning d n on the
table a hundred dolars and p etin his
other winnings, and which weighted own
his pockets heavil .

Then he turner; to see Buck Bolton, the
cardvsharp, and saw him standing near,
and watching him closely.

The card-sharp had already been told of
the great luck of the stranger, and had made
his way to a position near him, and the gaze
he turned upon him was one of insolent
curiosity.

Buck Bolton was a tall man of slender

build, but with sinewy and athetic form.

He was the only man in Bed Rock who
dared to wear a white shirt and good clothes;
but this he did, dressing flashily, wearing a
diamond in his cravat, and its match upon his
left little finger, while his boots were polish-
3d and he was the picture of a frontier dan-

yUnderneath his short velvet coat all who
knew him were aware that he carried two
bowie knives and a pair of revolvers just
where he could drop his hands upon them in
an instant.

” You are a stranger to me, sir, but I have
been told that you came to Bed Rock to see
me,” he said quietly, addressing Deetor Pow-
ell. .

CHAPTER VII.
run GAMBLEn’s CHALLENGE.

SURGEON Fnaxx POWELL had measured
the card-sharp at a glance.

The name of Back Bolton was well known
to him, for his deeds had been talked over

around the camp-fires, and he was regarded ‘

as a very dan erous man.

A year be ore in another mining camp
than Bed Rock City, he had wounded an
army oilicer in a. personal encounter that
followed a charge that he was a sharper,
and on one occasion had killed a sergeant sent
to arrest him.

His red deeds were well known, and he
was said to have won a large fortune in
gambling, though he claimed to be a miner
and had men in his employ working several
leads for him.

The doctor took his measure completely,
and set him down as a handsome, bold, mer-
ciless, lawless man who stopped at nothing

3 to gain his ends;

The officer whom he had wounded had
been Surgeon Powell’s particular friend, and
on account of the injur he had been forced
to be retired, thus blasting his hopes of mak-
ingname and rank for himself. , ,

 

The face of Buck Bolton was cruel, cynical
and merciless.

He had no friendships and pursued a foe
remorselessl .

He gave liberally to unfortunates whom he
came in contact with, but not from generosity,
but to make them willing to serve him when
he needed them.

In answer to his words, which were spoken
as though he deemed that the surgeon had
come to Bed Rock City to seek trouble with
him, and nothing could please him more,
Doctor Powell said in his pleasant way:

“ You are mistaken, sir, I did not come to
Bed Rock City to meet you.”

“Ah! some one has lied to me then, and I
must hold him for it.”

“Oh, no, do not do that, for the mistake
was a natural one, for, not finding the one I
came here to seek, I was told that you could
tell me of him."

The interest in the gambling games had
ceased, and all looked upon the two men
now facing each other some fifteen feet
apart.

The crowd knew Buck Bolton and were
aware that he never missed an opportunity
to et into trouble.

hey saw an army officer there, and sup-
posed he had come on account of Bolton’s
trouble with the lieutenant a year before.

A few present knew who the Surgeon
Scout really was, and one man whispered in
exultant tone:

” This time Buck has met his match, so,
he'd better go slow.” _
“ Who did you wish to see?” asked Bolton
calmly, but with an evil glitter in his eyes.

“ One, David Dunston ‘I”

“ A friend of yours?”

“ No, he is my foe, as I am his." was-
the low, stern response of the Surgeon
Scout. ‘

“ He’s a friend of mine,” was the gambler’s
response.

“ I do not doubt that, for he was not
choicevin his friendships.”

Matters were growing more and more in-
teresting, and the crowd was breathless and
silent, the landlord gradually moving away
from the side of the Surgeon Scout, as,
though to get out of range.

“ He is my friend, and so are those with
him.”"

“ May I ask who the are?”

" Merton Velour, abney Turpin and
Paul Paxton,” known here, with Dunston, as
the Miner Gentlemen.” .

A strange look passed over the face of.
Surgeon Powell as he answered: ‘

“ I know Dunstan, Valour and Turpin, ~
but not Paxton.

“They are three men I am most anxious.
to meet, but I did not antici ate finding the
trio together, and I am gla that I am able ’
to do so.” :

“ You speak as though you had a grudge
to square with them?” ,

” I have, to be frank with you."

“Well, you’ll not find them here in Bed
Rock.” ’

“ Ah! have they all three gone?”

“ All four of the Miner Gentlemen, for
Paul Paxton went with them.” '

“ I did know that Dunston would not care
to meet me, but thought, backed by the
others, he might do so.

” Are you sure that they have gone?”_

H I, . ‘

“ When did they go, and where?"

“ They have left the mines for good, at
least said so, andwhere they have gone I do
not know." ' .

“ They had interests here I am told ‘2”

“ They had, but they sold out to me. ”

" To on?” '

“ Yes, I bought their mining interests
here, paying them in solid cash just what.
timely asked.’

b

e surgeon looked‘annoyed, and there-

was an expression in his 3 es as though he-
doubted the gambler, and c said: .

“I suppose you should know, sir; but it
is a strange circumstance, that they should,
have gone just as 1 hrrived here rn‘the ,
mines. ’ .

“ Well,

a...

 

one they have, ,but as you seem. '  p.
to be so disappointed at not finding Dun-' .
ston and his pards, let me ,say to you flat— ‘
fooled, that I bought out all their claims
here, and if you have got anything to settle,
payable in gold, lead or steel, I am your:

White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

5

 

 

man. for I answer for them whenever you
choose to call my hand and show your
own," and the challenge neither Doctor

l’owell or any one else who heard it could.

fail to understand.

CHAPTER VIII.
LITTLE NUUHHT.

A SILENCE that could be felt followed the
words of Gambler llolton.

From the first he had Seemed anxious for
a quarrel with Doctor Powell, and now
there was no mistaking his words, when he
placvd himself as the champion of those the
Surgeon Scout sought, having first gotten
from him an assertion that the men he had
come to find were his foes.

All present gazed at the Surgeon Scout,
when the words of the gambler were flung
in his teeth as a challenge.

“Pardon me, but let me fully understand
your words?" said the Surgeon Scout, with-
out the tremor of a muscle, and his words
were uttered in the calmest manner possible,
as though he had really not taken the ganr
hler's defiance as it was meant.

“ I seldom repeat, but to oblige you will
repeat what I said."

“Thank you, for I wish to be sure that I
heard ari ght.”

“I said that I had bought out Dunston
and his pards, their quarrels and—”

“ Hands up, or I’ll kill you i"

The gambler, quick as he was, found one
who was quicker on the draw and level.

He had intended to finish his sentence by
drawing his own weapon, but the Surgeon
Scout had anticipated him by several sec-
onds.

He had him covered, the revolver bearing
directly upon the gambler‘s brain, his eyes
looking into the muzzle.

The weapon was cocked, the finger on the
ti'ig:t~r,land the hand holding it was as firm
21.3 :1 YOU (.

Every eye was turned upon Buck Bolton.

llis face slightly changed color. but he
saw that he was outgeneraled. and he knew
that a movement to draw a revolver would
cause his death.

He was no fool to throw his life away,
though he was wont to take big chances
with death every day.

But the man who now faced him was one
not to trifle with he knew, for he read it in

r every feature.

So he smiled pleasantly and remarked:

“You are unchained lightning on a draw,
pard, and as you hold a steady hand and
have a keen eye, I know when to obey a
command, so up go my card-shufllers.”

With the words he raised his hands over
his head.

“ You are wise.

“I have no quarrel with you, but you
seemed anxious to force one upon me, so if
it is quits now, I have no more to say.”

“ It is never qutts with me, pard, with one
whom I owe a grudge to until I have been
avenged."

“ How do you mean?"

"I mean that I shall force you to fight me

.squarc.” ‘

, “You do not intend to drop the matter
here, then?”

The gambler seemed to know his man. to
feel that he was not one to take an unfair
advantage, or to kill him as he would, were
their places reversed, and said:

“No, Ido not intend to drop the matter
here. either for Dunston or myself.”

“ What is your will?”

“ To fight you,” and, Gambler Bolton
knew that it was his only‘salvation, to force
a tight with the Surgeon Scout.

For once in his life he had been brought

 to book. and he must redecm' himself before
' the community or lose his grip.

f “11' you demand a meeting, I cannot re-
use. .

“As the challenged party. I shall select
revlolvers, the distance across this room,
an: ~—’ *

“March on each other, firing as we ad
vance." ‘ ~

“ There willbe no need of that, for. as far
as I am concerned, one shot will settle it.”

A murmur of a lause went around at
:33, and the gain or did not like it, but

Jive};

 

" All right, I am ready, so choose your
seconds.”

“ Please. sir, may Iact as your second 7”

The voice was low, almost childish, and
turning, Frank Powell beheld a slender form
by his side, and aboyish face was raised to
his.

ltwas a bronzed face, not overly clean,
and a. shock of red hair covered the head

The outh was hardly over eighteen, his
slight 0an was clad in baggy pants, stuck
in boots too large forhis feet, and he wore a
blue shirt and corduroy sack-coat, while a
slouch but dropped over his face and about
his neck.

In the mines he was known as Little Nug—
get, and it was said that he had found many
a nugget of gold and had it hidden away

()nce, with no reason, Gambler Buck Bol-
ton had struck him a severe blow in the face.
and the boy seemed to have literally hated
him from that moment

“ Why, my boy, do you wish to be a sec-
ond in a fatal duel ‘3” asked the Surgeon
Scout, gazing with interest upon the youth.

“ I do, sir. for I hate that man, and if you
kill him you will avenge me, while, if he
kills you, I willavengeyou!” was the low re-
sponse. but fiercely uttered

“ ‘Vhat is your name, my young friend?"

“Little Nugget, sir.”

“ All right as I have no friends here, so
you shall act for me,” and the Surgeon Scout
held out his hand which Little Nugget
grasped warmly.

CHAPTER 1x.
A SURPRISE FOR THE MINER$

Tun look that Little Nugget gave the
Surgeon Scout was a. strange one, when he
said that he could be his second.

“ You understand the rules, I suppose, of
bordcrdueling. having lived in the mines.”

l‘f' h, yes, sir, and am a dead shot my-
se .".

“ You bet he is, for he’s a dandy."

“ Yer has a good one in him, Doe, if he
is a boy,” said the landlord, coming forward,
and glad not to be called upon to have to
serve the Surgeon Scout, and thus place him-
self iu opposition to Buck Bolton.

As a duel had been decided upon, the
miners quickly halved themselves into the
two ends of the saloon, leaving the space in
the center, clear.

A burly looking fellow; with desperado
written all over his face, was called upon by
the gambler to act for him, and he laughed
rudely when referred by the Surgeon Scout
to Little Nugget. .

A " Say, er hain’t in earnest, be yer, ter
call 9. cm 1e kid inter ther game?” he said.

“ If I have to take hold of you, no man,
you'll find. that I am in earnest, or I'll
allow no insult to be cast upon my Second.”

“ Ohol that’s thcr way yer talk is it?

V“ Waal. I kin put up with it from a'dyiug
man, for you is sure dead the moment yer
fronts Pard Buck Bolton."

“ We shall see,” was the calm reply, and
turning to the youth Doctor Powell con.-
tinued:

" Now, Little Nugget, see to arranging the
preliminaries, and if that follow insults you
again, he has me to deal with.”

There was something in the looks of the
Surgeon Scout that awed the desperado,
who was known as Demon Dick, on account
of his remorseless nature and wild orgies
when under the influence of liquor.

He made no reply to Frank Powell's re-
mark to Little Nugget, but stepped up to
him and the two talked together in a low tone
for a moment.

Then the youth. said:

" It is arranged, sir, that you'stand across -
this room apart, with your backs toward
each other, and wheel at the word and fire,
and firing at will after the first shot.”

“ Very well, Little Nugget, I am satisfied
with the arrangement an am ready, for my
weapons I always keep in perfect con-
dition.” ‘

“ As I do mine, and I too am ready,” an-
swered Buck Bolton and there was an ugly .
look in his 6 es that meant kill. 9

The two t on took their positions facing ;

 

each other,,and Little Nugget and Demon ',

Dick tossed up a gold piece for the word.
The boy won, and. his’face brightened at
his luck. ‘ . -

idesd gambler. and seemin

Then the two, the Surgeon Scout and the
gambler, turned their backs upon each other,
and stood with their hands hanging down by
their sides.

The words of command were.

“ Right about, wheel!"

At the word to wheel the men were to
draw their weapons, turn and tire, and the
quickest in movement would get the first
shot.

The boy miner stood near the center of the
room with Demon Dick by his side, and his
clear voice rung out with startling distinct-
ness as he gave the words to usher in the
fatal encounter.

With remarkable quickness both men
drew. wheeled, and but one fired, for Frank
Powoll pulled trigger ahead of his adversary,
the bullet from his revolver shattering tho
gambler's hand.

" I am satisfied, for I did not wish to take
your life,” said the Surgeon Scout, but there
came at once the warning cry from Little
Nugget:

“Look out, for God's sake!"

But Frank Powell had also seen thenct of
treachery in the gambler, that, with his
right hand shattered, and life spared, with
his left he had snatched out another revolver
from his belt and was leveling it at his gen-
erous foe.

Unmoved by this second danger Frank
Powoll had also leveled his weapon and the
two flashed together, his just an atom of
time before the gamblcr’s.

But it was enough, for his bullet was
buried in the forehead of Buck Bolton,
whose ball stuck in the wall close by the left
side of the Surgeon Scout.

Seeing his comrade fall dead, Demon Dick
quickly turned on his heel and left the
saloon, just as Little Nugget dropped down
on his knees by the motionless form of the
gambler and gazing into his face said in a
low, earnest voice:

“At last, Buckner Bolton, I am avenged.

“ You are dead now, and no longer can I
hate 'ou.

“ h, sir, ,you have avenged me in killing
this man, for he has most cruelly wronged
me in the past, and when my brother sought
to right my wrongs, he killed him, and thus
his hand sent my mother to her grave from a
broken heart. ‘

“ I vowed to track him to the end, and I
have seen him die, and now I am free, for I
was Buckner Bolton's wife.”

CHAPTER x
THE GIBL'MINER’S STORY.

IT was a. double surprise to the men of Bed
Rock City, to see the man whom they be-
lieved bore a charmed life, at last fall dead
under the fire of one whom he had forced in‘
to an encounter with him. and also to dis-
cover that Little Nugget was not a boy, but
a woman.

There was no denying either fact. for there
was the dead form of the rambler u on the
floor of the saloon, and t ere stoo Little
Nugget who had confessed her secret to all.

The miners had all expected. with per-‘
haps a very few exceptions who knew some- ; '
thing of the Surgeon Scout’s life, to see Buck
Bolton kill the stranger. -

When hi; life had been spared, they all
saw his act of treacher , and feared that he
would vet accomplish lIS purpose.

But rank Powell had been too quick even
for his treachery.

There was a general sigh of relief when
they saw the ambler (lead, but nowthe con-
fession of Litt e Nugget created the greater
interest. and every eye was upon her.

She arose from her kneeling posture by the
to feel that it
was expected that she shou d say more, she
turned 'with white face and brimming eyes,
and said: ’

“ Purds, Ihayo but told the truth, for I
am no boy, but a. girl, nay a woman, for I
am twenty-three years of age.

" That man won my love when I was int
a girl of sixteen. and believing him all that
was noble. I eloped with him, for my mother ~,
and brother did not Wish me to marry him. ’

"It was a few months after that I came
face totace With his wife, for be had deceiv-
ed meinto a. marriage with him.

" Iii-her anger at his desertion of her two;

 

 
   

6

 

White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

 

 

years before, and robbing her also of her
little fortune, she had him arrested.

" But he escaped from prison, and my
brother, who sought to capture him and
punish him for his wrong toward me, was
killed by him.

“Soon after my poor mother died of a
broken heart, and left alone in the world, I
vowed to be avenged, and so followed him
totho West, where he had told me he had
spent several years in the mines.

“It was a. rear ago that, disguised as a
boy, I tracke him here, and I was hiding
my time, for I had written to his wife that I
had found him and to send oflicers here
after him.

,5 “ The answer came that she was dead,
and leaving no fortune her lawyer would
take no steps to capture him.

“ When he struck me, and you all remem-
her it, he said that which you did not hear:

‘ “ ‘Come, you, boy, get out of my sight,
for you remind me of one I hope is in her
grave.’

“ Tonight. you, sir, have avenged me,
and I‘ thank you, for you avenged my poor
slain brother and my mother too.”-

Her voice choked up as she spoke, but
turning to the landlord she asked him to see
that the body was prepared, adding:

"I will pay all expenses, landlord, and at-
tend the funeral.

“ You will find me at Gambler Buck Bol-
ton‘s cabin, now mine.”

“ Waal, yer better git thar soon, if yer
wants tor save yer belongin’s miss, for I seen
Demon Dick 0 that way and thet means he,
seein’ Buck lton is dead, will rob ther
lay-out 0’ all in it of value.” said a miner.

“ We’ll go with you, Little Nugget," came
in a chorus of vorces, and half a hundred

 

    
  
 
 
  
 
  
    
   
    
      
     
   
    
    
   
   
        
   
    

best in the camps, and half a mile distant
from the Gilt Edge Saloon. ‘
The report of the miner was true, for
Demon Dick had decided to :help himself
‘ from the cabin of the gambler, but had gone
first to his own quarters to st his horse and
a pack-animal and then ‘lig t out from the
' camps with what plunder he could secure.
The delay in gorng to his own cabin gave
him just time to reach Buck Bolton’s house,
when, as he was preparin to search the
place, he heard the voices o the miners. and
, - new that he was suspected and they Were
» on his track.
To be caught meant lynching, and he fled
I with all haste, followed by a number of shots
from those who caught sight of him leave
the cabin, mount his horse and leading his
packvanimal dash away down the trail in the
' darkness.

Little Nugget was at once installed in the
house which no one disputed her possession
of, and the miners left her there, while they
returnedto the Gilt Edge to ‘talk over the

‘ night’soccurrences, and to see the Surgeon
Scout who had ’becomda hero in their eyes.

i _ But in the latter intention they were isnp-
pointed, for the landlord said that the Bar-

geon Scout had gone to the hotel and retired,

I and they won] have to await until the

' morning to see him. ’

     
     
   
   
   
    
    
        
        
    

—-

CHAPTER XI.
srrsn'rma on THE TRAIL.

, - WHETHER Frank Powell preferred to camp
on the trail. and enjoy cooking his own
breakfast to eating at the Bed Book hotel,
he certainly took his departure before any
‘ one was astir the following morning.
He had found out’ from the landlord that
the Gentlemen Miners. as David Dunston’s
‘ party was called, had been in the mines for
v ' some time. ,
 .  Dunsth had come first, then Velour and
. Turpin, and later they had been joined by
7 Paul Paxton.
v , The landlord had seen a miner who knew
that they had sold out the claim to Gambler

  

(he had heard Dunstan say that they Were
‘ compelled to at once leaVe t e mines for other
_ arts. and, had been a witness when the gum-3
. let-hadgaid them: the gold for all interest

nintheirc m. .  V , z
y‘fl'henthey had mountedtheir ' horses, got

     
     
    
    
  

    

u.
 page-horses well laden, had ridden away a
night - ' g ' ' '

 

men started for the gambler's cabin, the,

 Buck Bolton, bur. only that very evening, and

lies‘at the store. and with a couple of ‘

 

This was proof enough for Frank Powell
that those he sought had gone, and he decid<
ed to make an early start the next morning,
and he did so.

He, however, was anxious to go by the
camp of the four men and have a look at it.
and also to start from there upon the trail
they had taken, for singlehanded though he
was, he meant to follow them.

In-going to the camp, directed by a miner
who was an early riser, he passed the cabin
of the gambler who had fallen by his hand
the night before.

Smoke was curling up from the chimney,
and he saw the door open and the form of
Little Nugget come out.

The recognition was mutual, and the
woman waved her hand and called to him:

“ Come by, please, for I was oin to the
hotekto see you, as soon as I ha ha break-
fast.’

" Is this your home?" asked Doctor Pow-
ell, as be halted before the cabin.

“ It is now; but my old home is down the

valle .
“ Iy shall however move up here, for of
course, as Bolton's wife, what he left behind
belongs to me, andh e was ver rich I believe,
and after all 1 have sufiere I am: entitled
to his fortune, Ithink.

“ He is interested in mines here, and I
shall settle up his aflairs and then go East,
for I hate this country.” -

“ And ct you have dwelt here, believed
by all to ike the life. ”

“ I was playing a part.

“ I have worked hard in the hunt for gold,
and do you know I have had great luck, for
I have (gotten hidden away all of twenty
thousan dollars, so, even without Boltons
fortune 1 would not suffer. "

“ And you remained here last night all
alone?” ‘

“ Oh, yes, for I have gotten used to haunt-
ing memories. andI had to protect my in-
heritance. for do you know that fellow
Demon Dick, came here to rob the cabin and _
then skip.” - .

“You were in time to prevent him,
though?" .

“ Yes, but not in time to hangJ him, and I
was sorry, for the miners would ave strung
him up."

“ Had you any hatred for him too?"

“ Oh no, only he was Bolton’s friend and
tool, and I wanted him hanged, as I feared
he mightambush and kill you.”

"I think not, but ,I t ank you for the
warning, for I had not thought of him.”

“ Look out for him, for he does not belie
his name; but will you halt and breakfast
with me?”

“ No, thank on, I’ll breakfast later on
the trail; but will you point out the camp of
the Gentlemen Miners to me?" '-

“ It is yonder under the cliff; but are you
going there ‘2” _ g

“ nly to strike their'trsrl.”

" Do you mean to follow those men?"

(I 'XTes.fl L
" Four of them?"

‘ :1 Yes.”

“gone?”
“ ’es, I am going through life alone
now-‘1! ‘

" Takooare that
death.”

"I shall keep a bright look-out for that;
bui’fil hope that you will carry out your~in~
tea on to leave here, for this mining-camp
is no lace for you.” r ‘

“ 0 one knows that better than I doll
v “ When yourcnn' get your tra s and gold
together, get an escort and go to on M——-,
and Colonel Merrill will see that you get
through in safety. ‘ - ‘ '

‘iHere, I will give you my card, and a
.line to him.” ‘ r I " , .

,v The doctor took out a card and pencil,
wrote a few lines and handed it to the wo-
man, whohad washed the stain‘ of of her
{scans it ,ha been the day before, and
taken 03 the s ggy red wig she had Worn,
both making a; great improvement, for she
was a very handsome young womsnvin spite
of her'masculine and rough garb. . " _

She glanced over the card, and said slow-

ly. , i . ~ . ,
f‘Ihave heard of you often as the Sur-i
put am glad to meetI-you in:

you do not ,go to your

 
  

 

 

)  v,

‘ that 'driVes’tho’se men to fly from me.

never forget, as you avenged me and many
others, while ’ you freed the world of a.
fiend. i

“How I could have once loved Buckner“ ’
Bolton Heaven on] knows; but the loves of‘
Woman are beyon finding out and Iam a l
woman. 1

“I shall only be content when I see him
in his grave, and then the past shall be wiped
out utterly from my life; but I shall not
for et you, sir," and she held out her hand.

rasping it an instant, and raising his hat,

Frank Powell rode on and soon reached the‘
camp of the men he sought.

He saw the trail leading from there, a
trail left by seven horses, and he followed it.
easily, for it was a fresh one.

CHAPTER XII.
TWO TRAILS.

Doc'ron FRANK POWELL was a man who
read border signs with the skill of an Indian.

He saw that the trail of the seven horses-
was fresh, had not been made over twelve
hours before.

He read more, for he could see by the way‘
that four of the animals moved that they had
riders, while the other three were out of the.
trail half the time, and were packvhorsesm
driven on ahead.

The Sur eon Scout thought over his ad'»
venture in ed Rock as he rode along.

He had gone there in search of one man!
who had wronged him, just how he kept to
himself, and had discovored that two others
who had been Dunston’s allies against him
in the wron , had sought him out in the:
mines and un ted their fortunes with his.

There was one other with them, Paul Fax-I
ton, but with him the Surgeon Scout had no
quarrel; with the others it was a quarrel!
that must be carried to the bitter end. '

To carry out what be deemed his duty in '
this matter he had resigned from the army»
and now alone he was a Nemesis upon the. l
trail of his three foes. “‘5

Many a man would barre sought aid, others-
would have thought long before going alonev
upon a trail so desperate as one against four“ -
for naturally would Paul Paxton side With
his comrades.

But Frank Powell was aman who knew-
no fear. ' ,

thadaduty to erform, he knew he-
was-nght, and he won d accomplish it alone‘
or take the consequences. '

Buck Bolton the gambler had seen fit to"
quarrel with him, and he had not gshunne
the meeting, for well he knew that Colonel. r "
Merrill and all at the fort longed to see the-
desperado run down. '

They had tried to get some hold upon him,
and yet he had escaped them, his cunning“

 

.. c "-.;~_-..,...:«1~.7 a. . ..

.u..:'_.—.,-;, ,
N- r- . .

 mafia-Wyn,

 

   

 

   
      
     
    
      
      
       
    
    
     
      
     
   
    
     
     

  

  

 
 

  

always extricating him from trouble, while- ‘
by force. I .
Shattering his hand with his shot, the-,‘
come the denouement of Little Nugget’fl'.
These things floated through the mind'of“? 1‘
But his eyes were on t e i I
down at the tracks before him. .

The were the tracks of two shod horses,
the direction of Bed, Rock Cl. , and ithe-Wj»
"Yes,this, trail was made severe) hours

trails:
"He sold out to Gambler Bolton. andwith'r ‘*
f ' only i

it would have been war between the soldiers,
He was wanted for his crimes, and ye?» L
Surgeon Scout had allowed him hislife. tow
strange story, which but revealed the more.
the doctor as he rode alon . ‘ . ,,.'
N trail, his witsat- ‘ '
He had seen fresh tracks come in from  ’
and t éy‘ were pushing along stilt,“ lively. . 3
doctor decided that they had bee made'ai’ter
later than Dunston’s," hemnttered.
' “Dunsth saw me go into Bed Rock,'and
his companionspaeked up and left.
the epuviction. that they'haire wrongs. n19;

  

and the miners to attempt to take the man: ‘ . 
had gone free. ”
in the end have to kill him, and then had
glarineg the gambler’s life of ' crime; '-
work the while, and he drew rein and'gazedj
left into the trail of thosehc followed. l" .
WTiie trail led down‘irom the’fmountains in
those he followedhad gone along. ‘ ’ - , ,1 ,
He then mused, as he gazed'at'thetvro V

at once decided to. get out.
‘ “Lcannot believe‘ aura is oowardfear

I.

\v-i‘ 3‘

White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

  

7

 

 

and do not Wish to add to their sin by taking
my life to save their own.

“They have gone, but where? '

“Well, I am on their trail, and will go to
the end of it.

“ But this second trail?

“ it appears to me that one of these horses
had a rider, the other carried a pack-saddle.

“ it is hours fresher than Dunslon’s,
comes from Bed Rock City, was made in
the night, and—is Demon Dick‘s trail.

" Little Nug et, that strange girl, bade

:, me look out f0r%emon Dick.
ii' “He knows that I came to find Dunston,
<1 and, after my killing his pard, the gambler,
is h? sought to rob him, and had to fly for his
‘ li e.

“ Misery loves company, and he has has-
tened on after the Dunston party to tell them
I am on their trail, thus carrying favor with
them.

‘ “ Maybe he will seek to ambush me, for

i he knows that I won considerable money
I last night, and thus get my gold.

' i “I must 0 slow and keep a bright look—

out ahead, or it will not do to be brought

, _ down by that desperado from an ambush.

l “ No, I must live for work yet to be
' done.”

I So saying the Surgeon Scout rode on until

i he halted for breakfast, after which be
mounted and continued following the two

trails, little daunted by the fact that he had

five foes ahead of him.

 

CHAPTER XIII.
FLANKING A FOE.
l, WHEN noon came Frank Powell halted

. a in.

a" gllie had ridden at a brisk, steady pace, the
trail of the two horses showi that it had
u been 'made hours before, an hours after
«‘i i that of the seven horses. ,

, The doctor read these signs unerringly,
‘ and came to the conclusion that Demon
Dick, whose trail he was certain it was, had
decided not to overtake those in advance
until he had first ambushed him and gotten
his gold.

Then he could go on and show the others
his horses and put their minds at rest re-
: garding the relentless foe they knew would
be on their track.

, Coming to a part of the country which
i would enable him to make a flank movement
i unseen, and observing many long miles
,  ahead the pass in a mountain range through
i
i

«at ....

which the trails must go, Surgeon Powell
came to the deciion to make a bait and then
push rapid] on with the intention of strik:
. ' in the trai again near the pass. '\
.. a ;’ fi‘his would enable him to seelif all were
5‘ ' . lying in ambush for him, which he did not
' believe, or if Demon Dick had passed along
still on the trail of the Dunston party.

If he had not it would mean that he was
, hi , 1 ng in ambush for him back somewhere on
‘ - t e trail. -

So he rode rapidly, for he knew that his
horse would stand hard work, and came to a
high ridge' not very far from the mountain
range while the sun was yet a couple of
hours high. -

He unsaddled his horses and staked them
out to feed and rest, while he went down
into the valley to cross the trail he had been
following.

He came 11 on it a couple of miles away.

A glance it wed him that Demon Dick
had not passed along. .

“ He is in ambush for me, as I thought,"
muttered Doctor Powell.

. Then he returned to his’horses, and began,

 

 

 

 

the trail through his lass.

-It was a long time fore he couldtrace its
way, but at last a moving object caught his
e es. I
yGazing intently he saw that it was a horse.

‘and a second one was not far away,

They were unsaddled and staked out in the
, mouth of a canyon. ? ,
Had he been on the Dunston trail he could
not have seen them. i

  

   
  

   
  

; situation. . , U .
'1 Had Demon Dick pressed on to overtake
i . Danton and, his party ‘he would by that
, 1 time have been through the mountain mn‘ .
J ' If those were his horses he new be was ll
t out mil

   
  
 

from the top of a‘high point, to reconnoiter ,

The Surgeon Scout at once took in the ,»

 

"would be only too glad to go w‘

With fresh horses to start with, he had not
halted at that hour to rest, for he had not
pushed them hard eXcept in his first hours of
flight from Bed ltock City.

lie was not very far from the horses, and
the glass revealed a spur around which
Dunston's trail had wound.

This appeared to be about half a. mile from
the two horses, and there, or not far from
the point, Demon Dir-k must be.

[loving come to this decision Frank Powell
returned to his horses, 'saddled them and
rode back on the trail the way he had come.

He came into it just before sunset, and
continued on as before.

He saw the point a couple of miles ahead,
where he felt sure that Demon Dick must be.

The moon would rise about the time the
sun set, and at its full the trail would be
visible.

Halting by the trail, the Surgeon Scout set
about accomplishing a plan that had flashed
into his brain, andi‘which he had successful-
ly carried out before when lndiaus were con-
cerncd.

He took from his pack a hat, coat and
pants, and stuifed them with other clothing.

The hat was fastened on to what, was
shaped to look like a head and face, and the
form was placed in his saddle and fastened
there, braced securely with sticks out for the
purpose.

The rifle was laid across the saddle and
made fast.

Standing off and looking at his dummy
form in the light of the rising moon, the sur-
geon was gl to see that it looked just what
it was intended to represent—himself.

Some of the rest of the tra s were then
taken from the pack-horse an put behind
the dummy rider, and Frank Powell next be-
gan to arrange that he should appear to be
the pack.

In this position, though by no means a.
comfortable one, he coul ride on ahead, as
though the pack-horse was being driven,
leaving the dummy rider to follow, led by a
lariat, half a dozen paces behind,

With a revolver in each hand, and pin ing-

ack, Frank Powell rode on into the am ush
he felt sure Demon Dick had arranged for
1m.

 

CHAPTER XIV.
DEMON DICK.

As has been stated, Demon Dick was
about as hard a citizen 385 Bed Rock City
could boast of and that was saying a very
great deal.

Buck Bolton was a gambler, a murderer,
and it was said cheated at cards, but no one
would suspect him of being an assassin and a
common thief.

Demon Dick was suspected of being both.

If he was not openly accused, it was be-
cause he had too stronga pull with the bad
element, and was too much feared.

He was known to be the close friend of
Buck Bolton.‘ .

Just why no one could understand.

Bolton was certainly a man of education,
of gentlemanly instincts, and had been reared
in refinement. ‘

Demon Dick was low in origin, vulgar,
and had brute written all over hisJace.

Still the two were fast friends.

When Buck Bolton wished a second in the
duel with Surgeon , Powell, Demon Dick was
the man chosen.

A giant in strength, quick ass out in his.
movements, deadlyin aim and a terror with
his knife the des‘ erado was a man to fear.

. He had seconc ed Buck Bolton, and he had
seen his master and hero fall. Y

He at once left the saloon. I \

His mind was made up in a flash.

With Bolton, dead he, Demon Dick, :no
longer had any business in Bed Rock City. ‘

He dared not remain there, for the gam-
bler’s taking of! would create a'desire in the
minds of many to purify the communit ,
and he ‘would be about the first, examp e
sought, he felt assured, '

So he decided to light out.

There were others of his cli us, Who.
’ him,-to'
ve'the camps, had they known
n. , >

  

    
      
   
 

 

gracefully}?
0

 

of his inten , .
B of a selfish nature r
to'have al '

     
 
 

  
   
   
    
   
      
   
   
  
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
  
   
   
   
 
  
  
  
  
    
  
  
  
   
   
  
   
   
   
   
   
  
     
     
       
      

With his determination to leave the camps
was a desire to carry with him all of this
worlds goods that he could conveniently take
along.

He was well supplied with horses, had
the host in the camps, and his arms were
splendid weapons.

in his cabin, where he dwelt alone with
a boon companion, he had laid aside a thou-
sand or two in gold which he had gained by
fair means, and foul, almost invariably the
latter.

His comrade also had about an equal sum
in hiding, aincd in the same manner.

Demon ick knew the hiding—place of his
friend’s gold, and so he took that with his
own.

He hastily packed an animal with his
traps, and mounting another, choosing the
two best ones he owned, he started on his
trail out of lied Rock City.

His trail led very naturally to the home of
the gambler.

He was familiar with it, and knew where
the key was kept, though Bolton had never
suspected that he did. '1

He got the key, hitched his horses near,
entered the cabin and lighted the lamp.

There were three rooms in the cabin, and
Demon Dick knew that there was a small ‘
fortune in Weapons, another in fine blankets, 
temper and clothing, a third in jewolry and. r
a fourth in old. 

He woul take some of the weapons, a. , ,‘
few of the scrapes, unearth the jewelr , .3
mostly watches and rin s won from t e .‘ '
miners, and then the o d bags, for in his
sneakin way Demon ick had watched
the gum ler night after night, until he found j-' ‘
out where he kept his treasure. ‘ ‘a‘

He selected from the weapons several ‘ 4'
rifles, revolvers and knives, wrapping them "
securely in the scraped.

Then he got out some of the provisions
with which the place was well stocked. for
the gambler lived well, and had a Chinese
cook who came dail to prepare hisimoals
for him and wait on im.

Th, so were carefully wrapped up. and:
placed with the weapons to put away in the
pack-saddle. . ‘

Then he took a look at his horses.

They were still there. and the ack-ani-
mal was led up and hitched to the 001'.

He listened, but heard no sound, saw no
one.

Then he went to the hiding-place of the
jewelry and gold. " '
It was in one of the timbers, which, sup-
posed to be a solid log, had been hollowed - '
081i: forpthe purpose of hiding away 'valn- ‘
a es. . .
He had spread a scrape upon the floor, '
with a lariut to tie it up securely, and was i:

'ust retiing out the little gold bags when my
ear voices. ‘ ‘ :

He bounded to the door and listened. .

There was no mistaking the sound, and
third; many men were hastening toward the,
ca ) n. . . 7' :-
Itn fact the bright moonlight revealed them I ,
to im. ‘  -

He knew what capture meant, and with a
bound he was in his saddle. and leading'his.
pack-horse was away at full speed, followed «
by shots rattling about him as he fled. I ‘v

” I

 

 

   
      
   
       
   
   
   
   
      
       

CHAPTER XV.
115‘ AMnUsu.

SAVAGE were the curses that fell from the ‘
lips of the fugitivl'e robber as he rode away. ,

in flilght. ‘ .

“ 001 that I was! , 

“If I had not sto pad toget those wea-
pons and tamper, va uable thong? the are, V

could have gotten away with t e gel .and _ ,
jewelry. . ‘ _ , . ,9 ‘

" As it is my greed to get all lost me all. ,

"I dare not sic now untillam miles
away from here, orI will be' taken and‘
strugg up. i ' , r . ,
“' ith a night’s start I‘can put fifty miles
between me and the camps before daybreak,
and then they will not follow me. :.

(“Obi ,wh tan accursed fool I wasinot to
get all. for would have been a rich man.

“ As it ,is, I have on .a few thousands,
and I dare not stay on ,t is border. for Born
one'will recognize me and that will 3 mean, 5
ropes? .m‘-' . . . r  n

 
     
     
   
    
        
       
   
    
   
  
  
  
   

  
 
 

   
  
  

  

 

 

 

8 White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

 

 

llc pressed rapidly on with no more defi-
nite purpose in view than to get to a place of
safety.

It was late in the night when be halted,
and it was where there was a smoldering
camp-lire, on the banks of a small stream.

The moon was shining brightly, and he
was convinced that some one had halted there
for a short while only, for why had they not
remained all night?

“Ah! I have it. now,

“They are the Gentlemen Miners whom
that army surgeon came to lied ltock City

to find, and who lit out when they saw him ’

COMIC into the camps.

“They must be afraid of the rope that
they should have dug out at sight of him.

" And they have gone this way, and sold
out to [luck Bolton for a good price.

“Now why can’t Iovertake them, warn
them of the intentions of the Surgeon Scout
to follow them, and thus make myself solid
with them?

, “I guess I can do it, and will. «

“ Yes, I‘ll push on again and overhaul
them to-morrow some time.

“ Now Ithink of it the Surgeon Scout will
follow them, for he said as much to Gambler
Bolton.

“ He’s game to do it, and alone, but then
I know his record well, and no gamer man
can be fornd on this frontier. 7 ~

“ Yes, he 11 do it; but then he's human
and a bullet will bring him down same as it
will any other man. and I’m the one to do it.

“I can avenge Buck Bolton, and more, I
can get the money he won to-night, and it
was several thousands, along with his wea-
pons, horses, traps and maybe more money
he has about him.

" lie carried a fine watch and chain I
noticed, and a line ring and scarf-pin, and
I’ll get all.

I “ Then the four gents ahead will be glad I
pnthint out of the way, and i can get to be
good pards with them and play my cards to
get their boodlc in some way. ”

“Yes, I’ll be a rich man yet, the way it
looks now.”

' Having decided upon his course he pushed
on once more, but before daylight went into
camp.

It wasafter sunrise when he arose, cooked
his breakfast and started again.

He naturally supposed the Surgeon Scout
Would not leave Bed Rock City before dawn,
when he could see to follow the trail of the
men he had come to find. '

Leaving, as he had, at once on‘ the fall of
the gambler, he had not’seen what followed,
and knew nothing as to Little Nuggeth mak
ing known her secret. ' ‘9

Again on thctrail he rode on until near
noon when he' came to a ridge that ended
,abruptly and around which the trail wound.

The trail kept close to the spur, which was
_ heavily wooded, and with heavy rocks
, scattered about, the very spot for an ambush,

for the nature of the ground beyond would
oompel one to ride within easy revolver
range of a very secure hiding-place.

" This is mychance right here, for I can-
‘ not find a better spot.

. x “ I will ride on and find a good place for
, the horses, cook dinner and then return and
wait in ambush for him.

“ If he does not come alone, then I can lie
quiet and that ends it.

“ if he comes alone, or with only one per-
‘ son, i will bring them both down, and here
there is no escape." \

He rode on, found acanyon off the trail
 . where there was wood, water and grass.
“ staked his horses out, cooked hisv dinner and
enough besides fora cold supper while in

ambush, and returning to the point of rocks
vat-arched about and found just the hiding-

piuce he wanted.
, "i‘hen be spread his blanket and sat down
to await the Coming of the mamhe intended

’ to murder and rob.

~-«- ’

CHAPTER xvt
THE SURGEON BCOU’II'S RUSS.

7 Tan sun set and Demon Dick ate his sup-
per in silence, his e on upon the trail, back
over which be cool sec for over a mile. _
 The moon rose and'theskles being cloud-

’ less he could still see a ion distance.

»

 

   

If'the Surgeon Scout he started Prompt” j

upon the trail in the morning, he should,
riding at a fairly brisk pace, reach the spur
by nightfall or soon after.

Back on the trail there was not a stream,
or a tree for a number of miles, so that,
though he might not be able to follow the
tracks in the moonlight, the Surgeon Scout
would doubtless push on until he came to a
good camping-place, Demon Dick argued to
himself.

Then too the nature of the country was
such that he could push on by night without
much fear of losing the trail, as it Would
lead for the pass ahead through the moun-
tain range. .

"lie must soon be along, unless he has
halted to camp, and I do not believe he has
done that,” said Demon Dick, when half an
hour had gone by.

lie was just beginning to grow sleepy,
when he heard the sharp click of iron upon
stone.

The shoe of a horse had struck astone he
knew at once and he was all attention.

Then he saw coming along the trail like
phantoms in the moonlight the shadow out-
lines of a horse and rider.

Soon he saw that there were two horses,
one a pack animal driven on in front of the
horseman.

The moonlight glimmered upon brass but-
tons, and the heart of Demon Dick leaped
with joy as he said:

“ It is my man!

"Now to avenge Buck Bolton, and make
a strike for gold for myself.”

He got his rifle ready, 0. fine weapon it
was too, rested it upon the rock before him,
and took long and deliberate aim.

The horses came along slowly. and the
desperado in ambush awaited until a turn in
the trail brought them directl fronting
him, the moonlight shining ful upon the
brass buttons on the breast of the Surgeon
Scout's uniform.

Then there came a flash over the rock, a
sharp report, and quickly following it an-
other and another. \

The assassin intended to be sure.

Even the‘ thud of the bullets as they struck
came to his cars, it seemed.

The horses started, half turned, the form
in the saddle fell forward, then backward,
reeled toone side and dropped to the ground,
while the two animals stood close together
in apparent fright. ' ' ‘

Over the rock leaped Demon Dick, a

stifled yell of triumph breaking from his ‘

lips, and bounding down the ridge be rapid-
ly approached the horses, standing by the
form lying upon the ground. '

He spoke soothineg to the animals as he
approached, so as to quiet them, and was
within ten feet of them, when the pack
seemed to slip of? of the back of one’of them,
and develode into the form of a man.

At the same time aw’revolver was thrust
forward, and a voice cried sternly:

,"Hands up, Demon Dick 1"

' But with a yell of terror Demon Dick tried
to bring his rifle to his shoulder and fire.

He was not quick enough, for the revolver
of the Surgeon Scout flashed first and Demon
Dick dropped backward a dead man.

" I did not wish to kill him, but he forced
me to do so,” muttered the Surgeon Scout as
he, stepped forward, bent over and placed
'his hand 'inon the! pulse of his intended
assassin.

“ Dead!"

It was all that he said. .

Then he walked up to his horses and raised
'the,dummy form from the ground.

It was , held by the iariats, which hehad
cleverly arranged to drag it from the saddle
when it was fired upon.

“ Well, pard. you saved my life, and you
got three bullets into on, any one of which
Would have been fata had you'becn in real-
ity a man. ‘ . , '

" The first one was, fired at the face and
well aimed, the other two at the body, and

I

" they have tan-ed holes in my coat just where,

my heart would be.
' " Yes, he'shot to kill.
“Butnow I can carry the body into his

,camp andremain over until morning. for to-

morrow ‘I can press on more rapidly. and
those men will not ambush rue—no. they
will not do that. bad as they are.”

“Ila threw, the body across the pack

headmaster} biscuit  placing the

     

 

dummy behind him which had seerd him so
well, and rode on in search of the despera-
do's camp. .

lie had marked its locality in a canyon,
when he had seen the horses in the after—
noon, so had little trouble in finding it, and
soon had his own animals watered and
staked out.

Then he set to werk to bury the body of
his foe, and did so with the same earehe
would have bestowed upon a friend, after
which he built a tire, had supper and turned
in for the night.

 

CHAPTER XVII.

'l‘lii‘l i'Ni).\l‘N'l‘El) TRAILER.

As though there was not a newly-
made grave within a few rods of him, the
man within it placod there by his hand,
Doctor Frank Powell sunk into a peaceful
sleep. _

With regret at having to take life, be yet'
had perfect control over his nerves, and
willing himself to sleep, to drive bitter
thoughts from him, he had the power to do
so

It was not dawn when he awoke, after a
good, long sleep. -

The moon was near the horizon of a dis-
tant range, the air was chilly, and he quickly
threw some wood on the fire.

Then he went out and changed the feeding
places of the four horses, after watering
them, to where the grass was fresh and
good.

Adding to his fire he cooked a substantial
breakfast and ate it with the air of one who
had ‘a good appetite and whose digestion was
perfect. . ,

What the day had ‘in store for him did
not trouble him then in the least.

What of trouble and danger might arise,
he would meet it when it came, not worry
about it then

Havin put away his breakfast traps.
and rep aced the dummy, which had just
served him so well, in the pack, he then
turned to what he had found on' the body
of the dead desperado. , '

There was a buckskin belt well filled
with gold, 9. watch and massive gold chain.
some bags of gold in the saddle pocket,
and other belongings of little value. in the
way of bedding and camp utensils, with
some provisions. . v

Having divided the packs more evenly,
allowing his own riding horse to carry as
little weight beside his own, as was neces-
sary, he mounted and renewed his journey.
leaving Demon Dick resting in an unknown
and unhonored grave, for there was nothing
about‘the, body to give any clew to ins
name, or 'who he was, or what he had been.

Again taking the trail of the seven horses
on ahead, he ushed along at a brisk pace.

The three e now had with him, m tied
together b their stake-’ropes and led in
single file, or they all followed readily.

Getting off by sunrise he kept a steady

ace until noon where be halted for an

ur, and where he knew that those he
followed had also camped. ' , ‘ ,

They had doubtless heldon pretty steadily
through‘the night, and until noon of the next
day before making any lengthy halt, _'

“I am gaining, for I am, in spite of
delays, about twenty-four hours behind them.

and b to-night’s.camp will cut down con-l

sidera is of that time,” he said.

After an hour’s rest he again started and
seeing that none of the four‘ homes were
feeling the pace he had set he kept“ “P-

' When the night hall; was made, just When

it was too‘ dark to further see the trail, and

he was afraid of losing it‘ and going astray;
he camped where he felt certain the Dnnstonl
party had spent the night before. _

“ ust twelve hours now, for they (lid not

leave here until sunrise this morning, as the

trail shows," he muttered withlappnrent satis-
faction. ' ' I v ,
H found splendid grass and water at».
ban for his horses. and as access he'had
cooked supper, smoked his pipefand turned,
into his blankets to get an them: he could-
Refreshed by at long sleep be. awoke in
time. to et breakfast. 'saddle'up and be
ready fort e start the first gii , mer of light._
He was a mile or fills wa in fact
before he;w"a's able to'seeftlc anagrams:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“a”

 

 

 

 

 

White Beaver’s Still Hunt. 9

 

 

chances that the party had gone the way he
started out upon.
When he saw that he was right he set the

same brisk pace he had kept up the (lay be-

e of whom Frank Powell had dared to follow

I Powell.” .

.knowthat he did.”

    
  

~ 31’0ng out and throw ’yourself upon his

'parently little dreaming that

horses were good animals all of them, and

‘fore and, With only an oeeasional short halt,

held it up to noon.

Then his experienced eye told him that the
trail he had followed had grown fresher. and
he knew that his fees were not many hours
ahead of him. ,

As night came on he saw far ahead the ‘
glimmer of a light. '

" It is their camp-fire,” he said aloud.

Going on he soon after staked out the three
gal horses, and made his way nearer to the

re.

I Then he dismounted and went forward on
cot.

He approached cautiously, and beheld a
small camp. ' -

About a fire sat four men, eating their sup—
per, and in the background were their
horses. .

Returning to his horses. he led them to a
good camping-place, staked them out, and
then, by the moonlight, looked carefully to
his weapons, his rifle and revolvers.

The former he swung at his back and then
on foot he set out for the camp of David
Dunston and his companions.

Soon he came near, and he saw that they
had finished their supper and were smoking -
their pipes and chatting tcigether, ap-

‘mesrs was
upon their track.

CHAPTER XVIII.
THE FUGITIVES IN CAMP.
AROUND the camp-fire sat four men, three

on a trail of retribution,

They were men far above the stamp of the
ordinary miner, one and all of them seeming-
ly havin been raised amid refining influ—
ences an ' possessing an education.

Dressed in miner’s garb, they yet looked
not the rough specimens seen so often in
minin camps. .

The r camping-outfit was a good one, with
enough cooking utensils and provisions of
the best kind. ,

Their sampes were numerous, they had
rubber blankets, a canvas shelter“ and their

were staked outfmear to feed. ,

One of the four had laid aside his pipe and
was lost in deep meditation, while the others
were talking together. _

“ What are you thinking so intently
about, Dunstan?" asked one of his com-
rades. ‘ '

He started, hushed slightly, and knocks
ing the ashes out of his pipe replied earnest-

“ I was just thinking of Doctor Frank

“ Naturally, as he has been the subject of
conVersation the past half-hour.”

“ True, we were discussing as to how we
could avoid him. how keep him from finding
us, and as to whether he had come to Bed
Rock to find us.

“ You say you do not think so, and I say I

“I know Frank Powell better thsnany
other man, for we were boys together, Went
to school together, and studied medicine in
the same‘doctor’s ofliee.

“Oh, yes, I know him well. and no truer,
nobler man ever drew the breath of life, and
he is as true as steel to a friend, as true as
death to a fee.

" There is Indian in his nature, and he is
not no to forget or forgive an injury such
as was led into doing him by being an or:
rant fool; \

" No, no, we were guilty of wronging him
and his, those he loved as one of his nature
onl can love, and we made him feel,’suffer
an drove him almost, to despair. we three,
you, Velour, ou, Turpin and myself. A.

" Fortunate y for yourself, Paxton, you
are out of it.” . r, v >

David Dunstan spoke with intense earnest-
ness; and when he had ceased speaking Dab-
ney Turpin said with a sneer: ‘

" So feeling, Dunaton, you should seek

 

mere , not fly. from him.
“ hydowe all fly from him?»

“ Because we fear him?

“No! oh no! but because our own guilty
consciences tell us that we have wronged
him beyond forgiveness, and we shun him
because we know he will seek our lives and
we do not wish to add still deeper stain to
our lives by killing him, for we are three
against one.

“ I found a retreat in the mines, struck it
fairly rich and you came there.

“ Then We saw Powell appear upon the
scene, and we sold out within an hour, sold~
a propertv worth a fortune for a few thou-
sands, and skippm .”

“Must we be driven thus through life?”
asked Merton Velour. 

“I suppose We must, unless we stop and
light it out with Frank Powell.”

“I, for one, am in favor of doing so,” said
Vulour;

“ As I am,” added Dabney Turpin.

“ I am your comrade, gentlemen, so stand
by you," Paul Paxton remarked, and all
waited for David Dunston’s reply.

It came at last, and was thoughtfully ut-
tered: !

“ Pards, if I was brought to buy by
Frank Powell, I would face him and end it
one way or the other.

“ I should hate to take his life, but to save
my our would do so, for you know what my
deadly aim is. ‘

“ If I did not kill him, he would kill me;
but I will avoid him as long as I can, for I do
not wish to put a heavier load upon my‘eon‘
science than the one 1 now hear.

“ Now you know that I will seek no trou~
hle, but avoid it, and if your lot is cast with
mine you must do the same, for you are as
deep in the wrong as I am, in a measure, and
he has the right to seek retributive justice
from you as he has from me.”

“ Well, we do not wish to part from you,
David. so will cling together; but it IS a
fearful thought that we have to be dodging
through life with 9. Nemesis upon our
track,” said Turpin.

“ It is not pleasant; but if you and Dun-
ston canstand it, I can,” Valour remarked.

“I am with you, purds, whatever hap-
pens ” added Paul Paxton.

“ Do you think Powell will be on the

,hunt for us, Dunstan?" asked Valour.

. " He is a man always prepared to meet
friend or foe, and if he comes upon us, you
may) be sure that he will seek revenge," and
as avid Dunston spoke a tall form sudden-
ly advanced into full view in the circle of
firelight about them.

It was Frank Powell, the Nemesis.

CHAPTER xxx. I
THE AVENGER 01“ CRUEL WRONGS.

Tim form suddenly appearing before the“
four men reclining about the camp-lire was
like an apparition tovtliem. ,

Was its. form called up by their imagina-
tion, or a'reality?”

A second lance showed that it was not an
apparition, ut a form of real flesh and
blood. . i '

‘ The Surgeon Scout himself stood before
them.

Tall, manly, calm,’ but white-faced with
the intensity of. his feelings, he stood there
gazing upon the men ho,had tracked so un-
tiring y; I . , . ‘

“ Gentlemen, I am here, and that means
tpat I have come for the justice of retribu-
t on.

" I am here to face you one by one, if
your coward hearts do not shrink from the
ordeal of, singly facing me, or together all of
you, if your cowardice is such that you are
driven to fight me with such odds.

“ It ,is for you to say.”

Every word was distinctly uttered.

There Was no misunderstanding them.

There was no reason of saying they‘ did
not hear every word spoken.

A deaf man could have heard them, so dis-
tinct was their utterance. .

There stood the avenger, his arms folded
upon his broad breast, his piercing eyes gaz-"
ing from onejéo the other of the three men
he had sough . - , ,

In response to his words Dunstan spoke.

The others seemed toexpcct it of him.

gle said, and; therewas a quiver'in his
70 06: ‘ = ‘ . i

  

    

 

” Doctor Powell, 1 said but a short while
ago that you had reason to seek retribution,
for justice we could not offer.

“ To beg for pardon would be but mockery.

“We sought to avoid you, for we did not
wish to face you.

“You have trailed us here, and you come
for revenge.

“We can but grant it, not as four cowards,
such as you throw it in our teeth we might
prove, but as brave men and singly.‘

“It is better than I expected of you, for
guilty men are invariably cowardly.

“ With that gentleman I have no quarrel,
and seek none, unless he seeks one with me
as your foe," and he looked at 1’qu Paxton
who responded promptly:

“ I am the friend of these gentlemen whose
fee you are, and I accept the situation with
them."

“ My dear sir, .there is noneed for two men
who have no feeling against each olher to
meet in deadly combat.

“ A few nights since I was forced to kill.
one, Buck Bolton, a desperudo, because he
took up the quarrel against three men."

“ Buck Bolton dead?" gasped David Dun-
ston.

“ Yes, he said he was answerable for you,
and as I knew him to be a murderer and .
scoundrel of the blackest kind, I was not
averse to ridding the earth of him. when, hav-
ing spared his life he became treacherous.

“ His comrade, Demon Dick, ambushed
me on my trail after you, and 1 had to kill
him too.

“ You, sir, thou 'h in bad company, are of
a different caliber Italic it from Bolton and
Demon Dick, and I will not meet you unless
you force it upon me. ,

“ On the contrary, as the friend of these
eutlemen, see that they have fair play in
acin me, for meet me they must, as, though

I wil not make known the wrongs they
have béén guilty of a ainst me, I:keeping all
as adead secret, I wil tell you that they can
only be wiped out by their death or mine.

“When you are ready, gentlemen, I am
Wholly at your service.”

The Surgeon pcout turned aWny from ti 0
fire, showing no dread of his foes in placing
them at his back. and walking apart in the
moonlight, there awaited the arrangements
for the triple duel that must be fought in
that lonely camp. .5

Dunstan and his comrades talked earnest-
ly; together for awhile, and the former said as
t ey concluded: a

“ Congratulate yourself, Paxton. that you
are out of it—would to God I was. ’ y

“ But we have told you all, and should we
fall, which I do not fear will he the case with
me. you know what to do with our, papers
and effects. .

“ Frank Powell has justly, Iadmit, sought
retribution, but the must take the con-se-
quences, and he is to meet three. as danger- ‘
ous men as he is. ,

‘tI will first meet him, Paxton, and you
may so tell him.” .

Iaul Paxton walked up to Frank Powell
and said politely: ' , ' ' V

“ Surgeon Powell, it is arranged that you
light with revolvers at ten paces, firing at
the word, and- but one shot in each case,
after which if there is no one injured, the
duel to be declared ofi.”

“ My dear sir, I thought. those friends of'
yours knew me better, for Idid not come 
hch for child‘s play. 1" _ , .7‘ f

«” I resigned my commission in ‘thé army to
hunt down those men, who have wronged
me as no man can and live, or let me live. _

“These duels are to be to "the Hammond.
one shot is allI ask, or need. in each "case,
but there must be no thought of else than it
means death to the man I face or to myself. _ i ,

“I would suggest, sir, to get the matter,
quickly over, that your three friends he
placed ten aces from ‘me, and ten paces
apart,- Mr. alour being Number Onol Mr.
Turpin Number Two, and David Dunston ‘
Number Three, for he mus be the last, as
he was the first to strike the ow against me
for which I demand retribution.

/ “ You can give the word in each case. and-
as soon as shots have been exchan ed with
Number One, I will turn to Two on Three. .-

“ Do you accept my plan, sir?" ~ 3 I

“I, do, for I wish this strange affair soon .
done with. ‘ * i  I ' ‘

“ Eromthesg men’s own confession I know ‘

   

10

 

White Beaver’s Still: Hunt.

 

 

that you have reason for what you do, and
ass second I shall he as just to you as to
them,‘,with a leaning to greater fairness to
you as the odds are so greatly against you,”
and Paul Paxton returned to his friends.

 

' CHAPTER XX.
TUE TRIPLE DUEL.

” HE is a bold man indeed, to make such_
a proposition, Paxton, as to face literally
three men at a time.

“ As I understand it, we are to take three
corners of a square, he the fourth, and this
will place him facing Valour, standing
obliquely to Turpin, and with me upon
I , - one side, all of us with our weapons, and
f  ' it would be easy enough for me to pick him

" ‘ off while he fires at Valour. or Turpin.”

“ You surely do not say that in earnest,

‘ Dunstan, for if you do you forget that 1 am
here for fair play, and a hostile movement of
your band would be your death sentence
from my revolver,” said Paul Paxton with
indignation in look and words, and though
not intended for the ears of Doctor Powell
he heard the words distinctly, and at once
felt that he had in Paxton one who would
see [to it that he was not treacheroust dealt
wit . ‘

Whatever had been.‘ Dunstan's reahinten-
tion at heart, the stand of Paul Paxton for
fair play at once showed him that it would
be dangerous to attempt treachery, and he
glanced at Turpin in a way that showed he,

- too, had suspected his intention.

“ Well, pards, the. doctor is ready, and I
suppose you have looked to your weapons ?"

“ We have, and, as Doctor PaWcll has en-
tered upon thiswork, we are in it to stay,”
said Dunstan. i .

Paul Paxton then slipped out into the
moonlight beyond the timber, glanced to see
where the moon was,‘and said;

, “ The one who stands With- his back to the
moonlight will have the better position, with

the light falling full upon the others—shall

, l we toss up for position, Surgeon Powell?"

I " You are kind, sir, to think of the advan-

-.tage for or against me, and I thank you.

' “ We will toss up for the position."

‘ " Yes, kinder to you than to his friends,"

snccred Turpin. ' '

r ” Oh, no; I am but ,fair to all, as far as I
can be when seconding threemen against
3 one,” was the quick retort. ‘

' Takin from his pocket as he spoke a

, twenty ollar gold piece, he called out as he

 tossed itinto the air: r r .

‘ "Heads or tails, doctor?”

“ Head!" , ~ '

‘ All went and bent over the gold piée as it
lay in. the moonlight, Valour being checked
byP-a‘xton as he attempted to pick it up. 
5 "‘ Heads, it is, doctor,” said Paxton. '.
., Then . he took aposition with his back to-
ward the moonlight, and stepped off ten
paces in an oblique direction.

V Here he called Valonr to take his stand.

» :At another point ten paces from Valour he
placed Turpin, and at the third EasitiOn,
also ten paces from the start an finish,

Dunston was placed. . . , V

 :." Doctor Powell, here is your position, sir,

‘ as on won it." .

surgeon stepped forward and took it.

“ May ;I ask, sir, should you fall. if there

 aging I can [do for you?” '
"twin
Co

 
    
  
 

;

   

on, yes: consider yourself ,‘heir
to

.r-r

 
  

, f , nMerrill _ at Fort M—- of my death,
' . ;  .itiaccurred." ' , I - a
‘ 'fT-‘f'Inil/l, sir. ‘  _' .
.1 si‘ffYou all understand that I'm to give the
ivords'ass‘follom: ' ‘ - i _ ' ' '
Hp“ gym you :eady?’ . ,. , . '

a" ouiareto have your revolvers in your
belt; until I say fro, and then draw and

   
 
   
 
   
 
 
   

.'«‘- The'moment'the result of the first inter-
"change effects is known, I wrillzrepeat the
order as hefore,yto Number',.'-Fwo,‘ which

. “Again, when the result is‘knc‘mm the,
 mmand follow  finmber'mhree,
' . “We, ._  a .31  r 

Wynn“ Ilnnd'erntand?‘ ' Ev  ,

Per ectlyf.’ "said Franijowell, an

in the afllrmauVe also

 

' and mine on would say

have along with‘me’,‘ and,notify ‘

gill be you, anpin, :‘aniour being Number ‘
he . J » _ l x , .

shall use my prerogative and kill him, be he
who he may.

“Let this be thoroughly understood."

“ May I speak a word with you, Pax-
ton ‘2"

The request came from Turpin, and Paxton
stepped quickly to his side.

“ It will be worth a fortune to you if on
fire on Powell before you give the war to
tire,” whispered Turpin.

“ Does Dunstan understand this proposition
to me?” '

H 1'03,"

“ And Velour?”

(I Yes.”

" Let me say to you frankly if Powell is
killed our friendship ends to-night, for I go
my way alone.

“ You have mistaken your man in sus-
pecting I could be guilty of treachery, mur-
der or any mean act.” » .

" Curse you I" hissed Dabney Turpin as
Paul Paxton turned from him, and walked
to his position behind Dunstan a few paces. _

‘: Gentlemefi, are you ready?” he called
out‘quickly. as though he feared some not of
treachery on the part of the three who had
been his friends.

“Ready,” came distinctl from the sur-
geon’s lips, with law utteret words from the
others.

“ Firei’j' -

There were quick motions from Frank
Powell and Valour, but only one shot. .

Frank Powell’s bullet pierced the brain of
Valour before the other could level his
won on. - '

“ eplace your revolvers!

“ Are you ready? ‘

“Fire!” ' ‘ “Ir _ 

Again there was but onershat, for Turpin
was a dead man, a bulletilstt'iking between
his eyes before he could take aim.

“ Replace revolversl' '

“Are you ready?’.’ cried Paul Paxton in
quick, decided tones, after a glance at the
two dead. forms of his companions.

“ Fire 1” .

"This time there were two reports, for
David Dunstan was a. quick hand with his
revolver and a dead shot as well. ,

But he sunk in his tracks with a red mark
on his forehead, while his bullet cut through
the crown of Frank POWell's hat, just clip
ping the scalp. I '

CHAPTER XXI.
FROM FOES TO FRIENDS. .\ :

~ “You have killed them, sirl”,said Paul
Paxton in a. subdued tone, turnin to Frank
Powell, who with his arms folde upon his
brand breast, his revolver still grasped in his

r

.fatal right hand, stood like a statue in the

moonlight, gazing down ripen those who had

‘ once been his friends, but .who had fatter-

ward wronged him beyond for veness,
wronged him. in a way, that he had in his
heart as a dead secret. .- g . I

” I intended to kill them. V

‘*‘ I am net remorSeless, or. merciless, nor
cruel, save where those three men were con-
cerned. . r i ' _ J i = ‘

“ They have met but a just retribution.

“ Did you know their crimes against, me
so, 4'

“But thank you, sir, for your great
kindness to me, and I appreciate it," s d he
heldout his hand, which Paul Prian arm-
ply grasped with'the remark; . ‘

“'1 kdew’that they carried‘some secret
which they kept religiously from,me;lbut
we, were friends and partners, so‘: I went
with them~but.'see‘, you are wounded," and
sun stream of blood flowed own across
the ace of SurgeonvPowel‘l as ’he raised his

at. , . r ' » ' , a .

« /

' u“‘A‘.inicre. scratch, for .Dunstonfs bullet

   
    
 

clip
. “Peg-mu me to mmibforyo-u.” , I V ‘
a “It Was but a graham} PauLPaxmnsoo

     

{Frank Powell who thensaid: , ‘

*f"'0'ur first duty is nowio burysthe dead.
" 1 .‘5,1;'sunposoé' yeu'hnve instructions regard.
“iogtheir mental)":  -.  '. I s u . "
’— ,“ Yes; they Lizards one send information

    

    

   
  
  
 

‘fe heir? das their, rtn’er Irwa
m  rs .

 

others answered
:Should‘ahy one the before the

 

d that jlso, every
the} ‘ he

the scalp; but it was a close" call.”  ' ‘

dressed the wound under the directions of -

 hmgrmmmgm.»
meet their death, with afow, .-of,’_their ef- ,

“ You are a good man, Mr. Paxton, and I
hope that we may be friends.

" I have with me the horses and outfit of
Demon Dick, which 1 shall also turn over to
you far your use, for the money he had I in-
tend to send to the fort and have it given ‘
to the family of the officer he killed, for they
are poor.

“ As you were doing well in Rock Bed
City, I would suggest that you return there,
relate the happening here to-night just as it
occurred, and I will give you a line to one
who I know will be glad to have in you an
adviser and friend, and allow you to look
after her interests there, for she needs just ,
such a friend. ‘2

“I refer to Gambler Bolton‘s wife.”

“ Bolton's wife?

" I did not know that there was a woman
in Bed Rock camps?” ' '

“ Do you recall a boy by the name of i
Little Nugget?" ‘ '

“ Yes, a bri ht, sad—faced youth, shy, and
it was said Inn y in finds.”

“ It is the one I refer to, not a boy, but
Ethel Bolton, the gambler-’s wife.

“ She seconded me in my duel with him,
and I avenged wrongs she had Suffered at
'his hands. ‘

“She made herself known after his death,
and is now in full possession of his prop-'
erty." ‘

“Why you astound me, Surgeon Powell."

“Itcll you only the truth, and without
her red wig, and with the dirt she smeared
her face with washed all. she is a very hand-
some woman, and I know that you can be-
friend her by returning to Bed Rock. and
secure an interest in your old mine, for itwas .
a pa ing one.” '. ’ .

“ will do as you advise. sir, for I am but
a rolling stone, with few ties to call me else-
where, and I love this Wild West life."

“ I shall ask you also, Mr. Paxton. to
write a letter to Colonel Merrill of Fort , ‘
M—. telling him of my affair in Bed Rock,
then with Demon Dick, and later here to , '
night.

“.Send him the money I will turn over to
you, for the officer’s family, and tell him ,I
have decided to go off an I a scout, and later
will return to the fort ” ‘ ' ‘ -

“I will do just as on request me, Doctor
Powell, in all things, ' was the answer. , ’

Then the Surgeon Scout went after his
horses and soon returned with them. to find
that Paul Paxton had overlooked the bodies
of his dead comrades, taken what was valu-
able from them, an . wrapping them in, 
blankets, tightly we (1 around with lariatsyi a . ,
had placed them in a row ofi in the timber. i
where he was digging a grave. I “

Having stake his horses out with' the
others, Surgeon Powell wontand aided in .
digging the grave, in spite of .Paul Paxton's
protest that he could do so alone. i
, It was after midnight a couple of hours,“ a"

when the three men were‘buried decently..
and logs and rocks placed upon their grave},
{)ogg'revent the coyotes from tearingnp'ths!

res, . -, 
‘ Then the two men, so strangely met'nnd; “‘
become friends, lay down upon their blank-z

ets and sunk to sleep, Paul Paxton amusing
to himself as he heard the steady breathing 
of his companion that hetokened slumber: ‘ Y
 (“That is the most remarkable man I ever
knew, amnn of an iron; nerye, the courag.
eta lion, and a noble heart. '  
JUvHe‘ has avenged a great wrong‘ 
him, and now is content to! let'the 
bury its dead." .' ~  ‘

And Paul Paxtontalso "drifted off
getfuln‘ese. ‘ ‘ ' ..

   

 

     
    
 

      
    
    
    
     
     
     
    
   
    
    
   
    
      
   
   
   
    
    
     
     
    
   
    
      
    
    
 

           
       
    
     
   

  
   
 

  
      
      
     
 
       
   
 

  
     

       
 
   

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v

 
 
 
    

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Pervsll’shorses caught‘thoflear'. of {their e’ev

 
  
  
  
 
   
      
     
 
   
  
 
   

 
 
  
 
    
  
  
   

 , remand at on-cejhe was upon his
meet; 1'   ', ‘- "x.- ‘,;=‘ 2."; L .  “1' v
"'  What is a; Rattler?” he said, as at at.

   
   
   
  

Van peered out 11

pan

 

the plain. lit, up "b
, “ls, anythin ‘-'wron , sir”: j” "
Paxton, fisingfifickly? 

",“My horse 0 ttler aroused
; i i ., , . 

     
 

 

  

White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

  

11

 

 

 

sentinel,” and the surgeon walked toward
the horses, followed by Paxton.

As he came up to Rattler, a splendid roan,
they saw the animal standing with ears
pricked:up gazing far out on the plains.

“ \Vhat is it, Rattler?

“Indians, maybe, for we are in a locality
where it is possible to meet a roving bant .”

With this the doctor turned his powerful
field-glass out over the country, moving it
slowly and gazing intently through it.

” 1 es, there is a party of horsemen coming,
but they are yet a couple of miles away.

“ Rattler scented them, for the wind
blows from them in this direction. '

“ They may be Indians, perhaps miners
from Bed Rock, but we must prepare for
foes, and be ready to greet friends if friends
they are.

“ To save time, Pard Paxton, will you
gather up the camp-traps while I lead the
horses up among the rocks yonder on that

.spur, where the spring is? t

“ we will be sheltered there, and can ap
pear to be as many men as the horses repre-

sent, eleven all told.”

The two then separated, the surgeon hasti-
ly pulling up the stake-ropes of the horses,
the seven of the Dunston party, the two of
1 Demon Dick and his own two. ‘

.‘ These he led up to the camp, where the
‘ packs and saddles were placed upon them,

and the traps that Were loose. and they start-
ed for the rocky hill, an acre in size and
which was heavily timbered, and had a
:spring in its midst.

A good camping-place was found, the

horses were staked under short lines to crop

I the sparse grass about them, and the two
companions turned their attention to the

I coming horsemen, Surgeon Powell again

 looking through his glass.

“ They are Indians, and there are a dozen
of them at least, but we must make a show
30f e'qual strength when called upon to do so.

“The are coming to this camp, and I do
.not thin suspect our presence here.”

” We will give them a surprise then, sir.”

“ Yes, and a surprise is half the battle.

“ We will take the weapons of your com--
.rades and of Demon Dick,' all repeating
rifles, and our own, and I think that we can
gastonishgthosc red-skins.

' “Demon Dick has also a couple of other
good weapons, which we can hold in re-
:serve, after emptying the others.” V

With the ‘naked- eye now the horsemen
could be seen coming directly toward the
"timber where the camp had been, and seem-
ingl y suspecting no one's being there, or near
among the rocks.

The repeating rifles were gotten together,
looked over carefully, and laid upon the
"rocks for ready use.

The revolvers too ware placed at hand,
:and when all was in readiness the two com-
rades took another look at the horsemen.

“Indians, and Sioux of course: r

“There are seventeen of them, I see,'and,
.aswell as I can see in the moonlight, several
of them are white men, and that means that
they are prisoners or renegades. » ‘

“ If prisoners, we must not fire at random,

‘ , _. but wait and see them camp, for they will

3 , build a fire and that‘will show where the
pris’oners‘are, if the are prisoners.”

“ I will be guider wholly by you, Sur eon
‘POWell, isoorder and I obey,” said Paul ’11):-
.to .

.5»

 

 

n. .
The band of horsemen now rcde into the

But soon aftef'a light flashed‘ up and a fire
"was kindled. ' ‘ ' .
It was very evident that the Indians sus-
pected no fees about. “ '
Then the ponies were led out. upongthc
. grassy plot: where the other horses had been,
‘ and staked out. ‘
As the flames flared up brightly the Indians
. became excited, for theybehel the signs of
v , the other campers there.
7- ‘They‘. saw the newly-made grave, the
tracks of horses about, the,,‘oamp-tire with
ashes Still‘wanm, and every indication that
, the spot had been recently an encampment.
. :,But they seemed toqfeel that the campers
, Thad been gone 'sinco‘thc day before, and so
13 Want on with their, preparations to camp,
' there fer the balance of the'nig‘ht.
’ The lar e: grave Seemed to

an ‘81"!th stood by it talking and l .,
' fins 33' "e twofriends in

 

 

   
  
  

 
 
 

"timber near the rocky hill and disappeared. r

uzzle them;

saw that four of the party were pale-faces
and prisoners, for they were securely bound,
and placed apart near the fire.

" Paxton.”

“ Yes, doctor.” '

" Two of those prisoners are soldiers, one
an officer, the other a private, and the other
two are in the garb of miners.

“ If I am not mistaken, I; knew the officer
and one of the miners, but how they came to
be prisoners I cannot understand.

“ Sec, two red-skins are coming to this hill
to reconnoitcr, so now to give them a sur-
prise.

“ You take the one on the right, I’ll drop
the one on the left, and then turn your rifles
at once upon the group of red-skins about
the camp-fire, only be careful not to shoot to-
ward the prisoners.”

“ All right, doctor, Iam ready.”

 

CHAPTER XXIII.
THE RESCUE. ,

THE Indian camp was about four hundred
yards distant from thehill where the Sur-
geon Scout and Paul Paxton were in hiding.

There had been two camp-fires built, and
they brightly
where the moon‘s rays did not penetrate.

To one side were the four prisoners, and
about the camp-fires were gathered all the
red-skins save the two who had started to-
ward the hill, and the one left to guard the
horses. I

The two Indians had gotten within a couple
of hundred yards of the bill, when Frank
Powell said:

“Mr. Paxton, we must 'rescue those pris-
oners.”

“ Can it be done?"

“ Yes, by'pluck and quick action."

“ We will do it then."

" All right, we will drop those two gentle-
men, then empty our repeating rifles into the

roup about the fire, and we should bring
own others.

the camp, firing as 'I run, and you follow
with the other guns. .

“We will stampede the Indians toward
their horses, and while, I keep up a running
fire, you make for the prisoners, cut'their
bonds and arm them, and we can press on af-
ter the red-skins so hotly we can make them
leave some of their horses. ”

"I am with you, doctor.”

"All right.

“ Now, ready, aim, fire!"

The two‘rifles flashed together, and the
two red-skins dropped in their tracks.

With his wild war-cry echoing from the
rocks, Surgeon Powell leaped down the hill,
callino‘ out: ‘

“‘Nr'bw, men, follow me!" ‘

Paul Paxton shouted a response, and gath-
ering up the rifles did follow his leader, as
soon as both had emptied a rifle apiece into
the group of red-skins about the fire.

The Indians were taken completelv by sur-
prise, and, as the bullets whistle amon
them, dropping a third warrior, and woun -
in g another, they made a dash for their
ponies. ‘ ~

Several ran toward the prisoners, as though
to force thcm‘along with them or kill them,
and seein this, Frank Powell and Paul Pax-
ton hnlte and sent their bullets upon them.

This checked their desire for prisoners or
revenge, and they sped like deer toward their
ponies. \ '

Frank Powell still followed. firing as. he
did so, while Paul Paxton with quickness
and skill severed the bonds of one of ‘ the
prisoners, and thrusting a knife into his
hands cried: ‘ g _

‘ “ Cut the others loose, and I have weapons.
for you.” ' .

The released prisoner uickly freed one of
his fellows, while Paul xton severed the
bonds of the others, and seizing the, rifles,
they all, with wild' cries. 5 ed on after the
daring Surgeon Scout who ad so hotly pur-
sued the Indians, firing then with his , revol-
vers, that these who were escaping sought
only to get away 'on their ovm ponies.

   
  

  

three. andseveral of"
ed, were, seeking] sat

. the rangsioi‘ths dead

one escaping "woun -

 

' horses, and we have nothing to fear, unless

illnmmed the dark timber

“Then, with a fresh rifle I will dash for ‘ ‘

‘ with the smaller part

favorite in spite of it.

 

'As the ’others came up they found that:
seven-or eight of the bursariestill remained. . the three. comrades he‘ left Bed Rock! City»
while the Indiana'thelrf number lessened b :with, he is nowmy‘fricnd, though Irfollowsd

rapid fligflbt from»

As they dashed out into the moonlight
Frank Powell called out:
“ Reload your weapons, then bring in the

   
   
  
  
    
  
  
  
   
   
   
  
   
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
    
   
   
   
  
  
  
   
   
  
  
  
   
  
   
   
   
  
   
  
    
  
  
   
   
   
   
  
     
   
  
 
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
    
  
  
 
 

there is another and larger band near.” 

“Frank Powell, by the gods of war 1" cried
the officer Who had been rescued.

“Ay, ay, Percy Hammond, and glad I
am to see you: but what are you doing 2
here?” and the two friends clasped hands.

“Bearing dispatches from General Miles
in New Mexico to Colonel Merrill.

“I had an escort of a scout and two sol-
dicrs, and coming upon three Indians with two
white prisoners, sought to rescue them, did
not hear the warning given me by this
young man. and was led into an ambush.

“One of my men and the scout were
killed, and we were made prisoners, but
they did not get my dispatches, sewed into
my coat, and most important.

“We owe on our lives, Surgeon Powell,
for those redy devils meant to roast and eat
us, I verily believe; but you spoiled their
feast, and are always doing just such good
deeds.”

Before Frank Powell could reply to the
quickly-uttered words of handsome Lieu-
tenant Percy Hammond, a voice said:

“And you have saved another friend,
Doctor Powell, who wishes to thank you."

“Little Nuggetl I half guessed it was
you?"

“Yes, I started upon your trail, with
Grizzly Jim here, and another miner, Mike
Spence, and we ran upon a band of Indians.

“Mike was killed, our horses were shot,
and we were made prisoners, and brave] Y
striving to rescue us, the lieutenant and so - 5'
dier shared our fate; but we have found
you, or rather you have found us," said Lite
tle Nugget, holding out her hand and again
grasping that of the Surgeon Scout.

 

 

 

4.. . ..

 

CHAPTER XXIV. l
nnrdroncnn. '

FRANK POWELL glanced over the country
and saw the Indians afar off.

Not being ursued, they had come 1.0a
bait, and he so d:’
“ That means that they have. another band i ‘ ’
near.’ a '
“Yes, Powell, they have a band twice g“,
their own in numbers. and they parted to v' \
meet about here somewhere, sending us

“ Grizzly Jim speaiis their langua e. how-
ever, and can tell you what they sai .’_’, ‘ , ‘
“Yes, Pard Doctor. they has about thirty ‘r

more in the other band, and when they
parted it was to meet early in the morning
at Rock Peak Sprin , which ls‘that pile 0' V
rocks thar, out o' w ich you and yer .pard
come like a avengin' angel outer ?em. _ ,
"T’others will come up in a few hours,
but Idoesn’t think we has much ter fear ,
from ’em, now we has you along, and they 
thinks you is adozen or two, from ther way ‘
they cut dirt; but it is Well to be prepared
for ’em." ' -
“ Yes, we can place. a sentinel mmmted,~
bring out all of: our horses to feed here, and, ,
when the dawn comes, which will be so‘on,= .
the will see ‘our eleven animals added to v
their own and‘rspt us down as having adozen
men, soldiers. for I can rig up Little Nugget
and you, Grizzly Jim, in uniforms, so as to
show only soldieis'. , ’ ..
"We have nothing to fear from them}
think, especially as We have an arsenal, have
we not Mr. Paxton?” and then Surgeon "
Powell introduced his‘companion toLieuten. '
ant Hammond, {who was known to Little .
Nugget and Grizzly Jim, the latter bluntly ‘
asking: , z -
“ Whar is yor pards,‘ Gentleman Paul ‘2" ~
That was the name by which Paxton, was 1
known in the mines, and he was a universal

  
        
        
    
            
       
        
   
      
 

Paul Paxton looked uneasy, and ‘made- no,

traecalply, when Frank Pouelbquietly {respond-

      
         
 

;‘ I will answer for Mr. Paxton, Grizzly

     
   
 

"‘ Though Mr. Paxton was the friend 0

  
  

and killed them.” ,
.HKilled nonster and
Griz; m' '

    
  

  

an outfit? a
moment. ‘ x I. ~'

 
    

  
   
   
   
  
   
 
 
 
 
  
 
   
   
 
 
 
  
  
   
  
 
 
   
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
  
 
  
 
   
 
     
          
        
      
    
   
   
    
       
     
      
        
   
  
 
  
  
   

5' feared was one of the

from. and then I will

‘12

White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

 

 

“Yes, I had a quarrel with them which
could only he settled by their life or mine.

“ 1 found them camped here, we fought a
triple duel, and they lie buried over yonder
-—~you can see their graves from here.”

“Wal, I he dog-gonedl

“ I heerd them Injuns palaverin’ over
some new graves; but, doctor, you is adandy
and no mistake, only tell me what they was
doin’ while you got yer work in on them?"

“ I will answer that they were trying their
best to kill Surgeon Powell, even seeking to
do so b treachery,” said Paul Paxton.

“ On y Doc were too sudden and sure for
’em‘!” said Grizzly Jim with deepest interest.

“ Exactly.

“ I was their second, and the duels were
fought squarely and the result you know.”

“ Now let us see that we look to our own
safety,” Surgeon Powell said, and the party
at once set to work to prepare against an at-
tack from the Indians when reinforced, and
to deceive them as to their number, when
dayv dawned, by showing the other horses.

he horses left by the lndiuns happened
to be those ridden by Lieutenant Hammond
and his men, and Little Nugget and her
comrades. , .

The other animals were brought down to
the meadow-land and staked out slightly
apart from the others, the soldier was placed
on guard, and Little Nugget and Grizzly
Jim soon drew over their clothing extra.
uniforms the Surgeon Scout had along, and
peep and hat was found for head cover—
n .
a couple of dummy ‘ forms in uniform
were then rigged up and seated among the
rocks, so that when day broke the red-skins
discovered, as they believed, three soldier
sentinels in sight and eleven extra horses.

With the four prisoners secured from them
this would make a force of fifteen men they

, counted, over one‘third of their own, and

, that the Surgeon Scout whom they had long

party, his well-
klpown and wild ringing war-cry had told
t em. .

They were several miles distant, in plain
view of the whites, and with his glass, Sur-
geon Powell counted ten braves moving
about, while three were lying down, evi-
dentl ' more or less severely wounded.

“ ewlllhc six to about forty, though
we will appear to be fifteen, so they will be
very cant ous.

~ " Half of them left their rifles when they
ran off, I see, and'all their camp e uipage,
our saddles and bridles, so we are al right,”
Lieutenant Hammond said, as he came up
among the rocks with the last load from the
camp.

Several fires were built, the spring was

near, and Grizzly Jim, a famous cook in

;he mining-camps, began to prepare break-

ast. '

It had just been disposed of when in the

distance the other band of Indians came in

V, sight, just twenty-seven in number.

 

CHAPTER XXV.
To Take A LONE TRAIL.
v WITH the soldier sentinel near the horses,

land two "dummies" seated among the

rocks, in plain view of the Indians. and
weapons, includin the recaptured ones of
the lieutenant and is men. and Little Nug-

, get and the two miners, all loaded and ready

for use. Surgeon Powell, Paul Paxton and

i v Percy Hammond sat'down fora talk.

The surgeon explained his resignation, and
what had happened since, asking the lien-

, tenant to make his report to the colonel, and

the young miner said that he would give-him
his written statement of the aflair.

“ Then, perhaps, you can recall your resig—
nation, Powell?” , .

“No, Hammond, that has gone in and is
irrevocable. ' ' -
‘ "ijeel in ‘m heart that I‘was justified

Fin what I did, at it would not do for an

amyflofiicer to take a, trail of, revenge, and
so 1: tends it." , .

‘ “Butwhat will you do, where- will you
30?" . l ,
Iv "I have several e(Purposes in view, but
.3 nothing fully decid 1!?011 yet.

‘ "I have a duty still am anxious to per-

mines somewhere to pract ce.-”

 

 

o perhaps to the

“There is big money at least in that,”
said the lieutenant, while Paul Paxton said:

“Yes, go in with me in a mining-claim as
partner, and you can practice while I work
the mine; but, it is lucky that the men out
here are not such dead shots as you are, or
you would have no practice.”

“Do you know why Little Nugget came
out here, lieutenant, ou and Paxton ?”

Both answered in t c negative, and Frank
Powell continued:

“I told you about her, Hammond, and
that by her gambler husband‘s death, she
was left a. large fortune in mining interests.

“In looking over his papers she found
much more than she anticipated, and at
once she decided to take my trail: overtake
me and ask me to become manager for her,
offering me a very large share.

“ She got Mike and Grizzly Jim to come
along with her, and you know the result,
and how close a call she had to death.

“ But I told her, Paxton, that I could not
accept the position. and suggested you, so
you will get the offer from her. and if you
don’t fall in love with her I will be greatly
surprised, for she is a very fascinating little
woman.”

“ She is fascinating as a boy.that is certain,"
said Percy‘ilammond, while Paul Paxton re-
marked:

“I am willing to serve her and you, Doc-
tor Powell, in any way in my power. while
I will not be forgetful that I am also serving
myself, and owe it to you, sir, that I am
able to do so; but I sincerely hope that you
can return to Bed Rock with us.”

“ That 1 cannot do, for I have, as 1 said.
a certain scheme to carry out, one that I
have long thought of, and which, will be of
value to the service, for it is not another trail
of revenge. Paxton,” and the Surgeon Scout
smiled sadly.

Then, as though willing to change the
subject he called out to Little Nugget to
come and join them.

She no longer looked like the rough and
ready youth that she had appeared in the
mines where her sex was unknown.

Her face was not stained as then, and the
discarding of her red wig revealed a wealth
of golden curls clustering close to her head.

,As before she did not wear clothes far too
biglfor her, but, known as awomnn, and
yet clinging to her masculine attire as best
suited to the mines, she had already fitted
herself out at the store in Bed Rock City
with a. very fair suit, a gray slouch hat and
top-boots.

About her slenderwaist was a belt of
arms, a pair of revolvers and a bowie-knife,
and slung at her back a repeating-rifle.

To appear to the Indians as a soldier she
had slipped on a. blue blouse with brass but-
tons on a military cap, and she came with
upright carriage and graceful step at the call
0 the Surgeon Scout.

She certainly was 'a very handsome wo-
man, yet looked like. a mere girl, and, no
longer assuming the airs of a rough youn
lad. she was graceful in her mOVements an
refined in her manners.

f‘Well, Doctor Powell, can I do anything
for you?” she said as she approached the
group. , ,

" Yes, you are to keep yourself out of fire,
if we have a fight with the red-skins, Little
Nugget, and see to the loading of our wea-
pons, for one thin .”~. ,

"This to a lad who killed his Indian in
thelfight yesterday?" she answered with a
smi c. .

“ Yes, for Little Nugget is a lad we do not

intend shall be hurt.

I "When we. get rid of those Indians, you
will return to Bed Rock City, Mr. Paxton
going as ourescort. and Lieutenant Ham-
mon 'wil accompany you that far and then
branch off for Fort M—." -

“And you, doctor?" she asked uietly.

“ Will go my way also, as I to] you was
my intention; but you will find firm friends
in the lieutenant and Mr. Paxton, and the
latter will see to your affairs for you in Bed
Rock City, for he has promised'to do so.”

“He is very kind, and he will‘ not regret
doing so; but are not the Indians moving
this way?" ' i I r ' j 
‘ ‘.‘ Yes, your man is signaling, lieutenant,
man would!» well to call him in withthe

      

    

 

   

ten red-skins made a sudden dash as though-
to capture the horses before they weré driven
up to the hill into shelter.

 

CHAPTER XXVI.
RED-SKIN STRATEGY.

THE Indians had played a cunning game:
under the very eyes of their white foes.

They had pretended to go into camp in
view of the pale-faces, and had staked their
ponies out, after the two bands were united.

One by one the ponies had been drawn be—
yond a ridge, until a score had disappeared,
and upon these twenty hold braves had
mounted, keeping out of sight, and by mak-
ing a ride of several miles got around to a
position not over a third of a mile from the:
spot where the horses of the party on the
hill were feeding.

Here, under cover of a thicket they hailed,
rested their ponies, tightened their girths,
looked to their arms and prepared to make a,
dash upon the horses of their pale—face enc—
mics.

At the same time a move was being made
upon the distant ridge b the rest of the-
band to attract the attention of the whites
upon them, and they had started forward
when discoveredby Little Nugget.

‘When seen there was ‘some excitement in.
the camp, but the calm voice of the Surgeon
Scout was heard:

" Do not one of you show yourselves.

“ Let us appear to be conscious of our
strength, for your man knows what he is
about, Hammond, and will get the horses in
all right.” ‘

All eyes beheld the dash 'of the hidden
band, so dangerously near, but the soldier
sentinel knew his duty and did it quickly
and well.

He rode from horse to horse, pulled up
the stake-ropes, and, with the herd of horses
all in lead, started at a gallop for the hill.

The Indians were not three hundred yards.
behind him, and they opened ahot fire, horn
ing to kill him, while their yells were an—
swered by their comrades a. mile away.

The bullets pattered about the soldier, and
one horse was killed, another wounded, but.
he did not lose his head, but came on with
the herd close at his heels. ' , ‘ '

Not a shot was fired from the hill, not a
man was visible to thepharging Indians.

save the two dummies in uniform seated

among the rocks, and slipping up behind
these, old Grizzly Jim and Little Nugget
moved them slightly, lettlng them appear to

stand up and then resume their seats again.

The red-skins were surprised that they
saw no one rushing about, received no shots
from the hill. .- .

They did not understand the Silence, did
not like it. .

In among the rocks dashed the soldier and

his horses, and within easy rifle-range came a

the red horsemen behind him.

” Run your horses to the corral, my. man,
then come and use ,
Powell,'and a moment after he called out: I

“Now, all together, fire!”

Five repeatin rifles flashed together. for
Little Nugget n so fired. and from thefirst.
shot the weapons rattled forth metal- like a.
large force firing. ‘

h

e Indians did not see their foes, save the. J r; -

two supposed lookouts, wboxwere not firing,
and the quick firipg. ap earcd as though a.

dozen men were'mty ng their rifles, and

that they were brink

they alsg diseove
aimed at very, surely. for down went-several
ponies, a warrior fell dead from, his saddle.
another
to keep
ed. and a third received a sliglrgworrnd.
They drew “rein quickly, . wheeled as

though on pivots, after emptying their rifles 

at the rocks, and sped back with all; speed.

But death still dogged them, as a con le of‘ ,,

well nice fell, nno r warrior topple from
his sapddle’and otliemeceived‘sli‘ght wounds.

. " Before they Were out of range they had a ; ‘

chance to see how fit)“ their foes could kill,

and-they did not halt until they met their;

comrades coming forward them.

‘.‘ All cf'you aim at the group with sights? -
raised for eight hundred yards, and let them- '
gee that they are nearer than we likelthemu-

re"; 7 - , V. . V . ._

“With thedeorains’nd oft surgeon ; ut

 

your rifle,” cried Surgeon ‘

utihis horse about and clung hard 'g ‘,
rom falling, who was badly wound; ,

 

 

 

 

 

  

   
    
       
   

 

 

 

 

  

White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

13'

 

 

this time six rifles flashed together, for the
soldier, having corralled the horses, had
joined the doctor and the others.

The Indians were grouped together ges—
iliculnting wildly and with faces turned to-
ward their foes.

They saw the pulls of smoke,
'r'horus gave a yell of defiance.

But in a couple of seconds or so it turned
into a wail, for even at that distance the rifles
oi" the whites did deadly execution, a warrior
being killed and a pony wounded.

Gathering 11p their dead and wounded
again, they hastily retreated to their camp
on the ridge.

“They will not charge again, but attempt
to accomplish by cunning what they cannot
\do by force, and if we remain here, we may
expect a visit from them at daybreak, a
charge on foot and in full force," said the
Surgeon Scout.

“ Then we will have to watch for them all
night,” said Lieutenant Hammond.

“No, for we will not be here,”
Frank Powell.

and in

answered

CHAPTER XXVII.
PALE-FACE STRATEGY.

ALL were surprised at the words of Doctor
Powell, that they would not be there, when
‘the Indians again charged.

It told them that he had decided upon
some inn, and Lieutenant Hammond said:

“ ell, Powell, you are going to play
paleface strategy against Indian cunning?”

“About that, Hammond, for it is urgent
that you push on to the fort, and there is no
need of losing another day and night.”

“ Well, I am ready to be guided wholly
'by you.”

“And yer won’t go wrong, lieuten’t, for
Doc Powell kin out-Injun Injun six days in
(her week, and give ’cm a close call on Sun-
tlay too. .

“ Now awhile ago. but for him, we’d hev
all rub out ter drive tber critters in and thus
.showed our hand, showed how weak we was
in numbers: but he managed it prime.

“ Go ahead, Pard Doc, and say which way
we is ter jump and we jumps your way,
,you bet," said Grizzly Jim, who had been
trapper, Indian fighter, grizzly bear hunter
illgd miner in the past twenty years of his

1 e. ‘

“ I would suggest that we get the horses
-out of the corral one by one, as soon as we
can, for we can do it without the Indians
:seeing us as long as they are in their present
position. ‘

“ We can leave a man in charge of them,
Grizzly Jim can cook us a supper of rations,
.and we can build up the fires as for our din-
ner, and show ourselves upon the rocks.

,“ Then, as soon as we have had dinner we
can place our dummies on watch, for we
will have to lose the uniforms, and picking
out a couple of the worst of the horses. stake
them out among the rocks where they can
'be seen. '

“Then we can slip down the rear of the
.hill, mount and be 011’, keeping up a good
.speed until night.

“ Once we have gotten around onder
trange, you can lay your trail for Rock
“City, for Grizzly Jim knows the way. and I
‘will turn ofi on the trail I am to take. .

“Perhaps the Indians ma make a. feint
at a charge before night, an meeting no re-
.»sistance come right out and in that case they
will discover our retreat and capture the two
horses and dummy soldiers; but we will at
'least have several hours‘ start, with night
coming on, and so you can readily reach the
running-camps.”

“ And you?” asked Little Nugget.

. "‘I will have a good as start as you, and
‘ ;they will not be able to catch me.”

“ Better go with us, Powell, and start out
anew on your lone trail.” . '

“ No, Hammond, I will continue 011 now,
.after a ride of a few miles with you. .

“ What do you think of the plan i”

" It’s jist prime, it be,” said Grizzly Jim,
earnestly, and the others agreed with him,
for to remain there at night would be,
doubtless, to have the red-skins entirely sur-
rounding the hill the next morning, and that
’meant a sie e of an indefinite time. even if
the worsab e to stand their foes oil.

7 ving decided to parry cut the doctor’s

 

 

plan of escape, Grizzly Jim set to work to
cook provisions enough to prevent their hav-
ing to build fires when they made halts for
rest and food, and the others roamed about
the rocks, in full view of the Indians, while
the soldiér and Surgeon Powell led the horses
down the steep trail in the rear and staked
them in a meadow half a mile away, where
the could get plenty of grass. .

I aving placed the dummies so that they
could be indistinctly seen, they all took up
the baversacks of provisions and left the bill
by the trai‘. the horses had taken, stopping
two of the worst of the lot in full view of the
red-skins.

Leaving the dummy sentinels and deserted
horses to their fate, the party went down to
the meadow where their horses were, all sad-
dled and ready for the trail.

The animals had had a good rest and
plenty of grass and water, so could stand a
ligrd ride, and mounting, the little band set
0 . '

After going several miles, they came to
where those returning to Bed Rock City
would have to branch off, and here Surgeon
Powell halted and said:

“ This is where I leave you.”

“ You will not go on, Powell?"

“ No, Hammond, for I am well on my way
toward my destination.

“ Keep up a brisk pace, Grizzly Jim
knows the way, and I would not make long
halts until to morrow, and then you are safe.

“ The red-skins may not discover our flight
until tomorrow. but then again they may,
and it is best to be on the safe side.

“I wish you all a safe ride, and that some
day we will meet again—good-by.”

He had raised his hat in parting, but Little
Nuggets urred u to his side and grasped
his hand 11 farewe l, and the others did the
same.

Then they rode on their way, and looking
back some time after saw him seated upon
his horse, his pack-horse by his side, and
complacently regarding him as though red-
skins had no terror for him.

 

V CHAPTER XXVIII.
ON A mvsrnmous TRAIL.

" I BELIEVE I can do one good for the ser-
vice and the border settlements, as I am go-
ing out of the army, and I shall make the
attempt, if it costs me my life.

“Then the future is a blank to me.

"The past is wiped out, ‘1 have avenged
my honor and the crimes against me, and I
have done so after banding in my resigna—
tion, so that I brought no stain upon the ser-
Vice.

“My revenge came sooner than I had an-
ticipated, but it is over, so let it rest now in
the grave of forgetfulness.

i " Now I turn my steps upon another mis-
s on. ’

So mused the Surgeon Scout as he sat up-
on his horse gazing after the retreating forms
of those from he liad'just parted, Lieutenant
Percy. Hammond. Paul Paxton, Little N ug.
get. Grizzl Jim and Markham the soldier.

They had gone on their trail to the fort. he
was starting upon his mission, whatever it
was, alone.

He had turned over to Paul Paxton De-
mon Dick’s horses and gold, and kept for
himself only his own two horses and outfit.

His horses were of the best, Rattler and
Runaway, We of the fleetest animals on the
border, possessin endurance and intelligence
as well in a won erful degree. ,

They were, either one of them, as geod as
a watch-dog. in guarding his camp, and per-
fectly trained they would not‘ leave him if
he did not stak’e them out even. -

Whichever one he, rode, the other acting as
geek-horse would. follow as obediently as a

o . . .
His outfit was .of the best. for besides his
uniforms he had a rough and~resdy suit, a
buckskin costume from moccasins to head-
dress, a, uniform coat, storm cost, rubber
cloak and blankets, and the warmest of

sew-[ripen v ‘ ,
e had a couple of good rifles and a shot«

gun, with two holster revolvers. span for

his belt, knives, a hatchet, small saw, nails

and a canvas fly for shelter, and cooking
utensils with ammunition and provisions in
plenty. u “ / «  ‘ ‘

 

 

 
 
  

Thus equipped he was ready for a long
trail and prepared for an y danger.

In storm or cold he could, make himself
comfortable, and his horses had blanket-
lined rubbers to protect them in severe
weather, while he carried along his kit for
shoeing them and had become an expert
blacksmith.

A splendid hand with a lariat, Surgeon
Powell, being a dead shot also, was a very
dangerous foe to encounter.

llis case of surgical instruments, medicine
case, lint and all necessary for wounds and
illness he had along as well, so that his pack-
horse carried a loud equal to his own saddled
horse, in bearing his weight.

A natural frontiersman he did not seem to
dread the danger of being alone on the trail,
and, having seen his late comrades ride out
of sight, he turned abruptly to the left and
went on his way at a slow walk, the pack-
horse keeping close up behind.

After a ride of several miles he came to
a ridge, on which arose a peak above the
surrounding rises. '

This range he ascended. and finding a
good plot of grass about a mountain pond,
halted there and went on foot to the sunr
mit of the peak. ,

It was covered with cedars, and pressing
through them the doctor soon picked out tho~
10cality of their late camp.

He turned his glass upon it, and after
awhile discovered the horses which they had
left there.

They were still feeding at the length of
their ropes.

After a while he was able to pick out one
of the dumm sentinels, still on his post.

“The Ind ans have not yet moved, and
the party are all of twelve miles ahead of
them, so are safe," he murmured.

Sweeping the further country beyond he
beheld the poniesof the red-skins staked
out there, as the had last seen them, and
he could see the orms of the warriors mov-
ing about, some of them grouped together,
and doubtless they were around the wound—
ed braves. ‘

He was about to close his glass when his
quick eye detected moving forms a mile to
one side of the hill. .

They were Indian braves, and they had
crawled across the open space and were
creeping around to flank the camp ,of the
pale-faces.

Watching their progress, and the land
over which they would have to go. for his
position commanded a splendid view, lie
saw that it would take them an hour to yet
reach a point where they could creep u on
one side to within several hundred ya s of
the hill.

Unseen from that point they could make
a dash upon the camp, and with chances of
reaching the goal. cVen were it to be well
defended. ’

 

CHAPTER, XXIX.
A LIFE FOR A LIFE.

Tun Surgeon Scout regarded the Indians
on the war-path most attentively.

Then be counted them as they all passed
into view before him. .

Again turning his glass upon their dis-
tant camp he also counted the ponies there
and the forms of the braves that he could. .

“There are just fort -one in that expedi- ‘ " '1

tion, and their chief is ending them. . ,
“The balance, with the wounded and' '
their ponies, are left in camp to cast off sun.
picion. '
“They will reach that thicket near the

hill about an hour before/ sunset, and then ~ V

will wait until the shadows fall and crawl
up and make a dash. ‘
“ They think the camp numbers about ten
or a dozen men, and thev have brought four
to‘ one against them, and depend upon a sur-
prise, feeling sure that they are supposed to
be still in their encampment over yonder on
the bill. _ ‘ I _ A
“When they find that only two dummies r
and a couple of horses await their coming,
the willvswenr in the choicest Indian 12m.
faulty, which means oils of rage. -  _
“I wish I could near enough to are ,-
them: i . ' _ , ‘
“ Of course they will have to get their ;
ponies and wounded. up before theygdceh‘n
upon apythings, ,and the trail cannot in:

1

  

 

 

    

14

White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

 

 

 

taken until morning, and following it for a
short while will show them that their foes
have escaped them and they will give it up.

“ As my trail winds toward their country
they will doubtless all follow it, hoping for
a couple of scalps.

“But I don’t think they will get mine. for
I, too, by the time they start on my trail

l will have some forty miles start, and that is

a long distance, especially for a man who
knows how to cover up his tracks.”

Thus musing the doctor waited until he
saw the forty-one red-skins get into position
near the hill, and muttered:

“If they went a quarter of a mile further
around to the rear they would discover the

g. trail and at once knew that they have been

‘ duped.

“ lied-skins are cunning, yet they can be
readily deceived, for those burning camp-
fires, dummy forms and horses completely

 f . ~ deceive them.

- ' , “It is a little over an hour to sunset, so I
will continue on, for I am not yet many miles
from them.”

Returning to his horses be mounted,
crossed the range and rode on his way at a
glee that put ten miles to the hour behind

to.

 

   
   
   
 
    
  
   
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
   
  
  
  
   
  
   
   
   
      
         
      

He kept this up until the moon was an
hour high and then went into cam on the
banks of a shallow, pcbbly-bottom stream.

It was after six hours’ rest that he was
again in the saddle and turning up the
stream.

Keeping in the water, he said:

" This will delay them, as they will have
to go both ways to see which way I have
gone.

“ Perhaps, when daylight comes, I can

, find a place to go out, where my horses will

' leave no trail.”

, It was a ride of five miles in the stream be-
fore dawn came, and then he beheld a rock
shore, which, by being without a lead, his
horses could scramble up.

' , Riding up to the bank, he dismounted and
‘ , took off his saddle and pack.

From the latter he, took some leather hoof -
mufllers, and pulling off his boots he stepped
into the stream and buckled them upon the
feet of his horses.

Then he spread his canvas fly down tothe
water's edge and led one and then the other
horse up the rocky and steep bank to where
the soil would not even be impressed by an
iron hoof.

But resaddling the animals, he held on
with them still wearing the mufflers for a
mile or more, when he came to a trail lead-

 ing up and along a ridge.

f _ Here the mufliers were removed and
Frank Powell went up the deer-trail to the
summit of the ridgeand held along it for a
.couple of hours when he went into camp and
had a cold breakfast, for he did not dare

, build a fire. ,'

, His horses had a good rest and feed, and
he-tookan hour’s nap, before he saddled up

-v again to start on his way.

. He was just about to mount when his
. glance fell upon two riders coming directly
toward the ridge. < -

1 .' One was, an ‘indian chief, the other a red-

 skin girl, wearing the head-dress of a chief’s
~ daughter. ‘ '

Another glance showed him that there ,was

v a pursuer on their track. ‘ ’

a party of Indian horsemen. .
ing articipant, for sheis bound. .
" hat is a chief with her, as his war bon-
v net denotes, and it is a chief on their track,
and he has outridden his braves several
miles. ,
, t “ Shall I rescue the girl, or keep in hiding,
~ «in the ucsiion‘.” ' .
'As e watched the flight and pursuit.
_Doctcr Powell saw that the chief with his
captive, feeling that he could not escape

   
   
   
 
  
  
 

his rival at 
', Ashe hal at the base of the ridge with
' the irl, Frank Payroll saw all that occurred.
and, a an instant had made spans mind so
act.  " ' ‘

    
 
 
  
    
 

1 Seeing that the pursuing chief was hard
it"yet pressed on, and that the fugitive red-
.‘Iiin ~, intended to kill the young girl, be.
quick} raised his rifle-and and shattered the
hand 1;,  the demanding knif

     

   

Glancing far back. over the trail he noticed V

“ It is a runaway, and the girl is an unwill- ‘

with her, meant to try another plan to keep

As this did not check the chief’s revenge,
he sent another shot to kill, and then boldly
ran down the ridge and confronted the girl
and her wounded lover, as has been made
known in the opening chapters of my story.

 

CHAPTER XXX.
Tm; PALE-FACE sAMAItI’J‘AN.

“ I'M in for it now, and must face the
music.

“ Still, I could not have asked for a better
chance to carry out my mission, than this
that got me into the Indian country.”

So mused Doctor Powell, as it was decided
that he should go with the War Eagle and
his braves to the village of the Sioux.

The body of the dead chief Killer, with
the scalp torn off, was disgraced and was left
as food for the coyotes. .

Then Surgeon Powell set to work to rig a
travail: on which to carry the wounded young
chief, War Eagle.

He took his hatchet from his pack and
selecting the saplings himself, out and
trimmed them.

Then, with lariats he made a harness for
the pony that was to draw the Manor's, and
next rigged his canvas fly like a hammock
between them and made it soft and sprin y.

Then the wounded chief was lifted ten er-
ly upon the blankets spread upon his bed,
and lacin a careful lndian brave at the
ponyfis he to lead him, he sent others ahead
on foot to pick out all the rocks and ob-
structions on the trail that would give a rude
jolt to the ends of the bug and springy
shafts. ,

Slowly the party then started upon the
homeward march, the Surgeon Scout walk-
ing by the trench himself for a mile or two,
and feeling the pulse of the wounded chief
to see how he was hearing the ordeal. ‘

Red Bird and the Indian braves watched
him as though they believed him to be some
superhuman being, and were awed and im-
pressed by him. ' ‘

Here was their bitterest foe, one whom
they had dreaded in battle, and whose scalp
they had longed for a aiding their young
chief With a skill far beyond their medicine-
men. v t

, He was trying to bring back from the
very verge o the grave his foe. after havin
saved the life of their idol, Red Bird, an
slain the terrible chief the Killer.

Their foe, yet he was their friend.

They. had watched his making of the mt.
eoi‘e so carefully, noted his desire to have
obstacles removed ~from the trail, and to
have a cautious brave to lead the pony, and
that atflrst be had walked along by the side
of the chief. ,

While the sun was yet above the horizon
he called a halt. for he did not care to have
the chief unprotected in the night air, or to
subject him to too long strip. ,

e was careful in spreading
for him, cutting brush to keep off the wind
at the back, so from his' own provisions be
cooked something for the chief to eat. '

Just as the camp became settled there was
some excitement among the braves,

It was soon, announced that ,a’party of
hunters were coming in. and‘one glance at
them showed the Surgeon Scout that they
were his late, enemies. the captors of 'Lieu-
tenant Hammond, Little Nugget/and those
with them. ' ,' r 1

He knew then t that they had discovered
the flight of their foes, that the trails had
shown them that they had had too long a
start to pursue them, and so they, had
pushed fortheir village, sending only a few
warriors on the trail be had, talrcn.. '

He heard the chief of the band tell his
story about the. campfire. of how the had
ambushed three miners, killin one an cap-
turing two,'and later had ki led a, soldier
and captured two others who sought to
rescue them. ‘ ‘ v '

 

 

soldier with: em. » » .
Thencame -he story of the camp at the
base of the hill, the rescue of their prisoners

' by the “Bi ,Medicine '.I’,ale-face,f' whose

'war-cryz-they new. ;so welligaudo all that had

 ,to do on] the-dummiesandthetwo

 
  

’9,

 

his canvas fly ,

They had -.tbek scalp: of the miner and,
’ ' I arose, .sadafe

followed, 11 to their rush upon the deserted

f
l
,
l
."i

Ea lo the wounded chief, listening to all,
an smiling at their fury.

When they told how they had sent seven.
braves on the trail of the two horses, he
laughed lightly, especially when they were ,
told that the one they Were pursuing was I
then in their camp, had saved the life of the-
Red Bird, and was doing all in his power to-
save their loved young chief.

Then the Surgeon Scout arose and boldly .‘
walked to the camp-fire. f

His late adversaries gazed upon him in. l
wonder at his boldness, whilehe said: ‘

“ My red brothers here were my foes
awhile since, but we are friends now.

“They have with them wounded braves.
and you know me as the Big Medicine Chief,
so let me do what I can for them.

“Bring your wounded brothers to the
light of the camp-fire and I will help them.”'

" It is the order of the War Eagle that his.
braves obey his white brother, the mighty
medicine-man of the pale-faces,” said Red‘.
Bird coming up to the fire.

More brush was thrown on the fire then to»
make a better light, the surgeon got his .
surgical and medicine-case, and asking Red. 2
Bird to aid him, was ready for his work. i

There were in all six wounded braves,

.. _ _.__.‘_4,_v 

' three of them only light flesh wounds.

The most serious was a shattered arm at. l5
the elbow, then a shot in the neck and the' i1
third a bullet in the thigh. ,3‘

The braves looked on in silence, while the-
flesh wounds were quickly dressed and dis--
posed of,,then the bullet extracted from the:
neck of the brave, next the ball taken from.
the hip and these carefully cared for and told
torrest.

The Sur eon Scout then turned to the
worst woun of all, the shattered left arm,.
and said to the stoical brave: , ,

“My red brother is a great brave, he has: ,-
received a bad wound in battle, but he wears "
at his belt the scalp of a pale-face soldier—it i
will soothe his'pain. .

“ He will become a chief and be known as
the One Arm, for I must take the arm off,
or he will die.” ' ' h

All listened in silence and the brave did’.
not flinch. ~ ' v '

_He knew that the bone was, in atoms and

said:

“ The Big Medicine knows.”

Binding up the arm, and with Red Bird as,
his deft ass1stant,'6urgeon Powell guickly , ',
and skillfully did the work, the Indian not, ~_ “ '
utteringa groan. ’ . , ‘ ,

When it was War with. and he had taken: ‘ ,‘
a dose of medicine ve_n him, he held out hiSr,‘ V - , ,
remainin hand an said; I , ‘ _ , _ ,,
“One rm the red brother of Big Medh '
cinefi’ - , : .

‘ aim. in...  , 

 

 

CHAPTER XXXI.
'rnn GUEST 0F run ,sroux.‘

Tun great care and entleness of the Su’rh
lgeon Scout in his dress 3 the woundsyof the
braves, and in ‘allthat he did to avoidgiving:
pain and relieve suffering. was noticed‘b‘ ,, V .
t(éne and all ofthe braves gathered about the ‘ v ,  ; ‘

re. ‘ - ‘ ' ‘ '

Their chief was sleeping peacefully, the)
wounded who had‘been 'rared for were also
resting. and‘the brave who baddest his arm, '
under the influenceof an opiate to deadem , ,. g . ,
pain. was slumvbering. though had. he been.  4 a,  '
awake and suffering he would have .uttered', 7:  ‘ ‘
no moan of pain, for it is the Indian, nature
to suffer in silence, the greatest in ony,, I r _

Red Bird had retired tothe wic -upmade 3
for her, and at last the Surgeon this»  "
here being over he got out is pipe-and"‘to‘o ,
bacco. and sat down fora smokelto; solace 
himself. I , ' « » , i ,

He passed around his. tobacco-pouch, anal: /
filling their pipes the paintedg-rstern-faced .1'
braves sat about the fire smoking with him-t .~
and casting curious, though sly glances at i.)
the man who had so long, been a terresto .

them. .~
Havin finished his pipe Frank Powelh
friendly words. tookadwk
at the chief and other Wounded, and than; '
Vepreadingthis blankets hydownt ,

If he felt any. dread, any ‘fanadet
not show .it by leok‘or action, but
peaceful) ~ untiltmorning. ' ~

The ch efun charge than.

      
       
     
       
       
         
      
 
         
       
   
         
     
        
 
       
         
    
   
   
      
     

 

      
  
    
  

      

 

   
   
 

: had the brush with: Surgeons-POW, ‘
a ..

 . , e.'a,_

 

~ '~«.:““" steam-arr:me

 

 

White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

 
 

15

 

 

 

the villa e that War Eagle and others were
woundei , and were being brought in, along
with the great white medicine-man of the
pale-faces.

The chief seemed resth and better, and
the one-armed warrior also was in good
spirits, while the rest of the wounded were
doing well.

Carefully went Frank Powell on the
rounds, and aided again by lied Bird,
dressed the wounds afresh, and then rigged
up a second trarrns, for the onc~armed brave,
who he did not think should go through
the fatigue of a long ride on horseback.

IIe fed the wounded from his stores, and
then the march was begun again at a steady,
but slow pace.

Two halts were made during the day,
when once, at a large stream, the doctor had
the braves raise the travail) on their shoul-
ders and wade across, thus saving the
wounded from a ducking, for the water was
waist deep.

It was nearly sunset when the band
wound through a narrow canyon and came
out into a valley overhung by lofty moun-
tains upon all sides.

It was a Iar e valley, a mile in width, and
several miles ong. with fine meadow-lands
for the ponies, and a large stream winding
through it, but a shallow one that could be
readily forded here and there.

Upon both banks of this stream, which
was fringed with timber, were located the
tepees of the Indians, and a lance showed
the experienced eyes of the or eon Scout
that from the number of lodges v sible, there
must be nearly, if not quite, five thousand
red-skins dwel ing there.

Near the center, and back near the base of
a high cliff, was the large Council Lodge of
the tribe, standing off to itself, while oppo-
site and across the stream. also sheltered by
a high cliff, was the big Medicine Lodge. a l
painted over with strange devices.

Then earest tepee to the Council Lodge was
alar a one, where dwelt the young head
chie War Eagle, and from his house he
could look across the valle and behold the
spacious tepees that marks the home of the
old medicine chief Death Fighter and his
daughter Red Bird.

There were other prominent te ees where
sub-chiefs and medicme-men dwe t, but upon
the houses of War Eagle and Death Fighter
the greatest interest centered.

There was one tepee. too, that must not
be forgotten, and that was upon the other
side of the Council Lodge from that of the
War Eagle. ,

That was the late home of the Cheyenne
chief, the Killer. who, failing to win the
heart of the 331 Bird, had boldly led her in-
to a trap and kidnapped her-

Now about that tcpee walked several
Sioux braves, guarding it until the return of
the War Eagle, and corralled near was the

large herd of ponies that had belonged to the

renegade chief, who, received as a brother
into the Sioux tribe: had provan to be a trai-
tor to those who had befriended him.

As the returning warriors flled through the
canyon into the valley, the whole village was
seen to be astir.

There was aloud beating of Indian musi-
cal instruments, songs of condolence . and

'wild, weird war songs.

Braves. mounted upon their best ponies
gitny caparisoned, and with their faces
pa nted a l the hues of the rainbow, were in
ine to receive the chief, while women and
children shouted and sung with savage earn-
estness. .

The Surgeon Scout rode 'ust behind the
braves of the War Eagle, an his keen eyes
took in the whole situation. ‘ '

Alone, he was riding into the midst of

oes.

The Red Bird had ridden to his side, as
though to be ready to shield him fromharm,
While she said to assure him:

“ Let the Great Medicine Chief remember

’ that he is Welcome to the village of in

people, who Were his foes, but are now his
friendsfi’ ;'
CHAPTER XXXII.‘ /
BACK TO nan soon.
WHEN the homeward-bonnd party’so to

 

V ,call them, left Surgeon Frank Pdv'Vell, on their
. .way‘to , Rock ,Cit‘y..there was not one ;
that did not feel a rnisgiying at heart regard-

 

I

ing the lone and mysterious trail the brave
man had started upon.

Lieutenant Percy Hammond had known
Doctor Powell for a long while and bad al-
ways admired his conragc and dash.

“There is a man,” he said as he rode along
with Paul Paxton, with Little Nugget just
in‘ front of them. Grizzly Jim ahead as guide
and the soldier, Reuben Rexford.bringingup
the rear behind the pack and loose horses
they were driving along.

"There is a man," repeated Lieutenant
Hammond, “who is a wonder to all who
know him.

“Heis as brave as any man I ever saw,
and is one of the deadliest men in a fight
forced upon him, and a terror in battle, yet
he has the nature of a child and the heart of
it woman.

“His hand is ever ready to aid a friend,
and a foe in distress commands at once his
sympathy. ‘

“ ‘hough a surgeon of superior skill, he
loves to be in the field with the fighters, and
goes to the front in every battle, looking
after the wounded when the fight is over. ‘

“ Now it was through him we are not now
prisoners to the Indians, or dead, and he has
now gone off on some mysterious trail that
may cost him his life.”

"I agree with you, lieutenant, in all that

’ you say of Doctor Powell.

“Those who were my friends, his foes.
spoke of him in terms of the highest praise,
and yet they knew that when they met him
it would be for life or death.

" I became his friend when I saw how he
behaved toward them, and ever willI re-
main so. _

" As for his going oil? on this trail alone,
any other man migh do so and that be the
end of it; but some ow Ido not feel that
Frank Powell was born to die at the hands
of a red-kin, and I shall confidently expect
him to reappear soon,” said Paxton.

“ (1 so do I,” remarked Little Nugget.

“ e isa man who seems capable of taking
care of himself under any and all circum-
stances, and though he takes desperate
chances be yet seems toweigh them well
ever -time. ' . ~

“ saw him in his duel with Gambler
Bolton, yen told me of his triple duel with
those three miner pards out here, we all saw
his rescue of us, with your aid, Mr. Paxton.
from the Indians, and afterward how he
plotted and outgeneraled them, so I have
little dread of his not being able to take care
of himself, and by follow ng his directions
Wt; will doubtless reach Bed Rock City in
so ety." 

Thus talking. With the Surgeon Scout
the theme generally of conversation, they
pushed rapidl on, for Grizzl ‘Jim was
obeyin the or ers given him an wished to
put al the space he could between the In-i
dians and themselves before nightfall.

Just at nightfall a halt was made for a
couple of hours for supper and rest, and
then the party mounted and continued their
ride once more, the moon having risen to
light their way. 3

Before dawn another halt was made for
several hours, and all had a sleep that was
refreshin , and afterward a good breakfast.

A go feed of grass, water, and the rest
also refreshed the horses so that they went
along at a brisk pace once more, but were
soon made to go more slowly by Grizzly
Jim, who was now assured that the Indians
could not overtake them, and more. they
would not pursue them nearer toward Bed
Rock City unless they were in very large
force. . I
, 80‘ the pace was then a slow one during
the. day, yet fast enough to bring them into
Bed Rock City by sunset.

The miners leaving their work, as the
shadows lengthened, and goin to Bed Rock
City, or their cabins, greets them asthey
passed along the trails, and when she came
near her own cabin, Little Nug at said:

“ I turn off here to my home, at I will be
glad to see you, lieutenant, if on 'make any
stay in Bed Rock, or pass through again.
I live at the cabin of my ate husband, Gam~
bier Bolton, . ‘ ‘ ' v ’ ‘
your old] quarters, the cabin of the Gentle:

man Miner, astth calledyou and‘your,com-
rades.'}and let ‘jit continue to be your home
while here.  \  ' - '- '

 

 

 

and a “ gentleman.” and the tough element

“V‘Yon. Mr. Paxtomwill please‘return to,

 

  
   
    
  
   
    
   
  
    
 
  
  
    
   
   
  
   
   
  
  
 
   
  
   
   
  
    
   
  
 
 
    
    
 
   
  
   
   
   
  
    

“ l have the key of the cabin and will give
it to you."

“Thank you. Mrs.~—"

“Pardon me, but I am Little Nugget only
here in the mines—I am cherving of no
other name while I dress as a man, and the
name of Bolton 1 do not like.”

“I Was going to say, Little Nugget, that
lwould go on to the tavern to-night with
Lieutenant Hammond, and to-niorrow re
turn to my old home with your permission."

“ As you please, sir,” and Little Nugget
shook hands with the lieutenant, bowed to
Paul Paxton with the remark that she would
see him again, and with a word of farewell
to ltexford, the soldier, rode on to her cabin,
accompanied by Grizzly Jim, whom she ask-
ed to accompany her.

 

CHAPTER XXXIII.
aunt: KIDNAl’l'ERS.

AT the hotel the lieutenant and Paul Pax-
ton soon found quarters for the night and a
good supper. '

The news soon spread of Paul Paxton's re-
turn, and that there was an army officer a
guest at the hotel, and crowds collected to
hear the news, for that Little Nugget had re-
turned also spread about.

Grizzly Jim had told how they had run in-
to an ambush and Mike. the miner. had been
killed while an attempted rescue bv Lieuten~
ant Hammond had ended in that officer’s cap-
ture and one of his soldiers slain.

Then he told of the rescue by Surgeon
Powell, and of the triple duel he had heard
of, along with Demon Dick having been kill-
ed b the man he soughttoslay.

Li e wild-fire the news spread through the
camps, and that night the saloons were
crowded to . their utmost capacity talking
over the matter. ‘

Several threats were made by the friends
of Demon Dick a ainst Doctor Powell, and
it was hinted by t ese men that Demon Dick
had never been killed in fair combat.

But as Demon Dick had been caught rob-
bing Gambler Bolton’s house, and his charv
acteras a desperado was well known, few
took any stock in the reports against Sur~ I
geon Powell. . '

Again others said that the three man shot .
by the Surgeon Scout in a duel ought to be ‘
avenged, but Paul Paxton at once revealed ,
himself at their reports being told him. and ‘ ‘
gave out very decidedly that he had been
the second in the triple duel. that be was re~ ,
sponsible to any one who wished to slandu' ‘ '
the Surgeon Scout behind his back, and he
would not hear him spoken against by any
one. i ’ r

Paul Paxton was well known in the mines
as a dangerous man to arouse although he ‘
had been first regarded as a " tender-foot"

talked less loud when they saw the stand,» '
that he took when Surgeon Powell was de-
famed. ' ' i . > .
Lighting his pipe, before going to bed,
Lieutenant Percy Hammond decided to take
a stroll in the moonlight, but, tempted
by a mossy bank at the base of a large two
he threw himself down upon it to regard the ‘
scene before him. ,
Seated upon the bank, ibis baclrogainst the .
tree, he gazed out upon the moonlit vallest
and mountains, the h hts in the cabins of .
the miners sparkling _li e fireflies. , 'i U 
Tired with his long jourue he ceased. to.
send clouds of smoke upward, is pipe went &
out and be dropped off into a doze, when,
suddenly voices awoke him. ' V, .
He was about to reveal himself by getting
up andreturning to the hotel, when be beard ‘
words that caused him to remain :just as he V
was and listen. V 2. ‘
There were times men near. him, for they r
had halted in the trail that ran a dozen feet
beyond the tree down ‘into the valley. _- I -
Thev could not see «him, nor did he see
thenr, but heard them. » . ‘ , _ ,
What he heard Was as follows: ; ’ ~
" I tell you, pards. ther gal’s comin' back '
must not prevent our carryin’ out onr~plan
for I got inter ther cabin by the chimney
night and known jist whar Bolton kept
go ,and what the  has been put the

 

f: i . ' must gitIit  or net at Ag.

3 ,“ tie-«in 19w  “3. FW’“’§"'pi‘-‘d‘

16

White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

 

“ Waal, I'm with yer, but I has a recom-
mend ter make that will git us more
money.”

“What he that?”

“ 1 moves we takes the gal along, and
sells her back to ther miners for a big bag of
gold. for it kin he did”

“ Iiow’ll we git her?"

“ Go thar and play we is Grizzly Jim, and
she'll open tlier door, and in we goes

“We can gag and tie her, git ther dust,
and light out, and you bet none of 'em kin
find us in ther hidin’-place I takes yer to.”

"I’m willin’, pard ”

i i “ Me too; but it must be done right
_-_ g awn ?”

i‘ - “ 'as, to night, so you go, Nick. and git
 'l; thcr horses ready and ther pack animals, and
“ I'll drop in at ther store and make some ex-
tra purchases. secin‘ as we’ll have ther gal
along. while you, Sol, jist come along with
me and help me carry ther things down to
whar ther horses is.

“ in a hour, Nick. me and Sol willbe with
yer at ther gal‘s cabin, and then we'll push
right out down the hill from thar, and it
won’t be known she's kidnapped until late
tor-morrer, you bet, and then we’ll be be-
yond pursuian’.”

There were a few more words said, and
then the three men walked away back to the
hotel, from the course they took.

Lieutenant ,IIammond was wide awake
now, and he smiled grimly as he muttered;

"‘ Nick, Sci, and the name of the third was
.not named. .

I “ I'll look for Paxton now, for there is
Lwork for us to do,” and he made his way by
a flank movement to the hotel.

   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
  
  
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
  
    
   
  
  

‘i CHAPTER xxxrv.
\ '5 A UNANIMOUS JURY.

,"Arr, lieutenant, I thought you had re-
tired,” called out Paul Paxton, as he met the
ofiicer at the door of the hotel.

“No, I’ve been out for a walk, and I’ve
struck it rich, as you miners say."

“Indeed!

” Prospecting at at night, eh?”

“ Well. in a quiet way: but who are S01
and Nick, miners?” ,

,“Iknow two men‘ of that name, and a
third is known as Rocks, and a Worse trio
does not live in the mines.” ' '

, . “Those are just the men, 1 think, in fact

feel sure.
' ‘,' They are desperadoes are they?"

“ Yes, and all else that is mean. /, _

, “They were some of Gambler Bolton’s
, heelers, and are to be feared.”

4 “Well, come with me while I find Rex-
ford, for there is a little work for us to do,
as of course you do not mind going with
me?” .

“Command me, lieutenant, in all that I

' can aid you.”

, \“ Are there any women in the mines?”

“ ver heard of but one, Little Nugget.”
“ ell, she is in danger of being kid-

, hopped, and by that Satan's trio whom you
, named. r

'l i “I cannot explain more now, but we will
find Rexford and go at once.”

‘ _ Butthe soldier was not in ‘his room, and
could not be found, so the two went to-
gether,’ making their way by an unfrequent-
ed trail around to Little. Nug et‘s cabin and
which Paul Paxton knew wel .

A light burned in the cabin, and in answer

to a knock Little Nugget called out:

“ Well, who is it?"

-“ Lieutenant Hammond and Paxton,” said
the latter, in a low tone.

’~ The door .\\'us at once 0 nod, and in a

few words the officer told t e woman just‘

I, what. he had ovvrhcard.

l» hihe did not change color at the danger
that threatenedher, but said:, _ . /
“It was very kind of you to come so

quicklyto my cabin to prevent this attack

on me, gentlemen.” ,. f

_ “ But we do not wish to prevent it, only to

' o hiding and let them make the attempt to

« gide you. - t ' .

V " We wish to hold them up, and; when
we have made them prisoners, turn them
overto the miners to try,” said Paul Pox-I

 

 

July and executioner then, Mr. Paxton ?f’

d

 

“If he is, in the guise of a hundred
miners, then Bed Rock City will have rea-
son to rejoice over the loss of three of its
citizens.

“ But we must go into hiding now.”

They stopped quickly into another room,

- and none too soon, for in five minutes a rap

came at the door, and hoof-falls were heard
outside, as horses came near the cabin.

‘ Who is there?" asked Little Nugget, in
the calmest kind of voice.

“Old Grizzly Jim, and I has news for
'er.” ‘ .
3 She opened the door, for the voice had
been Well imitated, and quickly into the
cabin steppedthrce men, a trio of very tough
looking citizens.

quick as a flash one grasped Little Nugget
in his arms and held his hand over her
mouth, while a second threw a lariat
about her to pinion her arms.

But suddenly came the stern command.

“Hands up, all of you!”

Cries of fright and amazement broke from
the lips of the trio, but they behold the offi-
cer and PaulPaxton covering them, and two
of them obeyed;

But Rocks hastily drew his revolver,
though never to use it, as abullet pierced his
brain, fired by the steady hand of Paul Pax-
ton, who said drily: ’

' “Do on wish to take the same trail, Sol,
you an Nick?”

“ Nary, I hain’t no fool.”

Little Nugget had not llinched at the shot
that killed Rocks, and now quickly uu- ,
buckled the belt of Sol and disarmed him,
while Lieutenant Hammond did a like ser—
vice for Nick.

“Now, lieutenant, ifyou will go up to the
hotel and tell the landlord to come here and
take these prisoners in charge. for he is the
judge of Red Rock City camps, I will
join you as soon as I get them in safekhands
than mine,” said Paul Paxton. ,,

“I will see you before you go to-morrow,”
said Little Nugget, following him to the
door. ’

“ Oh, yes, I‘ll ride by on my way out of
the camps,” and teh minutes after Lieuten-
ant Hammond had informed ” Judge” Jes-
sop, the landlord of the Gilt Edge Inn, that he
had heard the plot of three men to kidnap
Little Nugget and rob her cabin, and thatthe
would find themnt the cabin in the charge
of Paul Paxton. ‘ L

The landlord a: once hastened away from
the officer, who retired to his room, and was
just dropping off to sleep when Paul Paxton
entered.

' “Well, Paxton, Isupposer those fellows
will be tried to-mo’rr’ow, and Imay have to'
remain half a day as a witness.”

“ Oh, no. they have already been tried,
found guilty and executed.” '

” The deuce you say! that was quick work
even for the border. "

“They were caught in their crime; Judge
Jessop came down with the whole camps at
his heels, heard my story and Little Nugget’s,
had' already heard yours, so th y were
unanimously decided guilty by a jury of
several hundred men and at once hanged—
‘that is the end of it,” said Paul Paxton, who
had become accustomed to wild border
scenes. i ',

CHAPTER XXXV.
'ro ATONE non THE Iras'r.

LIEUTENANT Pnnov HAMMOND gave a low
whistle at the report of Paul Paxton of the
quick retribution that had overtaken the
kidnappers. ' , . ‘ “ f

As an army olilcer he was glad that he had
not been called upon to witness the mob law'
and mock trial of the desperatloes; and yet,
after a moment’s thought he could not but

say: . , _
" Well, Paxton, it is certainly about the
best that could have been done.  ' -

' “ About half the juries in trying a case
‘ere swayed by the lawyer‘wa is be best
talker, and the innocent frequently are pun-
ished and the guilty escape. - ' ‘

,“ Now I do not believe in capital unish-
meat. for so often it is a mockery, an again
a scene that would disgrace barbarians.
“that those men were guilty, for'though I

 

 

v .“Willnot Judge Lynch he the judge, did

    

r.

  

we see tiger: herd new; we the

 

'l‘hey closed the door behind them, and, .

 

 

“Rocks, you killed in self defense, and
the other two, being caught in their guilt,
were proven so and hanged, and Judge
Lynch makes fewer mistakes than the judges
who sit on the bench through long and
wearisome trials.

“But I will quit moralizing, and ask
about that plucky little woman ‘3"

“Oh, Little Nugget told her story, and
when the jury said, in several hundred
voices, to Judge Jessops’s question as to their
guilt or innocence.

‘ ‘Guiltyl’

“She glanced at the men and said:

“ ‘ I forgive you and feel sorry for you,
forI guess the boys will hang you.”

“ And the boys did?"

"Within ten minutes, though Little Nug-
get declined the honor of having them
hanged on the big tree by the cabin, so they
took them to a place some distance 03 and
strung them up,

“i remained a few minutes with Little
Nugget. and when I came on up to the hotel
found that the crowd had done their work
and were celebrating the event by getting
full,” and Paul Paxton turned into the other
room and was soon fast asleep .

It was early when they arose the ext
morning, and hunting up Rexford the leu—
tenant told him to be ready to start soon
after breakfast, and then the two friends
breakfasted together until the “judge "
joined them and asked Lieutenant Hammond
to say to Colonel Merrill that matters "would
jog along all right in Bed Rock City as long
as he was the one to see that justice was
properly administered. '

Soon after Rexford came up with the

,horses, and mounting his own horse Paul

Paxton rode away with the lieutenant to see
him some miles on his trail.

They passed the three swinging forms of .

the kidnappers as they rode along, for Rocks
had also been hanged though dead, and the
were to be left there as a warning to evil:
doers until evening, when they would be
buried. .

Little Nugget was at her cabin and, wel
corned them as they rode up. ‘ '

She had arisen early, made some purchases
at the store, and begged Lieutenant Ham.
mood to accept them, as they would add to
his comfort on his way, and he did so. i ’

As she saw that Paul Paxton was going a.
short distance on the trail with the officer,
she asked also to go along. and mounting
her horse they7 rode ofl.’ together. and f urther
down the val ey they were to be joined by
Grizzly Jim, who had been engaged as
guide by Lieutenant Hammond, for his

guide had'been the one who was killed in ,

the attack of the red-skins.

Grizzly Jim was mounted upon his best
horse, and the lieutenant had exchanged the
animals he had ridden for fresh ones, trading
with Judge Jessop, who had given him fine
animals for the long ride. ” ,’

But Grizzly Jim had’ had in lead two
other animals, which, seeing Little N ugge
alon he said: .

must I tell it?”
“’I’ll do it—it is, lieutenant. that I told

‘Grizzly Jim. last night ,to take these two

horses home with him, and to ive one to
you, the other to Soldier Rexfor . from me.
“ They are two of the finest animals Gum-
bler Bolton had, and that is saying‘ a great
deal, and it willbe well to have them, along
in case of accidents, and I wish you both to
accept them from me, for you have been so
kind to me.” ‘ 

“I will sp'eak’for myself, Little Nugget."

an say that} accept with pleasure, and I

know that Rexford will also, though we do" I 

not need the horses to remember Little Nug-

getb .” .
“lilo, indeed, 811‘, we won't forget her

i soon, and I thank you, miss, for your present

tome,” said Reuben Rexford, whose face
showed his pleasure at the lit. . ‘ 1

After going several mi es with them on   =1
the trail, Little Nugget halted to say good; if
‘by, and soon after she and Paul Paxton wbre , 
on the back track, while the lieutenanthRex: '
hard and Grizzly Jim rode: on, thoroughly ‘

well equi ped for their ion , ourney.’ /
. On ,thepway back LittiefilJ

Buck BoltOn I showed “1

“ 5 you goin’ ter talk, Leetle Nugget, or r ‘

uggetan'an d I
with PaulPaxton to ,take‘ charge of ' ,ru,
adults. telling him frankgy that thgdpapers of

i  , i 2

_ “I.” ; I ._.4. . he

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
    
   
 
    
 

  
   
    
    

r.e=.m. W_A— I, s

v .. w <-~wwm-ae

1. < A u 1: ut‘rmr’. 93%" at” '5:an p .1...“ mm... . .. .. . .

   
    
  
     
 
 

 

White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

17

 

i
many varied interests in the mines which she about his head, the 'ends fluttering wildly as I

could not attend to alone, and which she he rode along at full speed.

wished settled up, as it was not her intention i

to remain on the border longer than was , upon each hip was a revolver. .

necessary.
“I regard this life as a sinful one, though,
impelled by a feeling of hatred against the
luau Ionce loved, and who should have pro-
tected me not clouded my life, I thought 3
nothing of what I had to pass through toj
accomplish my purpose.

detest this wild existence, this life of an out-

’ cast, and long to leave it forever, forgetting ;

that I ever lived it, if that is possible. ' I

“But for what I have suflered in the f turn ritie or
past, I have a right to hope for comfort and ther Mad Marauder of ther Mines," cried
release in the, future, and Bolton has left ‘ Grizzly Jim, anxiously, '

riches which I alone have the right to claim, 

and‘ thus I will be enabled to enjoy doing

good in the world with my wealth, and atone t where his horses were staked out,

for what I may have done. wrong in the past, I
in seeking revenge for the injuries done
me,” and she spoke with deepest feeling, as
though fully realizing the bold step she had
taken.

 

CHAPTER XXXVI. ,

THE MAD MARAUDER.

THE three horsemen, with their two pack-
,animals well laden, through the kindness of ,
Little Nugget and Paul Paxton, and their
three led horses, traveled along on their first
day out of Bed Rock City at a very fair
pace, for Lieutenant Hammond had already
been delayed days beyond the time he had
hoped to reach Fort M——.

“ I am about four days behind time, Griz-
zly Jim, and as our horses are fresh, and we
have enough to change about on, thanks to
Little Nugget’s generosity, we must push

.ahead as fast as we can, for you can rest as

long as you please at the fort.” .
“ I‘ll take the pace yer wish, loot'nant,‘
and git yer thar on time,f' was the answer.
They camped for an hour at noon, and
just before sunset for the night, so as to be

' cable to find a. good camping-place and get

comfortable by dark.

Retiring early to their blankets, two hours
before daybreak they were in the saddle and
held on until the sun was well up before
.haltin g for breakfast.

Grizzly Jim was a good guide.

He knew where the best water and grass
‘were to be found, and looked well to the com-
fort of the horses.

He also knew the shortest cuts across
tfioiintry, and kept a bright lookout for In-
. tans.

l gaze seeming to be riveted upon him, until
“Now it is ditl’erent, for he is dead, and I ‘ suddenly he cried:

’ ford. 7'

 

The, su-plies furnished by Little Nugget
and Paul axton enabled them to live well,
.and game was plentiful along the trail.

‘ They halted at noon the second day. on

the slope of a hill ’where there was a large., 5
‘ ; fleet one; but not one was a match for the

free-flowing spring.

While Rexferd gathered wood and Grizzly
Jim set about cooking dinner, Lieutenant
Hammond strolled to a point where. he could
obtain a fine view of the valley.

He had hardly cast his eyes over it when
he saw two horsemen dash outof a thicket
at full speed, leading a' couple of pack-,
.horses with them.

They seemed to be flying from some
«danger, and were coming toward the point
where he then stood. ,

A quick call brought Grizzly Jim and
Rexford with their rifles to his side, and as
he pointed to the horsemen, all of a mile
nwa , a third horseman dashed out of the
‘thic et upon the trail of the others.

This horseman was a. most striking look
ing individual, indeed, and at sight of him
Grizzly Jim. called out in a voice that
seemed to quiver with fear: \ '

“ 0h, Lordyl it’s ther Mad Marauder,
lieutenant!" ' "

The horseman in question was a giant in
size. com ared with the other men upon
whose trai he was, and his horse was a very
large, very lon -bodied animal. with neither
saddle nor brid e, and snow-white. ‘

He ran at a speed that was terrific and
’Zhastily overhauled those before him. '

But the rider?

He rode without saddle, grasped the mane
of his horse as his only bridle. and carried a
'broadvblnded knife over two feet in length.

’ He was dressed r in the skins of wild ' though it had stunned him.
.‘ moccasins, and had a scar! tied

 

v effort, was really rapidly droppin him.

' LIEUTENKNT PERCY HAMMOND was mount-

'rider were visible going like the wind.

About his waist was a leather belt and

llis hair and board were long, unkempt
and gray, and his whole face. was one of
fiereeness, while his eyes were as savage as a
brute‘s.

Such wastho man that Lieutenant llam-
niond regarded closely through his glass, his

“ lie means to attack those two men.
“ Come! we must go to their rescue!”
“ No. no, Pard Loot‘uent, it's bad luck to
weapon on that man—it‘s

“ All right, Jim, you stay here, but I will
go,” said the otlicer, starting at a run for

“ And I will follow you, sir,” cried Rex-

“No, no, yer don't go alone, if go yer
does, for Grizzly Jim are with yer,” and the
miner-guide dashed on after the lieutenant
and the soldier.

Their horses were soon reached, saddled,
and the three dashed out of the thicket.

But a strange sight met their gaze, for the
two fugitive horsemen had been brought to a
halt by the Mad Marauder, and they had
heard several shots.

But there on his splendid horse sat the
wild man, while on the ground lay the two
men he had pursued.

“ My God! he has killed them both!

“ lomcl we must kill or capture himl”
cried the lieutenant.

His words reached the ears of the horse-
man. he behold the uniforms, and wheeling
his horse the Mad Marauder of the Mines
dashed away with a wild yell that was ter-
rible to hear.

 

CHAPTER xxxvu.
A MAN OF ILL OMEN .

ed upon the horse given him by Little Nug-
get, and which Grizzly Jim had told him
was about the flcctest animal in the mines.‘

He put spurs to the horse as he saw the
Mad Marauder wheel and dash away, but it
did not take him long to see that the large
white steed he followed wasxunning away
from him, and without apparent urging by
his strange and terrible-looking rider.

He knew that his horse was going at a
very great speed, yet the other, though not
at his best, for he was running without an

Behind him come Rexford riting at the
full speed of his horse, and following him
came Grizzly Jim whose animal was also a

white flyer ahead, and as they reached the
spot where the two horsemen lay, theMad
Marauder disappeayed from view in the.
thicket.

" See what you can do for them, Grizzly
Jim, while I follow him," called out the
lieutenant. \

“ Don’t go, sir, for it is useless,” shoute
Grizzly Jim, but the officer and the soldier
sped qn. .

Into the thicket they dashed, then up a
ridge to the top, and far away across the
p19. n the flying white horse and his mad

“It is no use. licxford. for it would take
a bird to catch him.
“I would give any price for that horse:

but let us return to aid Grizzly Jim, for one f

of those men was not (lead I noticed."

Back they went as the lieutenant uttered
the words, and soon after they sprung from
their panting horses at the scene of the mad-
man‘s deadly attack.

There lay two men in the rough garb of
miners, and near them were their saddle and
pack-horses.

They were both lying as still as death, and
a glgnce showed the lieutenant that one was

en . .
,He had a terrible cut across hishead, and
one that had at once proved fatal. '

The other man 'had also a glancing\blow

 

 

on the head and yet it had not‘killed him

and as the lieutenant came. up he became
conscious and turned his eyes upon him.

“ My poor fellow, i fear you are badly
wounded,” said the oilicer, kindly.

“The blow on my head stunned me, but
the thrust he first gave me with his ugly
knife is fatal—«I feel it.”

“ By Ileaven, but he did give you a
thrust, I see it now here in your back! but
it may not be fatal."

“ Ah, yes, 1 know.“

“ What- was his reason for attacking

on?”

“ Gold."

“ He expected he would get gold?"

“ No, he knew that my pard and l were
going where we could find gold—l know
where it is, and that madman does too, for
I recognized him, and he sought lo kill us,
as it is said he slays all who come this way
in search of gold."

“ You say that you know him?"

“I know him," and the dying man spoke
with a great effort.

“Who is he?”

The man did not answer immediately, but
at last said in almost a whisper:

“ He is—" t

A shudder ran through his frame, and
Lieutenant Hammond placed his hand quick-
ly on his pulse, and said: '

“ Poor fellow, he is dead.” .

“I will finish his sentence, sir, and tell 7":

on that that giant rider is known as the ‘f
lIad Marauder of the Mines. 5

“He is mad, folks says, and I guesses -
they hain’t far wrong, for he dresses in ther
skins 0’ wild beasts, rides without saddle or
bridle, allus oes at a run, ‘ust like his , ..
hpr'se was ma , too, and kills or ther love ‘ ,3:
o it. ‘ '

“Bein' from the lower country, loot'nent, .,
maybe youthain‘t hecrd of him: but we *
knows him hereabout only too well.

“They says love of gold has crazed him,
and that he belonged to a party 0' gold-hum
ters all of whom was massacred by the In-
juns save him, and that may hcv tamed his
brain.

“No man has ,yet followed his trailthet
hasn’t been kilt. or had bad luck, and so
they calls him ther Man of I’ll-Omen, and
you bet he is that. ‘

.“Hc attacks any force he thinks he kin
git away with. and it was seein‘ your uni-
forms thet run him off, for he looked fora
comp'ny o‘ cavalry, ycr see.

“He makes dashes into a settlement one
time. then into a. Iujun village, and ndxt into
a mining-camp, and gitsofi every time. , .

“Them poor fellows fired onto him,’ but
missed him as all docs, for he hears a charm- ‘
ed life. . ' ' ' . ,

“ Ther Injuns looks at him as a evil spirit.
and won’t try to kill him, and pale-faces is
jist as scared of him.

“ Now that is what thet Man 0’ Ill-Omen
be, loot’nent.” ~

“ Well, Grizzly,Jim, I am obliged to you
for telling me of him, and I remember that I
have heard of the Mad Marauder before.

“ But I am sure of, one thing, and that is;
that the man who jiust died knew him, that
is,‘knew more of h m than others do» but':
death sealed his lips before he could utter ‘
what he would say. i ‘

“Now lotus take these bodies to camp,"
and the two dead forms were put across,
theimlwn saddles and taken to the camp on.

t e . . V ‘ T .

‘ CHAPTEIBXXXVIII.
II THE ARRIVAL.

Tim bodies of the two unfortunate gold
hunters were laid under a large tree to
await burial. the horses staked out again,‘
and while Grizzly Jim went on with the
work of cooking dinner. Lieutenant Help“
mond and Rexford started in to dig a ve.\

They had gottenit half dug When rizzl
Jim called them to dinner, and they hastened
’to enjoy it, for the werehnngry, the 0316's
putting on y no ars, but eating with th
others. \ \  ,

After a smoke and, talk over the strange"
horseman and his deadly work, theng
was completed» and the bodies'wrappedin
blankets and placed in it. ‘

   
    
  
   
    
   
 
 
   
     
   
    
  
 
 
  
   
   
   
   
 

 

 

/ Grizzly Jim’ had been working with him,,

    

, As it was late in the afternoon, and 
camp was a goodone against surprise, it. ' ‘

  

  
 

  xvi-m,» mum... .. .i  .,.. . .  .  ..

18

White Beaver’e still Hunt. *

 

 

decided that they should remain there until
the morning.

The lieutenant opened the packs of the
two men, discovered their names and where
they were from, and having extra horses, now
lightened the packs all around and divided
up the weights their saddle-animals had been
carrying.

Having seen how dangerous a foe the Mad
Marauder had been, Grizzly Jim said he
would sleep through the afternoon and until
the others got ready to retire, when he would
stand guard through the night.

Soon after dark ltexford cooked supper,

/ and when it was ready Grizzly Jim was call-
ed and at nine o'clock went on duty.

But the night passed without an alarm.
and the little party were in the an die and
ready to start at daybreak.

They followed the trail the Mad Marauder
had taken, as it went their wa , and until
miles after it turned off tower a mountain
range.

“ I guess you are right, Grizzly J im, and
that he did think we had a company of sol-
diers, for he took good care not to stop any-
where near us; but I would ive much to
run down that man and get hi horse.”

“ You bet you would, air, for there is no
other animal like him. and I hope thar hain’t
man more men like ther rider. ‘

- “ hy, loot’nent, that be three rewards
on thet mad rider's head, dead or “alive.” ,
“Indeed?”

“Yes, sir, there be, one from the settle-
ments on this border of five thousand, ten
_ thousand more from that miners and five
 thousand from ther Gover’ment, and yet no

. one has yet got ther money, and mighty .few

in t n‘ ter am it that I has heerd on. ‘

. “ 'ou ask ther colonel at Fort M———-, and

he kin tell yer all about him; but here is a

good place to camp for breakfast, sir. f'

’r The part hsd soon camped, breakfast was

cooked an disposed of.,snd after shalt of

«an hour and a half the horses ware pushed

briskly on for along ride before dinner.

‘ At two another halt was made and when
high); cameo. camp was made for supper and
rest, and to wait until the moon rose; when
was decided that they would push right

on to the fort. .

y This they did, and when dawn broke Fort

Mp—wwas in sight, and the tired horses

.pricked upvtheir ears . and quickened their

pace, knowing that the end of their journey

was at hand.

 
  
  
  
   
   
   
  
  
  
  
   
   
   
 
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
    
   
    
     
 
  
   
    
  
    
   
   
     

  

 
    
   
 

ibythe sentinel in the lookout, and at first
the Berlitenant was supposed to be Surgeon
owe ., .

But soon after itwas seenthathe was not,
and, upon reaching-the stockade gates he was

  

ceived a warm greeting.

, ‘L‘l-am tired, sleepy, hungrypand bear dis-
patches. Berklman, and have much to tell of
my trip. v r i V r

, ‘f-Plcase see that my guide gets good at-
tention, for Rexford can look after himself

 
 

   

Once to see Colonel Merrill,” said. Lieutenant
Hammond, , / , _ 
;‘_~Witlrout going to “brace up,”as Captain
Benedict suggested, Lieutenant Hammond
out at once to headquarters, escorted by
villabrother officer, for the colonel, the latter
said, was up, as he had seen him on his
plans. half an hour before. ,
' Lieutenant Hammond‘had never been to
Fort M-——- before, yet heknew a number of
.olficersthere, and had served under Colonel
Merrill years before on the frontier. , .
He was known as a dashing oflleer ands
ggiect soldier, while he! had seen much of
dot service and had a will of iron in
dogging out a duty he was sent on. ' '
A o'colonel came out upon the iazza'of
his'oahin quarters as the two 0 eers up:
reached, and’after n‘close glance at, the
cup lieutenant. called out cheerily-s, _ '-

 
 

  
  
   
  
    
  
  

 

   
    
   
   
   
  
  
   
 
 

   
   

‘ 2‘"; 0.:Hommond, glad to see you at on
but trust no serious trouble. b gs
‘e”_ _, . ‘ I I _. ‘, ‘ .

 

mi: 3X25er 

 
  

 
   

    

 ' QC‘BA

 ‘  Ibo

lspatcbes  General  tMiles', ,

 gin. New Merioooand’n n,le start
he was an aide, Lieutenant amniotic hand

Theapproach of the (party was reported‘

recognized by the ofiicer of, the day and re- V

among his old comrades, and I will hasten ,at‘

it;

ed over the papers, and Captain Berkmau
havin returned to his post, took the seat
oilereg him.

“You looked fagged out, Hammond, so
must have had a hard time of it, for it takes
a good deal to pull you down I happen to
remember.

" What escort had you 2’”

“ A lguide and two soldiers, sir, I started
with, but I tried to rescue some miner
prisoners from a small band of Indians, and
lost my guide and one of my soldiers.

“ One of the miners was also killed. and
we were made prisoners along with the two
we sought to aid, and, but for Surgeon
Frank Powell, would have lost our scalps."

" Ha! you have sthn Powell then ?" quick-
ly asked the colonel.

" We all owe him our lives, sir, for he it
was, with one other, a young miner and a
gentleman, who rescued us and then heat off
a band of over half a hundred red-skins.

“ It's a long- story, colonel, and an inter-'
esting one, I assure you, and I am anxious to
tell it when you can hear it, to account for
my being four days behind the time when I
should have delivered those dispatches to

“ I feel that it was for- the best of reasons
that you delayed, Lieutenant Hammond, as I
know you well: but go to your room and
freshen up, while I look ever these dis-
patches, and then ,we will have breakfast,
for you will be my guest while here."

The Colonel's invitation was a command;
and so the young officer sent an orderly after
fiis traps and went to the room assigned to

1m. . ,

After shaving and putting on a fresh uni-
form he,felt much refreshed. and heartin
enjoyed the breakfast he sat dewn to.

The colonel had looked over the dispatches
and said:

“ There was no desperate haste for these
papers to reach me, as you knew, Hammond,
for the general has written that you are
aware of their contents; but/I shall at once
act upon his suggestion and make a move
with my troops to show the red-skins that
we are on the. watch for them and so put an-
end to this general uprising along the line
that rheugeneral 1has information of their
preparing for.” - _ ' ,-

" It would be la good'idea, sir, General
Miles thinks, for the fortcommanders to
make a grand bluff, so to speak. and by so
doing check the intention the red skins have
ofvgoingju n the war—path.” ‘ ._ ‘3

‘ ‘It‘shal be done, and as the general. sets
a date three days from this,fI will have
.ample time to send, conriers to the other
two forts to join with me in the movement
With every man that. can be spared from the
forts.” ‘ ‘ r .’  ‘ ,

“ Shall’I not carry the ordersto the other
‘forts, sir?” . l ' . . ‘

’ “No, indeed. for you have gone through
enopgh‘dn coming here, I can plainly see,
and besides» I wish to have your reportdn
:fnll‘tand know all abont Surgeon Powell.

“ shall at once send the couriers, with
dispatches, and then I’ll‘hear your story.”

,pared by the assistant ndjutantgeneral and,
gtgflicates made of them and dispatched by’
1

one shouldvnot eta through all ri ht. , ‘

'Bth the .co onel turned to! ieutenant
Hammondand said: . . , ' 
“ I knowthatit ‘is a very dangerous stroll
to come over,the onetbat you have folloWed,
audyou have done well to get through at

    
 

   

» all, starting with o'nly,a scout and two men '

 
 
   

asan 'escort,‘,and I_ am‘ much interested in
knowing ow you did it,
‘ story; lieutenant?" ’

   
   
 
   
   

his adventures; since leaving General Miles’s
headquarters. ’ '

 
 
    
  

red-,‘sklnsrbut' his guide had'tbeen a good one

’ Coating, upon the smallfband that vhsdiLit—
diluent and Grizzly Jim rrhonsrsihe
‘ ' ' ‘ 1" them; been drawn

 

In halfan hour the dispatches were pro»

‘ erent couriers, two to each 'fort,.in case

,spvnow to your!
, Percy Hammond atv‘onoe began to relate
~~ 1 . ,.  , ,‘ {that wretclr?’M
II 'had foundritj very dangerous travelling; I ‘ '
from the firemen account of rovingc‘bands

andAheylhadthus escaped capture several.

  
 

I _ into.
. sgeout and a soldier, ~

into camp and I saw Powell and one other
drop two of the red-skins, and then dash out
to our rescue, I was never more surprised in
my life.

“The red skins even in their panic, sought
to run to us and kill us, but our rescuers
made it so hot for them they fled in terror :0
their ponies, Powell following them While
his companion ran up to where we were, cut
my bonds, gave me a knife, and he set the
others free and then went gunning for the
Indians too.

“ But Powell had stampeded the Red
Birds, so we could only recover our weapons.“
and horses, which they had left, with all of
their camp outfit, and retreat to a rocky hill
near by and prepare to stand them off.”

And the lieutenant went on to tell of the'

strategy and their all slipping away from the

soldiers on guard and a couple of horses to-
make the camp appear still occupied.

 

CHAPTER XL.
UNFATHOMED.

COLONEL MERRILL had listened with the
deepest attention, to all that Lieutenant.
Hammond had told him of the adventures he
had met with on the trail. ‘

When he had spoken of Surgeon Powell
and Paul Paxton, the colonel had asked:

“Who is this comrade of Powell’s, Ham-
mbnd?” .

“ I can onlysa , sir, I know him as Paul
Paxton, and, wit four others he was mining
in Bed Rock City.

“He is». gent eman, a plucky fellow andi
most pleasant companion. , .

“ I have a re ort to make to you now, sir,’
which Doctor owell desired me to make.
andawritten communication to you from.
Mr. Paxton, and this will doubtless explain,
sir, surgeon Powell’s resignation from the:

may. ’

“ Ah! I shall be glad to know some good
reason. for I regretted very much to lose.
him from the service, as we arldid, for“

fort.” V , -
‘ “ And deservedly so, sir; but What I am
to say to you from Surgeon Powell is that.
he resigned hiscommission, as he intended.
going, upon a trail of revenge.”

“Revenge?” , , . , i,

“Yes, sir. ,

tell, cruelly wronged him and those he:
,loved. ' ' ’ . , . j
““ He‘sough‘t to avenge those wrongs. and‘
learning that the one he most wished to find *
was mining in, Bed Rock camps he went
there. i " ‘

David Dunston, and his companions, three
in number, were men by the name of Velour,
Turpin and Paul Paxton." ‘ -

".“ Paxton, eh?” "

wrenged Powell as the other three had, tor
it seems that the‘ trio bad lea ued together
in the mining country, an meeting, ‘or
knowing Paxton, he. had jorned them. -

 

  

may kno

 
 

Bolton, the ambler.”
“Iknow‘ im,’and
him for his. crimes.” ' ,   
_ . "Powell has'sa‘ved you that Atrouhle; ir,
for he killed Bolton."\ \\ ‘- v ‘
The colonel sprung to his feet
citement and cried: ~ . . x
“ Can, this be true, that Powell has killed.

’_l\‘

fflt lash.” _ , a A.._  , a
i f‘ Then he avenged his brother ofilcer kill
ed by Bolton. yea. andma'ny others toes?
., ‘,"‘As vthe'Dunston ,psrty left on =
Powell. entenv'the,,¢am  the, landlox;
rented; the doctor to  tpn, . I ‘
said-that they ,Wer “gone, but:
lhoughtxsutjtlielr; bums. and their ’

'life or do ndfhe’n’vas hung

   
 

 

bill as they had done, and leaving dummy ‘

  83""

there was no more popular man at‘th’eé ,

a “That one was a man by the name of '

‘fight and retreat of the Indians, of Powell’s. ‘

“ There were those who had in some way, » "
just how’I do not 'know,» and he does not.

“Yes, sir, but he was not one who had ' V

x “ That v:hey were conscience-stricken you , ,
when I tell you that Dhnston and . .

'his pards saw Powell ride into the camps" .‘ 3

and theyat once sold ont tbcir claim to Buck; ’ g

l

someday hope to bang? .y'

 

 

 

     
     
       
  
    

 

              
     
       
 
   
     
            
      
     
  
   
  
  
    
   
  
      
    
    
  
     
  
   
  
    

 

 

       
   
 

- ,. mm”... ., w... Mme“ “mu—ck...“ _ ..

 

 

   
 

‘ w anathema: halfado‘zen

n... at-.. .. 

White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

    

19*

 

 

ell breaking the gambler's hand with a shot,
and then being forced to kill him.”

The story of the supposed youth who was
the Surgeon’s Scout‘s second, was made
known, then the taking of the trail by the
flour fugitives, killing of llemon Dick, and
the coming to Dunston’s camp, with the
triple duel that followed.

Colonel Merrill seemed deeply moved, for
he was much attached to the Surgeon Scout,
and he then had the written statement of
Paul Paxton, and said:

“Yes, Frank Powell resigned, as he was
too honorable a man to wear a uniform and
still goon a trail of revenge.

“That he did kill these men is proofthat
he had every reason for hisact, and he has
my sympathy in all that he has passed
through.

“It all seems like a romance, Lieutenant
Hammond, and yet it is all true.

“But What you tell me about Powell’s
going alone on the trail troubles me, and
that, too, into the Indian country.

" What can it mean?"

” It is as much a mystery to me, sir, as to

on.

“He told me nothing more than that he
had a mission to perform, and went on it
alone.

"He left us after leavin the camp, and,
of course, since then I have‘ eard nothing of
him; but, by obeying his instructions we
reached Bed Rock in safety, but whether
pursued by the red-skins or not, I do not
know.”

"And this girl you refer to, this little
Nu at. is a mystery ”

" ghe is, sir, and a very beautiful one.

“ She is innocent-faced, she is educated»
refined, and though clad as a youth, is
modest and retiring

“ As regards fear, she does not know the
word, and she now remains in Bed Rock
City to have Paul Paxton settle u the
property left by her gambler husban Bol-
ton, who has anumber of claims in paying
leads there, and left her ver rich.”

“Well, Powell did a 0 service in rid-
ding the earth of Buc Bolton, and I am
glad that she so understands it,” said the
colonel, warmly. ,

 

CHAPTER XLI.
ON THE RETURN TRAIL.

Havmo‘made known to the colonel the
happenings at Bed Rock, and how generous-
ly aul Paxton and Little Nug et had treat-
ed hint and the soldier chfor , Lieutenant
Hammond went on to state that he had

’ secured the services of Grizzly Jim as a.

uide to the fort, and relate the adventures
t my had had with the Mad Marauder of the
mines. ‘

“I have heard of that Man of Ill-Omen
time and again. and, as the old guide told
you, there are rewards oflcred for him dead
or alive. .,

“He has been on the border for years,
rangin from New Mexico into Arizona and
Colora o, and his name has become a terror
in settlements, miningicamps and even in the‘
forts, though I haVe yet to learn of his hav-
ing attacked a soldier. , ‘ V

“ But others he is merciless to.

“He has, single-handed, attacked emigrant
trains, bands of Indians and dashed into
c‘amps’ and settlers until he is justly called the
Merciless Marauder, and the Deadly Hand
Demon. " i

“ So he killed both of ' the unfortbnnte
men.,one of whom you think knew him?”

,“ Yes, sir, and I brought on their papers
and efiects to send to their homes, for I found
their address and names among their

V eflects.” ‘

“Poor fellows, they met, but the fate of
far too ‘inany who .come to this wild, unset-
tled land; but‘ there are generations to come
who will reap the benefits made possible by a
vast human sacrifice of brave pioneers and
soldiers." saidthe colonel sadl . . .

When the lieutenant had finished his story
he said: , . l

“Is there noway, colonel, that this Mad-
Marauder can harm: down!” ' r .' ,

2" “There \been no we discovered yet;
rave scouts who
have gone out especially to hunt him dewn,

andfive‘of them never returned

1 q

 

 

 

sea! iofimrsnd

“And the sixth, sir?”

“ Is in the asylum, as mad as the mysteri-
ous man he went to kill.

“ What he saw no one knows; but his
horse brought him back to the fort half-
starved, halfpnkmi, hatless, shoelcss, and
without bridle or saddle.

“ llis weapons were gone, and the man
was dazed and would not utter a word.

“He got better physically, but his mind
is a wreck, and he will not talk ofwhat hap-
pened to him, though Surgeon l’owcll felt
assured that he knows perfectly well.

“Poor fellow, it would have been better
had he been killed.”

- “ It is demoralizing, sir, to feel that there
is such a person roaming at large, who can-
not be run down."

“I should think it was demoralizing, for
scouts who would face death in any form,
do not care to behold that man, and the
soldiers speak of him as the Man of Ill-
omen. ~

“ All the traps laid for him he is too cun-
ning to be caught in, and he rides a horse
that has no equal for speed and endur-
ance.”

"I had a proof of that myself, sir."

“ So you see there is nothing to be done
except to hope that he may be captured or
killed by accident some day.”

“ I hope it may be soon, sir.”
“ do 1.

"Why, Hammond, I sent three hundred
men on a search for him once, and they were
gone ten days.

“They did not even see him, but he fol-
lowed them into the settlement above here
and killed two men at their own cabin.”

“ He is a terror, sir. ”

“Powell was wont to say that he would
like to meet him some day, but he is the one
whom I have heard longing for the oppor-
tunit , and I should dislike to have even
Fran Powell come across that man.”

' “ So would I, sir, unless he was well sup-
ported.

“ I was very silly to press on after him as
I did, after Grizzly Jim’s warning, as he
might have ambushed me.” '

“Yes, though, as I have said, I have
never’ heard yet of a single instance where
he has taken the life of a man in uniform,
and numerous chances are cited where he had
the opportunity.”

“Now. Colonel Merrill, about my return,
sir, for Grizzly Jim will guide me back to
payload Bed Rock City where I know the

rat .” .

“ When do you wish to go?"

“I am at your service, sir; but am anxious
to return assOon' as you will permit.” '

“ All right, resta couple of days here, and
then start ‘

“ Your adventures must be known. save
Powell’s triple duel. which I will not yet
speak of, and you will find yourself a hero
here among the ladies, lieutenant. ’

“ Now make the rounds and see some of
your brother oflicers.”

" The lieutenant did make the rounds and
everywhere was received with the greatest
’of pleasure by his brother officers.

He spoke modestly of his trail on, and it
was not until after the colonel had made
known his adventures on the trail, that it
was seen how really modest he had been,
and then he at once became a hero in-
deed. . i

That he‘had actually seen and pursued the

Mad Marauder, was a great feather in his
cap, and also that he had not only met the
the ndia‘ns. ' ,
, Hearing of theromance of Little Nugget
a numlicriof the young officers expressed a‘
desire to be‘sent on some. duty to Bed Rock
City to see the handsome youn ,heroine, the
gambler’s widow, and aske Lieutenant
Hammond if’hedid not wish an escort back
to the mines. , ‘3 ' §

Man questions Were asked about Surgeon
Powel . and all regretted that, he had gone
up. into the Ind on country upon! some
mission of mystery they could not fathom.

After two days at the fort, during which
hé got but little rest. Lieutenant Hammond
started upon the return trail, accompanied
by Soldier; micron! (and; Grizzly» Jim, and
,the whole garrison. was on hand to bid them

' Surgeon Scout but been rescued by him from

   

 
  

   
   
 

 
 
  
 
 

 

 
    

    
  
   

tribe in visiting the viliage alone was ll ’

 

lucky. . . ‘1‘ W98 “fills “er? sled 0‘ it and M361
. ,. : _ - 3

CHAPTER XLII.
IN 'rnn LIONS' DEN.

'l‘un scene changes once more to the village-
of the Sioux, in the village which was their
stronghold among the mountains, the passes
of which were well guarded.

Frank Powell entered the village with a.
face as calm as a May morning.

There was not a shadow upon his brow,
no pallor of the skin, no expression of dread"
upon his fine face, though he knew that he 0
was alone amid thousands of fees.

It was true that he went with those whom
he had well befriended, the daughter of the-
Medicine Chief Death Fighter, whom he had
saved from the knife of the renegade, the
chief War Eagle, whom he had kept back,
from the grave, and other wounded red—
skins who had to acknowledge his skill and
kindness. ‘

But amid all those Indians who hated the
pale-faces, to whom his own name had been
a. terror. might there not be some who would.
demand his life?

If such a question came into his mind his
looks did not show it. .

The line of march was taken up first.-
for the large tepee of the young chief, War-
Eagle, and amid yells, wailing and chant,
the returned party held their way.

Bird, or as Doctor Powell had named
her, the Little Girl Soldier Sioux, rode by_the~
side of Big Medicine, the pale-face.

She appeared to wish to give him confi’
denim that she being his friend all would be.-
we .

Arriving at the te cc of the chief, with
every eye upon him, rank Powell sprung
to the ground and at once called about‘him
the braves who were to move the War Eagle:
to bisquarters.

He went into the tepee and arranged the
bed himself, and then ordered the warriors;
to bringehim in, aiding himself so that there:
would no movement that might bring on.
a hemorrha e from the wounds. ,

The chie was placed upon his bed and' § .
then, addressing the braves to keep the tepeo :
clear, Doctor Powell dressed the wounds, “
with the greatest care. ‘

When all wasdone,
lowl spoken: i , z

“The Big Medicine Chief of the Pale-5
faces will‘go to the tepee new of the Little.
Soldier, as he calls the Bed Bird, and see,
her father, the Death Fighter." .

"I will first go and see to the wounded;
braves in their tepees, now that they are at
home. for the need my care. - .
B.“d'l"hen I will come to the lodge of the Bed‘

1r . ' ’ -

“Does ‘hotitihe mane Medicine 011.1515
to amon he 0 gas 0 my peep e , -'

fight, no,gmy red brothers will do me ‘n
harm. i . r ‘

“ I do not fear them." '1

“The Red Bird knows the tepees of 
braves who are wounded, and she will go
with the Medicine Chief." . , ‘ \ , y

The Indian girl was evidently afraid to u?»
too much faith in her people, when the ur-
geon Scout was concerned. . l.

She wished to be assured of his safety ‘
among them first. ‘ ' ' .

And'Frank Powell understood her motiv
and was glad. to have her go, for he, thought.
not wishing to show fear of them, well k-
his danger.‘ ‘ ,

“‘ The white chief is in the home of his
brothers, and he is welcome. ‘.

" Let him feel that be is as though in then
led es of ibis own people.” .v , .' ,.

he words wore uttered in a low. faint
tone, but. they reached the ears 0"! Fran
Powell. ‘ r i. ‘ 3 ,.

It was . the War Eagle who spoke, and
added. as though he too felta dread the
some bravo mizh be hostile: , "

,“ Will the Re Bird go with the w rte
chief to see. my wounded braves, and, then
take him to the tepeeof her father?

' “ But his home is here in the War Tape, ,

This was an honor indpod, andpnderstan‘d'.
ing it the Surgeon Seout appreciated it.‘ 
the War Tcpee was a sacred lodge, where it
relies taken from foes in battle were
and in which the head chief --ofa '

 

      
   
   
   
  
   
    
  
   
   
  
  
    
   
   
  
    
   
  
  
    
   
    
    
   
    
  
   
 
 
   
  
   
     
   
  
   
  
    
  
  
   
    
    
  
    
     

he heard the words. 3':

    

     
     
    
 
     

   
 
  
 
  
  
  
  

      
    
  
   
 
  

editosleep. ~ , ,
 Bird smiled at the honor but at

 

'20

White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

 

 

"The great chief, \Var Eagle, has spoken
well-—the White Medicine Chief shalljrest in
the \Var Tepee,”

Then she led the way to the lodges of the
wounded braves, going first to the one where
the warrior was who had lost his arm, and
who was proud of the name given him by
Doctor l’OWell of One Arm Killer.

As they left the tepee of the War Eagle
they met an Indian Medicine (lhief in full
war-paint and dressed most gorgeously.

He had a tom-tom in his hand that he
struck as he walked along. as though to her-
ald his approach as one of importance.

lie was almost a giant in site, being six
feet five inches in height, with broad shoul-
(lers, sinewy limbs and a man of very great
strength.

“ it is the Medicine Chief Red Lightning,
and he has a bad heart.

v “ Let the \Vhite Medicine Chief beware of
‘ him," said Red Bird as he approached, and
her face clouded as though she was sorry to

meet the Indian.

CHAPTER XLIII.
MEDICINE CHIEF RED LIGHTNING.

Is she could have done so Red Bird would
have glided by Red Lightning.

1 But he would not have it so.

' ‘ He saw the Red Bird, and he saw that she

" , had a pale-face with her.

‘ ' I Red Lightning was an Indian feared more
than any other in the village, for many be-
lieved that his heart was bad. -

He was a young chief, had made a record
in battle, and afterward as n medicine-chief.
He had forms that. he went through with
the sick that gave all a superstitious fear of

. him, and often fdghtened the invalid to-

death.

- He dressed in the wildest, most orgeous
'and weirdest manner, and he had and be-
‘ ‘come the rival of the head chief, War Eagle,
1101" the hand of the Red Bird.

I

 
    
   
   
  
 
 

.he held power, and he used it for his own

an . . .
Instead of livingiin a tepee, his home was
i in a cave in the cliffs overlooking the village,
— and few cared to go there.-
.- He had a following of his band, consist-
ing of a hundred young brave , and his word
was low to them, and several times had his
~ command sentenced a Warrior to death.
' v Such was the chief whom Frank Powell
, :now had to face. and one who stood as the
strongest man in the tribe. the fleetest on
foot, and the deadliest foe, in a combat. '
“ The Red Bird has escaped from the wolf
'and come back to her nest.
 The Red Lightning is glad," slid the In-

.disn.

 “ The Red Bird comes back because the

‘ ,eat White Medicine Chief here saved'her
rom death, shot the traitor chief Killer, and

dressed the wounds of War Eagle, and kept

Jilin from going to the happy hunting‘

groan s. .
‘ “ The white chief is her brother, and the
,rother of the War Eagle.
“Let the Red Lightning welcome him."
‘ But, astbough not hearing this request
“the Indian said: ,
"I have heard that the War Eagle came
“back wounded by the Killer, and that there
Rowers braves who also came back suffering
rom ale-face bullets.
. “ e Red Li htning was not sent for to
$1' their vaogn a; b11331]? is now fgoitrliig to
to o t e ar eto care or m.”
--  ‘i.
an

      
  
 
  
   
  
   
 

 

 
  
   
  
  
  
   
   
 
 
     
  
    
    
  
  
  
  

rd looked frig tened and quickly

“ The ,White Medicine Chief has cared for
him; and he is going 'to care for the otherS.
.now that the? are in their own to es.

"The R Lightning is kin , but the
wounded chief and hrav are under the care
of’the White Medicine Ch of." ‘

)‘-The white chief is our foe, and should

 I Will see the War Eagle.” 1
For the first time Doctor Powell spoke.
‘89 had been quiet! taking the measure
‘ he Indian" and read im thoroughly. .
a: is a dangeromi man, and holds powor'

 not yield to him,” he'muttered

" imso .. l
Theo/ho said aloud, addressing the In.
inhiscolmwgy; , ' , g _. g,

  
   
 
 
 
   

 
     
   

 

    
 
    
   
  
 
  
 
     
 

Next to War Eagle and Death Fighter ‘

“ The War Eagle is asleep, and needs
not the care of the Medicine Chief Red
Lightning.

- “ Let him stay away from his tepee until
he sends for him."

“ Does the pale-face (log dare tell the
lied Lightning his duty?" roared the lndian
savagely.

“The Red Lightning is a fool—I do not
fear him," was the quick retort.

What the Indian would have done or
said was quickly checked by lied Bird.

The young girl rose to the occasion.

She drew her form up, her eyes flushed,
and steppinng to the furious chief she
said in a voice that rung with earnestness
and anger:

“The Red Lightning is a fool.

“ I'Iis tongue is crooked, his heart is bad.

“Does he dare say that the “far Eagle‘

and the Red Bird‘s white brother shall be
spit upon?

“Does he for et that the Red Bird is
the daughter 0 the great chief Death
Fighter?

“ Does he forget that she is to be the bride
of the War Eagle?

“Let him turn his steps and go to his
cave in the cliffs with‘shame, for if he
dares go .near the tepec of the War Eagle
he shall have to deal with the Death Fighter,
“ The Red Bird has spoken."

The chief, strong as he felt himself to he
in his power, quailed before the young girl.

He knew that her word was aslaw there.
as powerful as that of the War Eagle or
the Death Fighter.

He felt. that a call from her would bring
the ,young braves that were her father’s
band about her, and the War Eagle's one
word would sentence him to death.

Bold as he was. he dared not put his will
against that of the Red Bird, and he knew
it

Cunning as a. fox, he retreated from his
position, and said:

“ The Red Bird has spoken, and the Red
Lightning obeys. ~ '

“ He will Welcome the white chief, and
take him to his tepee.”

“No, the White Medicine Chief goes with _

the Red Bird. 5
” Let the Red Lightning go his way.
“ He would see the ale-face medicine-
man care for the wound braves." >
Red Bird could offer no objection to this,

and the Indian followed, his face black with

anger. 1

CHAPTER XLIV.
. THE RIVAL DOCTORS.

THE tepce of the one-armed brave was'the
first one that Red Bird led the Surgeon Scout
to, and the found 1here a large number of
the kindre and friends of the’ wounded
man. '

The Indian lay‘mpon a robe in the tepee,
and seemed feverish and excited, but was
glad to see his pale-face doctor.

In a few words the Surgeon Scout ex-
plained tfiit the treatment of pale-face medl-
cinecmcn was different from that of the In-
dian doctors. and said that as he had begun
with the aticnt. he wished to bring him
through a i right, so he beg ed the kindred
and friends not'to disturb ne Arm Killer,
but leave him to the care of (one nurse;

The Red Lightning glared at him, and
told the Xeople not to go: but One Arm
Killer sci boldly that the white chief was
his medicine‘man, and he wished him to care
for him. , , - ‘ . .

' Some sneered at this, others hesitated, and
Red Bird spoke:

“The great White Medicine Chief is here
by the wish of his red brother, the War
Ea e. . l
. ‘cht m _ people obey his will, not that of
the Red L ghtning.” ‘

Instantly the crowd dispersed. all save the
mother and sist'ér of the wounded brave.

Then Doctor Powell felt his pulse, the red-
skin doctor looking on’the, while with a
vicious expressiomand finding him Mensa

 

I

 

 

’ from excitement, gave him some medicine.

  
  
   
  

“Then he unbound the stmnp‘of the arm
and dressed itover again with the greatest of
care. winking cheer-tally: ' - '
-‘.‘fl‘bs One Arm Killer is

 

  

be it uiet db iii?“ “will
 a an ' is soon. -. '
Massages?! - I r ,

He made him a fresh bed of robes, placed
him on it and then left him.

Another of the wounded braves was then
visited, the red doctor following close upon
the heels of the Red Bird and his white
rival.

Here, as before. a number of kindred and
friends were visiting, and they were dis
missed by a few words from the Indian
girl, after Doctor Powell had told them his
wish.

As at One Arm Killer‘s tepee Red Light-
ning eyed every movement of his rival,
gazed fixedly at the wound, watched its be
ing dressed. saw the medicine given the
brave to soothe him, and then followed to
the next tepec.

So it went on until the rounds were made
by Red Bird and the Surgeon Scout, the
Indian medicine-luau following like a shad-
ow.

Red Bird was glad to see that the patients
all showed perfect faith in the white chief,
not one of them expressing a wish to switch
off to the Red Lightning.

This confidence they had conveyed to their
relatives and friends. and as it was also told
them how the pale-face chief had saved Red
Bird and Chief War Eagle from death, and
killing the. renegade kidnapper the Killer,
had given the young girl his scalp, the In-
dians began to feel that he who had been
their much dreaded foe was now indeed their
friend.

At each tepee the Red Lightning had
made some rude remark about his rival. but
~it‘only ended in a rebuke from Rod Bird that
mortified him.

Still he did not learn a lesson, and kept on.
When the last of the wounded braves had
been seen. and Red Lightning knew just'
how many there Were, he asked gruflly:

“ Where does the Red Bird take the pale-
face now ?”

“ To the tepe‘e of the Death Fighter,
where the Red Lightnin‘ had better not
come and anger the Red ird or the White
Medicine Chief.

“The Red Lightning has ears—has he
heard?”

“ The Red Lightning has ears. 1

“He will go to the tepee of the Death
Fighter.” ‘

Red Bird made no reply and led the way
to one of the rustic bridges, which the ln-
dlans had thrown across the stream here and
there. .

A number of squaws and children were
gathered there, along with a few braves,:and

' they rceted the Red Bird as though they

great y loved her.

But curious and dark glances were cast
upon the Surgeon Sc'out.

Going /up to the oup of tepees where
dwelt the great it edicine Chief Death
Fighter he was discovered seated out in a
swinging chair, hung from the limb of a
tree.

IHis appearance was majestic, for his hair
was iron-gray his form tall and his costume
most gorgeo . .

The Indian girl had sent a. s ecial, mes-
senger to her father to tell him 0 her ’delay
in comin at once to him, and that the pale-
fnce chic would accompany her.

She saw him now in all the regalia of his
rank wearing his war-bonnet an with his

V lasso, how and arrows in his han s, and she

knew that he had heard the story of her
rescue andall that happened and ad pre-:
pared to welcome the white" chief with
honor. , .

The old chief seldom left his to now,
for he had, many' wounds, gained . a battle
long before. that troubled and crippled him,
and heleft'the duties" of medicine—man to
Red Lightning and others. i ,

But his eye was bright, his farm erect:
voice clear and strong, and he held his ower
still, the head chief in the village. whi q the

the braves in the field.
swinging‘seat to greet them."

,\ , V CHAPTER XLV.

3 THE WHITE Elam ’7 ;. .-

"As Red Bird advany “toward her fat
she uicizened her pace ‘and gain tg’hf
-, recs ved’ his greeting witha ow /
wordslofjoy at her escape from

 

\‘1

  

  
  

 

 

 

 

War Eagle was the commander lurchw'of’l‘ ‘ ‘

 

Asltheyapproached him he arose frog; 1,.“  __. i 

      
  
  
    
 
 
    

v. *2

 

 

» White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

  

21

 

  

 

Behind the old chief stood a score of his
immediate followers. medicine-men, all as
upright and still as statues.

His greeting to her over, Red Bird said:

“ This is the great White Medicine Chief,
my father. to whom I owe my life.

“ He killed the false chief the Killer, and
see, he hung his scalp at my belt.

“ He saved the life of the War Eagle and
of a number of his braves."

Frank Powell had approached the chief
and stood in silence before him, the Red
Lightning still at his back.

He knew much of the Indian customs, and
when the Red Bird had spoken he waited to
see just how the old chief would receive
him.

“ If I am solid with the old doctor-in-chief,
I’ll catch on with the rest of the faculty and
Red Lightning can go chase himself around
the camp,” he muttered with grim humor at
the position he found himself in.

The head chief gazod an instant into the
face of the white man before him.

He knew him well, and when last in the
field, several years before, they had met in
battle.

The old chief knew that the pale-face was
a. man whom his braves greatly dreaded, and
was known as the bravest of the brave.

That he had dug the grave of many of his
warriors he well knew, but it had been in
open combat. .

He loved a brave man, and he knew well
that one who held no fear stood before him.

He saw that in’his bold manner and fear-
less eyes that met his own.

He had heard ‘the whole story from those
who were there, of the rescue of his child by
the white man. ,

They reported how he had cared for a
brave just as kindly as he had for the chief.

And he knew that he had gone the .rounds
of the village with Red Bird, making the
wounded comfortable.

The chief was a man of great intelligence,
and he was well aware how much the pale-
face medicine-men knew of surgery and
medicine. .

Once he had been a prisoner, wounded and
suffering among the pale-faces, and he had
been treated most kindly.

He knew that if left to his own medicine
men he would have died.

So he was glad to have the benefit_of the
white man’s skill for the wounded chief and
his oung men.

e was more than glad also to learn that
he had his surgicai instruments and medi-
cines with him, for he felt that he could re-
lieve him of pain he then suffered from an
unextracted bullet. .

All these thin 5 had passed through the
mind of the 5d chief before Red Bird
brought the Surgeon Scout to his tepee, and

his mind was already made, up as to his

course.

So, when the white chief stood before him
he bent over and placed at his feet the lance,
bow and arrows he held in his hand.

Frank Powell’s face flushed, for he knew
that he was received with marked honor.

“ Let the great White Medicine Chief take
the weapons of the Death Fighter, and know
that he is as a brother to my people, the
chief said with dignity, and the ‘-Red Bud
smiled with deli ht;

The Sur eon cent was equal to the honor
done him, or be bent over, took 11 .the wea-

ons. slun them at his back, an unbuck-
ing his be t with the pair of revolvers and
bowie-knife in it, stepped forward and hand-
ed it to the chief with the words: ‘ _

“ The Death Fighter is a great war-chief
and mighty medicine-main. :

“ y people know him well. . ,

“Let the white chief give him his own
wea ons to wear.” ‘ . ,

Tl‘i’e face of Death Fighter flushed with
pride, his e as flashed with joy, and not to
be outdone e called out:

“ Let the Red Bird brin the sacred robe
of the white beavers. an the war-bonnet
that accompanies it, for the pale-face brave
shall wear them and be known as the White
Beaver a great chief among my people."

Dart ng into the tapes in, few moments
RedrBird returned bearing a is go robe made
of no less than sixteen white beaver-skins.“ I

 

 bite beaver is very scams and is looked
‘ _ am'doz'the Indoneuasaereldhnimalp '

 

 
    

The skins were snowy white, the edge of
the robe was fringed around with buckskin
dyed red, and the inner part was worked in
designs of various kinds with porcupine-
quills of many colors.

The war—bonnet was of eagle-feathers, dyed
and undycd, and fell almost to the feet of
the wearer.

Both were new and most gorgeous, the
robe being fastened about the neck with
mountain-lion legs dressed and with the
claws on.

With his own hands the old chief placed
the sacred war-bonnet and white beaver robe
upon the Surgeon Scout, and the pipe of
peace was at once passed around, all joining
in it save Red Lightning, who stood apart
gazing on with a look of bitterest hatred.

 

CHAPTER XLVI.
THE CHALLENGE.

THE Surgeon Scout knew full well the
great honor bestowed upon him by the old
chief.

He had expected full protection, after
what he had done, and kind treatment from
some of the Indians, but he had not supposed
that he would be the recipient of such hon-
ors.

Aware that the red-skins held the white
beaver as a sacred animal, and how great was
the value of their skins, he knew that he had
been given what, to them, was a small for-
tune in the robe and gorgeous war-bonnet.

Then too there went with them a power
second on] to that of the War Eagle, and
the great it edicinc Chief, Death Fighter.

Ile glanced at Red Lightning, and he saw
that he had in him the deadliest of foes.

That very robe had Red Lightning hoped
for. and that bonnet of eagle lumes as well.

They had been bestowe upon Death
Fighter when too old to wear them, as it
were, and the cunning sub-chief had coveted
them. and was looking forward to his superi-
or’s death at no distant day when he would
be the ranking medicine of the tribe.

Could it be now that this pale-face was to
step into his shoes?

it certainly looked so.

Thus feeling he would not smoke the pipe
of welcome and of peace.

Death Fighter saw him push the pipe from
him and glare at the pale-face, and he asked
sternly:

“What means the Red Lightning’s cloud-
ed fuce and fierce eyes among his brothers?

‘Why does he refuse to smoke the wel-
come ‘-pipe to the pale-face chief White
Beaver?”

“ The pale-face is a snake in the grass.

“He has come among ‘us to betray us to
his people.

.” He would win the Red Bird from her a

father.”

“ The Red Lightning is the snake, and he
speaks with a crooked and evil tongue.

“The pale-face chief was asked to come to
our village, after all he had done for the War
Eagle and the Red Bird.

“The Red Lightning has hate in his heart,
and acts like an old squaw.”

It was the Red Bird who answered him,
and she poke with just anger.

Her father seemed pleased at her words,
and added: a '

“Will'the Red Lightning forget that he
is. a chief, that he is a man, and as the
Red Bird says, behave like a squaw ?”

This last sting seemed to sink deep and
hurt the young Medicine Chief more than all
else, for, he shouted out with savage earnest-

ness:

“ The Red Lightning has a record.

“ He is no squaw.

“The scalps of man foes hang in his
tfipee, and there are pa e-face scalps among
t em.

‘.‘ He has hunted the pale-face soldiers, he
has killed them. has burned their homes and
run off their horses and cattle:

. .“He is a great chief,\and he is willin
to show his: courage before his people and

dare the pale-face medicine-man to fight

him. I
“ The pale-face has been honored greatly.
and if he deserves those honors he will meet
the Red Lightning. 1

"If he‘rsfuses h "worthy [the

 
     
 

    

 

  
   

 

    
  
  
  
  
   
  
  
   
   
  
   
  
  
    
   
   
  
   
  
  
   
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
    
    
   
   
  
  
    
   
   
   
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
    
     
    
  
  
   
      
  
   
   
   
   
  
   
    
    
   

sacred war-bonnet and the white beaver robe
about his shoulders.

“ Is he a man, or is he a. dog that the Red‘
Lightning can kick from his path?"

’l‘hesc defiant words of the irate chief
caused a Commotion.

Every eye was upon the White Denver.

The Red Lightning had challenged him',.
and even the power of the head chief could
not stay those words once littered.

The Red Bird know well that the Red
Lightning had played fora high stake.

He had dogged his pale-face foe for a‘
purpose, and had hurled his challenge in his
teeth.

To her it meant the death of her preserver,
and the triumph of the cunning Medicine
Chief, for who could withstand his great
strength?

The head chief also looked anxious for his
guest's safety. 
But he could say nothing once the chal-

lenge had been uttered.

The other chiefs also seemed to feel that
their'comrade had forced a fight upon one
who was their friend as he had been their
foe.

Thus all eyes turned upon White Beaver,
the pale-face Medicine Chief.

He seemed not in the least disturbed. and
his face never changed color in the slight.
est.
In fact they saw a smile upon his face, 7 3.
and turning to the head chief he said: “‘

“The Red Lightning has challenged me' '
to ii ht him to the death. . v ‘j'

“ id Irefuse I would be unworthy to ‘
wear this robe and this war-bonnet.

“ I shall not refuse.” “

Then he turned toward the Red Lightning
who had seemed to hope that he would be
afraid to meet him, and thus prove himself
a coward. '

V

 

CHAPTER XLVII.
A rion'r FOR LIFE.

WALKING calmly up to Red Li htning,
who was anxious to fight the pale- ace. yet
hoped that he would prove a coward. White
Beaver said: ,

“ The Red Lightning has spoken. ‘.

“ I will show his_ people that he has
ipoken with a lying tongue, for I will fight. i

m. . .

“If he is not afmidto die let him meet 
the White Beaver in battle. ” f '

All saw that the size and strength of the
Red Lightning held no terrors for the pale-r
face. and, yet they felt that he had no'chance~
with one who could handle the Sioux braves;
like children. . ' ' ‘

The voice of the‘ head chief broke in theirr‘
upon the silence, and he said:

“The Red Lightning has heard.

- “ The White Beaver will fight him. 5

“ Let the people be called together, and
the fight take place, for the scalp of one of ‘
them must be taken.”

The chiefs dis ersed to call the epic to.»
gether, and whi e the were gatgzring in"
front of the tepec o the great Medici!)
Chief,,Death Fighter bade one of his men
take the White Beaver to where he could
prepare for the tight. -

The Red Lightning had said. and contrary;
to the civilized code as the challen or it
had the right to say. that he woul fight
the pale-face on horseback. and with kni‘vcs.‘

Red Bird glanced at the White BeaVsr'
when it was so decided, but he seemed in
different to the mode of fighting, and simply
went with a chief after his horse. ' ' . "

He chose Rattler, and looked well to his:
equipment. . - .

He‘ had‘an extra belt of arms in his pack
and buckled them on. intendin to lay the
icvtfilvers aside and depend onfiv upon his;

in e. r ‘
k It was a new bowie-knife, longhladod and
een. . ‘

Returning to the scene, he went up to
Death Fighter and reported himself as read
for the fray, as soon as he hadcast aside 1:
fatigue coat and vest, appearing in his

ligao shirt, and wearing his sombrerd.‘ \
ed Li htning rode upon a splendid phnyfl
black as at and very spirited. while he wad
lar r than the ordinary Indian pony; . a
e was wild-lookin in his war-paint, 
gorgeous in his beaded hunting-mam.
816.83 ' v  ‘

  

  
  
    
  

      
 
   
 

     
   

  
  
     

 
   

:22

1

White Beaver’s Still Hunt. .

 

 

His pony was also gayly caparisoned.

The whole village, save the badly~wounded,
aged and younger children. were present:
ran ed in a circle forming a space of an acre
in s ze.

They parted as the Red Lightning rode in
.on one side, and stuck his lance in the
ground in the center of the human-walled

' :space.

White Beaver had been talkin to the
head chief. by whose side stood 1 ed Bird,
and about him were the medicine-chiefs.

As the Red Lightning appeared in the
ring, White Beaver mounted his horse, the
Indians opened a ane for him, and he was
.soon wlthin the fatal circle.

v 1 . There sat Red Lightning upon his horse in
'the center, and with one of his well-known
and terrible war-cries, the pale-face spurred

., g forward to meet the red-skin. »

r. ’ Bed Lightning Uttered his battle-cry and

I ,‘rushed to meet his foe.

1 _ Both men grasped their reins in their left

;' hand, and in their right were their knives,

 ugly-looking instruments of death. -

As the came close together and the In-
dian chie was about to draw rein and grasp

v his fee for the death—struggle, Rattler ave a

mighty swerve to one side, a boun , and

.striking the Indian pony a terrible blow,

' ‘ sent him down as though he had been shot.

Red Lightning caught on one foot and one
"knee, but, ere he could rise, the Surgeon
:Seout had leaped from his saddle and was
upon him.

As soon as he realized the trick of the pale-
;facc in throwing his horse, 'and saw that
 the pony did not rise, his neck‘ being broken,
.Red Lightning was convinced that he had a
' :a most dangerous foe to meet, 'and threw up
I his arm to ward 3011 a blow of the knife.
'But the arm ‘was dealt a stinging blow
' ,‘from” the Sur eon Scout’s left that benumbed
lit for asecon , and then the same hand grasp-
,0d the, wrist of the Indian’s right that held
‘ the knife.

Maddened with therfear of defeat, the In-

.jidian chief threw the whole of his mighty

strength upon his enemy to crush him by

weight and power, for, as has been said, he
was a giant in size.

, But the giant red—skin had for once met his

match in stren ’th, for the agile, lightning-

like‘ moving w ite man was too quick for

.him, and when the measuring of strength

'mme the red-skins all saw that, powerfu as

‘ was the terrible chief, his adversary was the

patron er of the two.

' j Stil grasping'the knife hand of the Indian,

a the Surgeon Scout, by a quick movement

«and a trip, threw him. half-over on one knee,

: had then, with every sinew at play and

,éstrained to its almost ten'sion, he bent him

slowly backward. ; ' t,

’It seemed to the mute lockers-on as though

I, could not be the mi hty lied Lightning

who ‘was being bent bac ward so slowly, yet

'ver so surely. ‘
would he not yet hurl his foe from him?

He made the efiort, but in vain.

 

   
  
     
  
  
  
  
 
 
  
  
   
   
  
   
 
   
  
  
 
   
    
  
  
 
  
  
  
  
   
   
  
 
  
   
  
 
   
  
    
  
 

In vain it was. . ‘ ‘ '

He tried then to writhe loose from the iron
rasp that‘held him, to clutch in. the knife
.‘hioh‘tbe white man held in his teeth while
, {used both his hands upon him, and last,
my twins his'own knife so that the bidde
e id gash the hard-drawn, sinews of his

 

   
 
  
   
 

 

     
 

But all in vain. ' l ! I '
At, last the war-bonnet of the Red Light:
n touched, the round. ' “ '

pen the pros feathers was placed the,

  
 
   
  
 
  
  

' his head intothe dust.
Then quick as a‘flesh his ri ht hand re-
ed its hold of the Ind an’s left, It,
‘ ped‘the bowie~knife between his teeth,
,0 Was shard blow and the blade sunk

    
  
 
   
      

  
     

 
 
  
 
 
 

   
 
  

,8.
Hfsf

 

 

The ,
if! not rob'bim'of hisseal
was '

[of the Surgeon Scout, and a savage
 of the form ofthe Indian,l dragged it '

the'hiit'i the body ofthcvchief .whonr.
‘ l v  vearne'Stiyrsaid the

Lightning/invasivegreateth if:
to M!

CHAPTER XLVIII.
WINNING FAVOR.

N0 act that the Surgeon Scout could have

done, would have been more appreciated by
the Indians than that he refused to take the
scalp of his fee, a trophy he was fully
entitled to.
' They knew that his scalp would have been
instantly taken by Red Lightning, and not a
word would have been said, not a hand rais-
ed, had he claimed what was his right against
the redskin.

The immediate band of the Red Lightning
had considered their chief unconquerable.

He had been went, in their games, to
handle three of his best young braves at one
time.

He was fleet of foot, could leap higher and
further, and excel in all tests of strength
and endurance.

And yet he had more than met his match
with the pale-face.

The truth was that all realized that the
white man was the stronger of the two, his
muscles were better trained, he was quicker
in movement, and he could endure more. for
he had the red-skin winded before he killed
him. v

It took a lightning movement to let. go his
grip, seize his knife from between his teeth
and drive it into the body of his foe before
that foe could resist the effort by the move-
ment of an arm.

There were scowling looks cast upon the
pale-face when he killed the red-skin.

They saw their idol shattered, fear him
though they did..

But the moment that Surgeon Powell re-
fused to take the gory troph from his ad-
versary’s scalp, the cloude looks passed
awa . .

T e rent chief would not be disgraced,
be con (1 be buried in honor and go to the
happy hunting—grounds, which, if he had
lost his sclap would not be the casein Indian
theology. . '

Stepping up to where the head chief sat in
his swunging chair, Doctor, Powell, in no
b ful tone, said simply: ..

“ he fight has ended,.Chief Death Fighter.

“The Red Lightning would not receive me
as a brother, he sought my life and lost his.

” The pale-faces do not take seal 5 in bat-
tle, and the weapons and onies o the Red
Lightning I do not claim, or they.go to his
kindred.”

“The White Beaver has shown himself a.
migtility warrior, and he- has a heart that is

co .

“ His hand is of iron, he is brave beyond
men, his eye is bright, his tongue talks
straight. ‘

“ y people will respect him, and he can
go and come at will. .

“He is one of us.” ' ;

“No, no, great chief, I am still apale-face,
thou h the friend of your people.

“ am no renegade to my own race. and I
ample here to make the War Eagle and others
we . . ‘

“ When my work is done, I must gomy
way. , . , .
‘Y‘But I see that the great chief Death
Fighter snflers. , .

“ He has been a. mighty medicine-man, and

his pain,” and the bite

can take awn .
to the wounded foot of the

Beaver point
chief. . i . , v
It was just what the old chief wanted.

He did not wish to'aoknow'ledge that he

the pale-face dostor:
'hel'llimr ‘ 4  .
. e even smiled at the words and-said:
" The Death Fighter is an old man. " ,
“‘ Thesnows of winter are. upon his head.
'“ He is] nearing the, river“ which ‘hevmust
cross to the. happy hunting-grounds of his

people. v a . , .

: "But he suffers :palafrom “his Wounds,

and if the great niedici'nemn of thepalc-

[facesrwishes to’ eip him he can do so.” 1 .
1 " The White Yer g and will do so,”l

 

4 So, it was decider‘i- that the Whité saves,

 
  

.eomfo _blegthere,fanyi enextfidayset; to
 bid u '

the"  sir

 

Was he expressed it,

.has cured many sick; but his wounds receiv' ,
‘ed in battle trouble him, and I can hel him,

could not help himself. yet he was sure that.
of ,ganother race couldtt

Vcliief. ‘ ,, r
stiliotis of red;skins retake

Lshould at once ‘go to h tepee, ‘makehimsclf . .

,behad made=

 

It did not take Frank Powell long to adapt
himself to circumstances, and he was soon
at home in the tepee assigned to him.

His own provisions, excepting such as he
set aside for the wounded chief, he deter-
mined to keep for himself when again on
the trail, and while there partake of Indian
pot-luck.

He had some canned soups which he knew
would strengthen the wounded, and he
cooked them himself, and took them to War
Eagle, One Arm Killer, and the next brave
most seriously wounded, saving for the
Death Fighter a share.

He was glad to remain in the tepee with
the War Eagle, when the whole village
turned out the next day to the burial of Red
Lightning, but the sounds of wailing came
distinctly to his cars.

The rest had made a great change in War
Eagle and the other wounded for the better,
and the young chief said to him:

“'l‘ilched Lightnin had a bad heart,
and wished to kill the \ hite Beaver.

“,The White Beaver was his master, and
sent him to the happy hunting grounds.”

This was all the young,chief said of the
affair, though he expressed himself as glad
that the white beaver robe and name had
been given his pale-face friend and brother.

. Having gone his rounds, White Beaver
went to the tepee of Death Fighter, and
found the chief ready for the operation.

There was a bullet in his leg that kept the
wound constantly open and gave him much

pain. I

The bullet was quickly extracted, the
wound dressed, and the old chief given some
medicine that wouldbuild him up after the
long drain he had suffered.

“‘ In a few weeks I will have found out all
I would know, and I can leave my red—skin
patients on the road to recovery.

“ Then I will go on the mission I am de-
termined to accomplish," mused Frank
Powell as he lay on his blanketbed that
night in the Indian camp. ,

 

CHAPTER Xer.
AN 31er srmrr'.

SOME ten days passed? after the arrival
of White Beaver in the Indian villa e, and
his patients were one and all doing sp endid-

l . ,
yThe chief War Eagle was out of danger .

and progressing rapidly toward recovery; .
One Arm K ller was about, his arm heal-
ing well, and the others were also about and
bestowing all praise upon the mysterious
medicine-man of the pale-faces.
He had been called in to see numerous

other cases of injuries and sickness, and, as '

the head chief believed in his cures, those j
under him were glad to learn much from

' him in the cure of diseases and care of the - ’

sick. ‘ , , _

Once the cause‘ of trouble had been re
moved from the is of Death Fighter, the
wound quicklyrhea d, and the old chief
felt that he would soon be well again, and,-
"almost like a young
brave again.” ‘ -

In. his leisure time the doctorhad man‘-

with someofrthe braves on hunts through
the mountains, and his unerring rifle, had
always loaded‘ his horse with game, while,
experts though the Indians were in fishln
be surprised them greatly with his red an
reel in sharing the best offliish in the streams.
One mornin “the eleventh of his stay in

the .Indian vil age, a bandof red-skins‘csme h > 

into the village in grent’alarm. ' .
They

their way first. ' ’

alarm.

r The ca'use‘Whito  learned from they; . ‘
~ I I , ‘ ,5.

headchief. l‘ ‘- V . .‘
.‘f They saw the EyilSpirit,” said the;

r
,

  

 

     
 

Frank Powell knew enoutihgfr s
e_

seeing an’, eyjlspirit forwh’at
bhtghe askedwthe chief : , , r ,

‘-‘;. What is, antevilspirit‘lf’ ‘
 Death Righter seemed glad
he. was. W 9118‘“: set,
man . regarding n w

hires s

 

They came back without hither'andin great-J .‘j’

, .

had been "off on a hunt, which  '_
meant for game‘or. scalps, whichevcrcame 

    
   
   

  
    
 
 
   
   
   
  
   
  
 
 
  
   

 

 

 

 

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W..h..........y....... ....

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 , «cared for up: and about save

‘ the young chief Wouldtin, an

' able tobegéit and heednptcureg‘ -
' e

White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

;. -..._ ,.  .:,. rpm:

   
  

snag; 2;: 2:; 23:77:" -

23

 

 

What he told White Beaver was in effect
that years before a band of gold-hunters had
gone into a mountain-range many miles from
the Indian village, and the red-skins had ar-
ranged to massacre them all after they had
established their camp.

He, the old chief, had led the hand against
them, some three hundred in number.

They had followed the trail into the moun-

' tains, to where it crossed a torrent, and there

lost all trace of it.

In vain they searched, for it could not be
found again, and which way the hunters
had gone the most expert Indian scouts could
not find out.

For weeks the red—skin band roamed the
mountains looking for the gold-hunters, but
in vain, and they called in the different
bands to the main camp intending to return
to their village on the morrow.

That night there was a terrible storm came
up, the thunder and lightning was fearful
to hear and behold, and the Indians were
terrified at the fury of the elements, which
they took as a warning that the Great Spirit
had destroyed the band of hunters, and was

angry with his red children for daring to

look for them.

In the midst of the storm there were
shrinks heard of the wildest kind, bursts of
demoniacal laughter and savage war-cries.

They seemed to come from all around
their camps, and yet the Indians dared not
fly as they would dash to death over some
precipice. -

They at last beheld through the dark-
ness, standing upon the edge of a cliff a
couple of hundred feet away a horse and
rider of fire.

There was no doubt of it, for all saw the
horse, and he seemed to be on fire, and all
beheld the rider seated on his back without
bridle or saddle, and wildly waving his
arms, while in one hand he held a huge
knife.

The rider was clad, in the, skins of wild
beasts, and wore a red sash about his head.

Both horse and rider were of great size,
and there they stood upon the cli with the
flames all around them, and seeming to have
leaped up out of a fiery furnace.

For some time the fiery forms were visible,
then they disappeared in the darkness, after
flashes of flame, and all was blackness.

At last a vivid flash of lightning revealed
the cliff, but the horse and rider were gone.

The next morning the band started for

I their village at the first peep of day.

They had seen the Evil, or Fire Spirit,
and never wished to hunt in those mountains
again. ‘

Their camp on their way back
was not far from their village, and sudden-
ly, when all Were asleep,‘ and it was very
dark, there dashed through their midst the
Fire Spirit, riding like the wind and shriek,-
in wildly. ' v

Iany braves said that they had fired at
him, but no shot touched him, and yet the
next morning itwas found that the Indian
sentinels were dead on their posts, their
heads severed from their bodies. ' _

Since then many had seen the Fire Spirit,

and each time braves had been slain.

Now not a brave could be found who

'would fire upon the wild horse and rider,

and the Indians feared him as r they did the
Evil Spirit from Hades. ,

The band that‘had just come in had seen
him the night before, and two of their num-
ber had fallen ‘at his hands. ‘ r

Such was the story of the Fire Spirit of
the Mountains, and the Surgeon Scout had

r’ listened to it with the deepest attention,

and then said to himself: :

“It is the Mad Marauder of the Mines, or
the Deadly Hand Demon, as the scouts at the
fort call him. i. ‘

“ That is the man I want to meet." "

 

CHAPTER L. v ,
131mm; GIRL sonmsn’s ,wsannso.

hes“ . .
the‘lndian camp. .\. , V i .

He had seen all of’the wounded he‘had
air-Eagle.de

et week. be

 
   

hand and the gun in t

a night,
turn to visit them.

.A MONTH passed by and Surgeon Ferrell,
n to make his arrangements for leaving:

 

me:- was not'lon’gor habit ‘
. ., mg}: 3

proved by the treatment he had received by
the palc.face medicineman. .

The sick had been cared for, the injured
patched up, and Doctor Powell had made a
name for himself which he had richly de-
served, of being a magic medicine-man, and
he was popular with all, save a few of the
young medicines of the late lied Lightning’s
band who had not forgiven his killing their
chief and were envious of his skill as a heal-
er and surgeon.

These few still cast dark glances at the
White Beaver when they were near him, and
he was not long in discovering that they
would hear watching.

Many of the Indians, thankful for his
kindness to them, and the services he had
rendered, insisted upon his acceptance of
presents from them.

A few gave him lassoes, others horse-hair
bridles, a number, the finest of dressed deer,
bear, builalo and otter skins.

Red Bird made for him a suit of the fin-
est buckskin headed and cmboidered, and
moccasins. .

He was also given pipes, belts, moccasins,
and no end of other things until he knew-
that it would take a couple of pack-horses
to carry his gifts, and as though realizing
this difficulty, Death Fighter had presented
him with a splendid pony, and War Eagle
had also given him another. '

He had talked with the two chiefs much
about the bitter feeling between his people
and theirs, and told them that the pale-faces
were glad to bury the hatchet forever if the
Indians would only do so. ’

But just here was where the Indians got
in the pith of their argument in their be-
half, that the whitc man wanted their lands,
and hence they were driven again and again
from the graves of their kindred and further
toward the land of the setting sun.‘

With the White Beaver they would be
friends, but not with his people as long as
they came with the pipe of peace in one

e other. I .

Another week passed by and War 'Eagle
was able to leave his tepee and walk about.

He had had a very close call and he knew
well that the skill and devoted care of White
Beaver had alone saved his life.

“ The War Eagle is well, and now I must
return to my people; but my red brothers
will Soon see me again, for I shall come back
to their village within another moon. and
show that 1 have not forgotten their kind-
ness to me," said the White Beaverr

All the village soon knew that within an-
other day White Beaver would leave them.

Though. their friend, he went to rejoin his
people, but yet he gave his word to soon re-

d

He had studied their habits closely while
in their camp, had picked up their language
wonderfully, and spoke it well, and he felt
that his stay there of nearly six weeks had
done him a world of good in many ways,
while it certainly had interested and instruct-
ed him in red-skin ailments and practice
‘ He had gotten his traps and gifts all to-
gether, and found that he had two well-filled
pack-saddl s, and, with the two ponies given
him, he he an extra riding-bore as well.

All was ready for an early start, and he sat
talking to War Eagle after sunset, until he
told him he must go into his tepee out of
the, night-air. '

Then he, bade him farewell and walked

.over to the tepee of Death Fighter.

It was a beautiful moonlight night. and as
he approached the tepee he saw Red Bird
coming toward him. - ' . ,

She led him in silence back toward the
cliffs and then halting beneath a tree said

sadly: ' ..

“ The White Beaver leaves our village in
the morning?” " -

“ Yes, Little Girl Soldier, I leave with the ~

light, and have come to say good-by." ,
‘ “ The Little White Soldier would warn
Whitel‘Bsaver of danger." , , , ., o

” What danger?" . _ x “V

_ “ The Medicine Chief MadDo’g and‘fonr-
ieen‘of his braves left the village yesterday
for a hunt over toward the pale-faces' fort.
, " The Mad Dog and his braves were the

rfriendsz’ot‘ Red Lightning, and they _do not-

like White Beaver; ~

  

     

‘ a brother, and she will be happy. ~

  
  
  
    
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
 
   
  
   
  
   
   
   
  
   
   
   
 
   
   
 
  
   
  
 
 
   
  
   
  
   
   
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
     
 
    
    
     
    
   
   
   
    
    
     
  
    

The girl was silent a moment, she glanced
up into the face of White Beaver and then
hung her head, while she said in a low

tone: ‘
“The Little Girl Soldier has warned the
White Beaver.”

 

CHAPTER LI.
AN INDIAN man's LovE.

'l‘mmn was something in the way that ,

Red Bird uttered the words of warnin that ‘
caused Surgeon Powell to regar her
closely.

He again thanked her, and told her he
would heed her warning, and it would doubt-
less save his life, for he had seen that the
Mad Dog (lid not like him, but did not know
that he had left the village. '

Then there was another silence. and it was
growing painful to the doctor. when Red
Bird glanced quickly up into his face and
said earnestly, as she placed a hand upon
either shoulder:

“ The White Beaver saved the life of the
Red Bird, and he called her Little Girl
Soldier. , y ‘ 3

” See! the cut the Killer gave her is healed, ' a
but the wound in her heart will never heal, I "l’
for she loves the white Beaver. r

" He saved the life of the War Eagle,
Whom she loved until she saw the great
White Medicine Chief.

" Then her heart felt its wound and suffer"
ed pain.

“She can never love the War Eagle; she
will never be his wife," for she loves the
White Beaver. ~

" Her heart is his, and he will take it
away with. him, and the Little Girl Soldier ’
will have no heart, for the White Beaver '
does not give his to her in return. »

“She has eyes, and sees that he does not
love her, that he loves some pale-face maiden .' ‘
of his own race. 2

“ It is well, and if he is happy, Little Girl.
Soldier is glad, for she lows the pale-face
chief.

“He will ‘eome again, but he Will not see
the Red Bird, for her song will have ended,
and he must look for her grave, for she can-.
not live without a heart—she must go to the
Great Spirit and roam through the happy "
hunting-grounds. ‘ ' :

" if the White Beaver loved her. she Would
be happy. she would not wish to die, and the .
Red Bird would sing with joy.

“But the Red Bird can sing no more.” v.

She had spoken with a depth of passionate
feeling that showed that er words Were
true. _ ’ .

What she said had pained Surgeon Powell‘
deeply, far more than she could think. and
she glanced upinto his face as she ceased '
speaking with a pleadin g, timid look, as
though appealing for him to tell her that he
loved her, that the Red Bird must still sing
songs of 30y, the Little Girl Soldier still live
and glad en the hearts of her old father and
her people. ‘ . . 9

He took her hands in his and'lookedd'own
-upon her face‘as the moonlight shone upon:
it and said, and his voice showed that he
was moved: ' ‘ ' ‘

"‘ The Red Bird must continue to sin . in
she will love the War Eagle when .hit
Beaver is gone. .— '

“ Ho islof her race; and a great chlsffthg
White Beaver belongs to a race that are foes
of her people, ‘ . . /’

-".She must thinkof him only as she would

 

" Come now, and we will go to the taped '
and see the Death Fighter." . l ..
,QShe did not utter a word, but 'Walk‘ed‘with-
him tot-he tepee in which the old chic-fuss "
smoking his pipve. v t ' ' '

He] received hite Beaver in a most kind
ly way. and told him how sorry he w. 4
have him go. ' t

V‘,‘ But, the White Beaver will return. as;
when he comes again the Little Girl Soldie
will become the wifepf the War Eagle.”

A quick glance at Red Bird showed. .
sign to Surgeon Powell that sher had 
heard thewords. . .  _  . a .

After asmoko with the old chistWh;
Beaver arose, bade him rewelh'sn tin

      
   
      
       
  
  
   
 
 
 
    
  
   

  

   
  

   
   
 
 

 
  
   

 

 

‘-”Th9rmny mseblhimon‘thé tail.» ' 
.uI'Bha b - "fibre  

 

 

3- 'm
as“? _

    

24

 

White Beaver’s sun Hunt.

 

 

hands were cold, though her face showed no
emotions.

She was an Indian and she would not be-
tray what she suffered.

She stepped out of the tepee into the
moonlight and watched the retreating form
of the man she had learned to love with all
the ardcr of her nature, and kept her eyés
fixed upon him until he disappeared in the
distance down toward the river.

The words of the Indian girl impressed
Frank Powell unpleasantly.

He knew that she felt keenly, and yet he
hoped that she would soon return to her old
lover when he was gone and she could thus
be ofi with the new love.

It was not day when he arose, and leaving
his to cc he found two braves whose wounds
he ha, cared for, ready to aid him get his
horses ready.

When the saddles were put on he mounted,
«‘ bade them good~hy and was riding away in
‘ the early dawn, when a party of mounted
braves came up.

They were from War Eagle’s hand and
1were going by their chiei’s orders, to escort

 

1m.
They left" him soon after sunrise, and as he

went on alone he suddenly came upon a

mounted warrior whom at a glance he recog-

nized. , v

It was One Arm Killer, who had been
made a subcbief.

He held out his hand as the Surgeon Scout
came up and said:

“The Mad Dog and some of his braves
left on a hunt two nights ago.

' “ The Mad Dog took this trail.

“ He does not love the White Beaver.
“The One Arm Killer has his band of

’ {voung braves near and he will go with the
bite Beaver."

But this kindness on the part of the In-
dian Surgeon Powell would not hear to,
and promising that he would take a differ-
ent trail, he bade the One Arm Killer g’ood-
, by and went on his way, shapin his course
' jto the northward so as to avoi his foes,
should they be in his path, and which he
, now felt confident of, for twice had the

warning given himsdded tohis.own sus-
‘ - icions of the treachery of Mad Dog toward

m.

  
 
  
   
   
 
   
   
  
  
  
  

    

CHAPTER LII.
A GANTLET 'ro RUN.

_WBEN Surgeon Powell rode on, after
leaving One Arm Killer, he began to think
very seriously of the two warnings he had
'7 received. .

Red Bird certainly had

   
  
  
  
  

seen enough to

    
 

some treacherous act, and One Arm would
‘ not have warned him of danger had he not
Isuspected that he might be ambushed. '
~ It was true that he was the acknowledged
friend of the Indians; but Mad Dog and his
.fcllowing were still hostile to him, andin
jag. I;eg humor at his having killed their
1: 1e . r v
. =Not knoviing thatthey were suspected by
Red Bird and others, they could go off on a
pretended hunt, ambush the White Beaver,
and then return’with plenty of game, pre-
tending not to have seen him. '
These things all considered, Doctor Pow-
ll began to think seriously over the possi-
bility of running into’a danger there was no
1 escape from.
Mad Dog had fourteen braves with him, he
.had been told. ' .
They were too many for one man to think
of facing. ' ‘ ' ,
" So far he had seen no trail of where the
» Indians had passed along. «

‘ If he could dis00ver their trail, he would
have accomplished much. _ .
;" To do this ‘he at once wheeled to 'the left,
and began to go by as straight a line as the
store ' of, the ground would permit, to the
mthward. - y .

He was sure that-they had not gone to the
northward further than he then was.
. Afters ride of halts dozen miles, in which
he had crossed several trails leading tcthe
‘iowercou'ntr . but none the one he sought,
, .su denly. ‘ '

   
   
  
   
 
     
   
   
  
  
   
   

\

   
   
   

 

  
  
  
  

 

   
  
  

     
  
    
  
   
 
 
 

 Indian village.
at Wed about thirty-
was made bye score of I ponies.

cause her to feel that Mad Dog intended

‘ Throws: a trail before him, and.  me

As they were presumably going hunting,
they would carry extra ponies for game- and
in case of accident.

That must b0 Mad Dog's trail, and the
Surgeon Scout determined to follow it.

It did not exactly go as he would have
gone, but then it might soon change its
course.

This it did.

It bore to the northward again.

After a ride of some miles it came into the
main trail, the very one he was expected to
follow going to the fort.

Further on it divided.

Three horses had branched off to the
right.

Soon after three more had branched ofl to
the left.

An hour’s longer ride revealed the fact
that the trail had divided into five

“That Will leave three warriors to each
trail, counting the extra horses. ‘

“I remember that there were said to be
just five passes through yonder mountain
range, all of them within a few miles of
each other, and then on either side for many
a mile there is none.

i“. There is no doubt but that Mad Dog in-
'tends to be on the safe side and guard each
one of the passes.

. .v “This means three braves to a pass.

“That is not so bad.

” Yes, I think Ican risk that, and I’ll pray
diligently to hit the one where Mad Dog
will make one of the guards. ' '

“ That, by my reasoning. would be the
middle one, to be near his warriors on each
side when my scalp is called in.

“Well, Mr. Mad Dog, it is now a game for
life and death between us.

, “ Had I not been warned, you might have
won; but, forewarned, I am forearmed, and
may the best man win.”

So mused the Sur eon Scout, and he took
the trail for the mid le pass. v

By easy riding he could reach, there before
nightfall; but, if he was late, the Indians
would wait for him, and they would doubt-
less be on the watch through the night.

“ It will be in the gleaming when I reach
the pass,” he muttered with a grim smile
curling about his stern mouth. ' -

The mountain range r'ose ahead of him
some miles, and nearer to it he saw that
there was timber on the foot-hills. while just
where he then was the country was open,
and he did not doubt but that his approach
would be seen a long way off by the In-
dians. ' ‘

When the Surgeon Scout reached the foot-
hills the trail led through heavy timber, and
he kepthis gaze constantly ahead.

There were rocks here and there, but he
gave them a wide berth, and had his' rifle
ready fer instant use when needed.

showed but three horses, this leading the

party, he not caring. to be bothered withthe
extra ponies. . ~ - ,

. [As he neared the range Frank Powell be-
came more cautious than ever, and at last
decided to halt. I .

This he did in a place where he would not
be seen. should the Indians be near.

Halting his horses he at once dismounted
and began to carry out his plan of action;

He was about a mile from the pass, he de~
cided, and starting oh his way again in half
an hour he Would reach there whenit was
dark, or rather in the twilight. .

The moon in its, second quarter would
giverlgght enough for him to see to not he felt
assu .

The plan of the Surgeon Scout was to trap
the Indians as he had Demon/Dick.

He had worn his white beaver robe and
war-bonnet away from the village, in honor
Of the-Indians, and’had, decidin upo'n' what
he would do, stuck to them all ay.’

a" These ave him a good chan'cevto hide a.
dummy arm beneath and, he at once, began
to make one from the contents of his pack.

/ An extra pair of, boots, a. pair of ants
stnfled.withablanketnoll madeu the orm,
and’a head was ingeniously made and. the
war-bonnet .put on it. ; v '

v Then the white beaver robe was thrown
wait, and the form was‘fastened in the

 

 

ix hours old, and it

saddle, yetosl w a ll banning. with
mpe'attsegsedggndrftz are jet-kw ul

The trail of those who had gone on ahead .
doctor to feel that the chief was'with that,

   
 

   
  
 

a an
' 4 of the:
h' L.

His own horses, Rattler and Runaway, he
could thoroughly depend upon, and one of”
these was placed in advance with the dum-
my, and he had a pack-horse, one of the In’
dian ponies, alongside.

The other horse and pony followed close
behind, and the four were tied together se-
curely.

 

CHAPTER LIII.
TAKING THE CHANCES.

WHEN his plan was all arranged, and he
was ready to continue on his way, the Sur-
geon Scout, swung his rifle at his back and
loosened his revolvers in their holsters.

He had found the two ponies given him to i
be splendid animals.

They were spirited yet kind, fleet, sure—
footed and could endure the hardest work he
was sure. ,

With one by the side of Runawa in the
lead. and the other alongside of Ratt er, they
drove like four-in-hand. ,

Starting them upon the trail just as twi~.
light began to cast its mellow halo over all,
the Sur reon Scout followed close behind the
heels 0 Rattler, who he knew would not
kick him, where he was not so sure of the
Indian ponies, gentle as they appeared to
b

e.

As he neared the rocky gap in the range
the twilight faded into moonlight. the moon
shining brightly upon him, broken only here
and there in passing a tree by the side of the
trail. .

The Surgeon Scout then forced himself in
between the two rear horses, bending his-
,form so as not to appear above the pack-
saddle on the pony and back of Rattler. '

Nearer and nearer he drew to the a and
not once did the thought enter his nun that.
his foes were not there.

The warning of Red Bird. then of One Arm. -
Killer, the big trail he had come 'upon, then
its dividing into flve‘smaller ones each lead-
ing to one of the five passes the Indians had
told him were in the range at that point, con-
vinced him, in addition to Mad Dog’s enmity
toward him, that his fees were lying in wait
for him. . . .

He was within a hundred yards of the gap,
and his eyes were trying to'penetrate the
darkness there. . ' « .

He had unslung his rifle 1nd held it cooked
and ready. . __

Nearer and nearer he drew to the gap, the
opening of which he could see revealed
against the sky, and. just as he was about to
enter the shadows of the overhan ing rocks,
get while the moonlight still s one upon

im, there came the flashes of three rifles.

One wasfired from directly in front, a sec-
0nd from the leftof the gap, the third from. ‘
the right, but those in ambush were not fifty
feet apart, and not twice that distance from,
the one they fired upon‘. ,

The horses gave a slight bound, snorts of
alarm, and came to a halt. while the whites
robed form .in the saddle fell to the ground.

Then were heard three exultant yells and
as many savages sprun into view in the
bright‘moonlight, bound ng forward to be»
hold their victim. ’ v .

But, ere theyfresched the horses, which had. »
become uneasy at their approach and wore:
huddled together, over the, back ‘of. Run-
away was thrust a rifle and rapidly .one.
two, three shots rung out, and the trio of
treacherous red-skins went/ down' on their:
faces. 4, , ‘- ' '
With a word to quiet his “horses the Sur-
geon Scout stepped forward, after picking"
up the fallen dummy, with its white robe:
and gorgeous war-bonnet trailing in the dust,
and approached the three Indians; ‘ ' - ‘ '

’ There was no need of his showing any.
dread, for he never missed, and ha ha.‘ fired;

'10 kill. , . , fl; 
He knew, without looking, that, era was

 

  

   
 

red-skins. ., g 
But, as he drewnear them his keen hear- 
in detected the ra id clutter of boots.-
l. , hum his horses thuddied to eased?
tangled with the ‘ ts‘ ‘ '
Lwas im ossible,a so ,1

his tinn. _ , ‘C ' v --
dewfizid lead his lanes smorag the'rocks'.
8&3 it. ’20?- .BRPW A .
O  S‘! band

 

 

      
    
   

  
  
  
  

   

  

 

 

abullet in the brain‘of each of' the three} -’ '

     

       
   
  
 
 
 

 

 

 

' at once started on to his aid,

,t...

,...,.u.—,«M_.._...‘..»-  ~ - -w — «u »

White Beaver’s Still Hunt. ‘

25

 

 

Then his ears detected that there were a
number of horses coming.

They were coming, too, not from right
or left along the base of the range, but upon
his trail.

He soon had his horses in shelter, and
with a group of rocks for a fort stood ready
to face whoever might appear.

A moment more they dashed into view,
and his glass was quickly turned upon
them.

It was as quickly lowered, for he recog«
nized the two riding in front.

They were Little Girl Soldier and One
Arm Killer.

Instantly he stepped out'of his hiding-
place, and reached the spot where the three
(lead red skins lay just as the party (lashed
up, for One Arm Killer’s band of braves
followed the leaders.

“The Little Girl Soldier rides far from
her village,” and the Surgeon Scout stepped
forward to greet her.

“The Little Girl Soldier came to save the
life of the White Beaver; but he has no
need other aid and that of the One .Arm
Killer,” and the Indian girl seemed almost
disappointed.

“I heeded the warning of the Little Girl
‘Sold‘icr, and of the One Arm, and guarded
against the strike of a snake in the grass.

“ I saw the trails divide, and they went to
each of the passes.

“I came to this one.

“See, their bullets cut through the robe
the Great Death Fighter gave me, but it was
not about my form.

“They fired, and then the White Beaver
’killed them."

They had heard the volley of shots. then
the three in quick succession, the Red Bird
said. ,

She had grown anxious after the White
Beaver left, and ridin out had met the One
Armand he had tol her of his fears, and
they had come on together to defend him.

“ Let the White Beaver take the scallips of
the coward Sioux,” cried One Arm iller,
indignantly. ,

CHAPTER LIV.
'rnE FLYING nonsmran.

WHITE BEAVER, as he‘.is even to-day
known by the Indians, did not take One
Arm Killer at his word, as regarded the
scalps of Mad Dog and his braves.

Instead he said:

“ No, the White Beaver will not take the
scalps of his foes. I
' “ The One Arm can bear the bodies back
to the village and bury them, and the Wi‘lte
Beaver asks that the rest of the Mad Dog’s
braves be not punished. I

“ He will now say goodby and 0 on his
rwa ;but he thanks the Little Gir .Soldler
fan the One Arm for coming to his aid.’,’

The Red Bird uttered no word. _

She had been assured after meetrng.0ne
Arm that Mad Dog and his braves intended
to waylay and kill the white chief, and she
riding hard to
overtake him, for he had hours, start of her.

She had hoped to arrive in time. to prevent»
the Surgeon Scout from running into an am-
bush, and then her intention was to go on,
catch Mad Dog in his treachery and take
him back a. prisoner to the Village for her
father to deal with. .

But, in her heart had come the hope that
if she did save the white chief, it would
cause him to love her. _

. She had met with disapporntment, or he
had protected himself, and she was at out.

Having sent word to her father where she
had gone, as they were a long way from the
village, and the other bra was of the Mad Dog
were to be brought in by One Arm’s warriors,
the Indian hand went into camp there, for
there was sbrook near and grass for the
ponies. - a , " a --

But Sur eon Powell decided that he would
not camp t re, but push tom'and with an
aching heart the Indian girl again took/leave
of him, and saw him mount and ride on his

,wsv...». . . . v ,_ .
"itWith stern Maud thoughts that were by» I

~ no means in); happy-vein, Surgeon Powell

we‘fifi'hifi

once more.

 

"3'

sccnded the range on the other side, the
moonlight guiding him.

After a couple of hours’ ride he came to
a small, rock-bound valley, which the trail
crossed.

The grass grew luxuriantly there, a crys-
tal stream flowed swiftly along, and there
was wood in plenty.

He had no dread there of a foe, so halted,
staked out his horses, built a tire and cooked
his supper. '

Then, after a smoke be spread his blankets
and lay down to sleep, knowing well that
both Rattler and Runaway would give him
warning of any danger. ‘

He had been asleep about an hour when
both Runaway and Rattler gave a sharp
neigh, and the Indian ponies snorted wildly.

Instantly he was on his feet, rifle in hand.
while, down the valley. a couple of hundred
yards away, a horseman was visible riding
like the wind.

He rode a snow-white horse, and both
animal and rider seemed of great size.

Quickly seizing his glass the Surgeon
Scout turned it upon the horseman, and from
his lips broke the words:

“The Merciless Marauder, by all that’s
holy!"

He dropped his glass. threw his rifle to his
shoulder, but there was no report.

He pulled trigger again, and again the
click, yet no report.

And so sounded the click, click, every time
he pulled trigger, until the Mad Marauder
swept on out of range down the valley in the
moonlight. '

“My God! that man does beer, as they
say, a charmed life, for every shot played
me false.

“ It was the first time In rifle ever failed
me. and I do not understam it."

The Surgeon Scout did not retire again to
his blankets for some time. '

He turned his glass far down the valley,
and he saw indistinctly the Mad Marauder
flying along. ‘

Had be seen his camp, and horses?

He 'udged not.

Ha he done so he would have attacked
him, for the Deadly Iland Demon's mission
was to kill, for such was‘tho name he here.

How thoroughly at his mercy the Surgeon
Scout felt he would have been, with every
charge in his rifle missing fire.

It was true that he could have used his re-
volvers, and yet he would still have kept. his
‘riftfle up with the hope of the next shot going
0

6-18 then sat down and began to look at the
r1 e. .
The charges were there, but they had
played him false.

His first duty was to take them out and
reload. ’

Then he retired again to his blankets,
determined to‘ take the trail' of the Mad
Marauder in the morning. ‘

But when he awoke a rain had set in, and
soon, as it increased. the trail was destroyed,
so he held on his way to Fort M— as was
his intention before having the Deadly Hand
cross his path.

.—

CHAPTER 'Lv.
THE RETURN.

Tunas was considerable anxiety felt at
Fort M—regardia the Surgeon Scout.

. When Lieutenant ercy Hammond had re-
ported that he had gone off on a secret mis-
sion of some kind, which led him up into the
Indian country. the colonel appeared to dread
the worst. well as he knew how thoroughly
abllp Frank Powell was to take care of him-
se .

He did not understand what could have

taken the surgeon up to the Indian country
and alone.
‘If he had left the fort on his trail of re-
venge against those who had wronged him,
that mission seemed to have been accom-
plished. then why continue on . into still
greater danger. '

The lieutenant had been gone but a few
days when the colonel moved out two-thirds
of his force, as though on a. raidagainst the
Indians.\ ,.“ *

The other forts did the same, along the

 

 

g . , . whole frontier-dine. and the scouts of the
with the stir and then dew

Indian tribes were not long, in reporting

 

  
 

that the soldiers were preparing to attack
them.

Up in the village of Death Fighter the
news soon came and there was a general
alarm, far as it was situated trom the fort,
and hard as it would be to attack the Sioux
in their stronghcld.

Surgeon Powell at once told the chiefs
that it was a move caused by the movements
of other tribes that had made a hostile dem-
onstration, and that the soldiers would not
then come there.

This allayed their fears, and soon after
they discovered that the move against them
had been only a feint.

What it meant they (lid not know, and yet
Surgeon Powell did, for he had learned of
the intended advance from Lieutenant Ham-
mond.

Had the soldiers really advanced to the
attack, then, it would have placed Surgeon
Powell in a false light, and much of his in-
fluence and the trust in him would have been

one. -
But he knew too well that Colonel Merrill
had not troops enough to send upon a regu~
lar attack of the Indian stronghold, and that
it would have demanded the soldiers from
the various forts all combined to have done so.

For ten days the soldiers raided about, but
they never came within fifty miles of the In-
dian village, and so they id not prove the
Surgeon Scout a false prophet.

After the return of the troops more anxi-
ety than before had been felt for the Surgeon
Scout.

Cavalry companies had made dashes into
and about the Indian country, the scouts
had penetrated within a short distance of
the stronghold, and the body of the Killer
had been found torn to pieces by wolves.

The scouts saw that harm's had been made‘
there, and something had occurred of a tragic
nature.

The trail of the band that had fought the
Surgeon Scout’s party at the hill had been
taken and tracked to where it joined the one
under the Chief War Eagle in his pursuit of
the Killer with. Red Bird.

The scouts read these signs as well as they
could, and they made out of it, as they had
followed the trail of the Surgeon Scout to
the spot where he had rescued the Indian
girl, that he had been killed 'or captured
there. ‘ _

This was all reported to Colonel Merril '
upon their return, and by all the garrison
the deepest auxiel y was felt for the safety of
’ Surgeon Powell. ‘

through the various channels it had to go to 
reach headquarters, though in each case. »
withmost complimentary words of regret,
there was no longer any need of secrecy in i
the matter of the Surgeon Scout's having re-
signed to take a trail as a Nemesis.

‘ ‘So the story, got out, and as the weeks \_
went by it gradually became the general ‘
opinion that the brave man had himself met
a tragic end.

So worked up over his fate was Colonel .
Merrill. that he at last decided that he would
send out a band of scouts under Texas Jack,
‘ to endeavor to capture aSioux Indian and
try and learn f 'om him if the Surgeon Scout
had been kill or was a prisoner.

He had given the orders for the. scouts to
start the next morning, just two months
after the Surgeon Scout had left the fort,
and they were to gofifteen strong and ‘be all
picked men and horses, remaining until in
ssgme way they had made prisoners of several .

oux. -

But while Texas Jack was getting his men
ready for the start on the mom-ow, the senti-
pel reported some one approaching the,

ort. - ‘ ‘ ‘

It was soon seen to he one horseman, with , ‘
two pack-animals and an extra riding-horse, x

He was ap reaching on the trail coming -
from the Indian country, and jogging. along
at no way pace. . ,7

As he drew nearer the sentinel called out
that it was an Indian. . ,. ,

Then glasses were turned upon the solitary'
horseman. and several ofiicerssaid at oncei‘

“Yes, it' is an Indian, and a big chief, for
he wears a most gorgeous war-bonnet‘and s
mistfirm' be I‘ i i 

~' ‘ cums: on some mportant m

Nearer'and- are: he until 1'

3Jka  out:

     

 

His resignation having been accepted; ”

26

White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

 

 

“ He is riding Surgeon Frank Powell‘s
horse Rattler, and his other horse, Runaway,
is following."

“That means that Powell is a prisoner,”
sadlv said an officer.

“No, sir, it means that he is the one rid-
ing that horse, for I recognize the surgeon in
spite of his Indian togs,” cried Texas Jack.

Ten minutes after the horseman rode up
to the Stockade, and cheer after cheer greet—
ed him as Frank Powell was recognized in
the costume of an Indian chief.

 

LCHAPTER LVI.
THE STORY TOLD.

THE cheers followed Frank Powell as he
rode on to his old quarters, which an officer
told him were just as he had left them.

He was greeted again and again with con-

atulations upon his return, and when he

bmountcd at the door of his quarters, and
hi old striker came forward to serve him
again, he was seen in the white beaver robe
and gorgeous war-bonnet, and looked, as an
omoer expressed it:
w r i - “ Like an Indian king.”

' V As soon as he had made his toilet and had
supper he went to report to Colonel Merrill,
and a warm welcome indeed did he receive
from that emcer.

.  r The colonel shook his hand again and

' _ . ‘ again and said:

“ Well, Powell, I was going to send a
 , search arty after you in the morning, for
 ., Texas ack was going with fourteen scouts
3 ‘ to capture a red-skin and learn if you had.
 -’ ’ been taken prisoner or killed.

“ We knew that in either case
would not let him keep the secret.

“But where on cart have you been?”

“ U in the Indian country. colonel.”

" D d you see any Indians?”

“ Did see any Indians, sir? well, yes, sir,
for I am a big njun to self, having been

ow-wow’d, ordained an , snatched into the
. old of redskins as Chief White Beaver, and

  
   
  
  
 
 
  
     
 
     
 
     
      
     

~ for it is made solely of white boner-skins.

- _ “Anything you wish to know, air, about
- Indians Ican tell you, for I’m right in it,

colgnel, with old Death Fighter’s whole out~

' “ What in heaven’s name have you‘been
 doing there, Powell?” asked the‘ colonel,
‘ smiling at the Surgeon Scout’s story of his

being initiated as an Indian. ‘ '
' ‘ . v“ Practicing surgery and medicine, sir.”

v “You don’t mean it?” '

“ Yes, sir, I do, and there is almost as
good a field for surgery amon the heathen
as'thcre is among the Christa n dwellers in
the mining camps, only the reds do not fight
among themselves, but get wounded by pale-
faces and receive injuries of various k nds‘

" Some of the Wounds I was doctoring I
made myself; but Ideveloped intoa verit.
able Good Samaritan, colonel, and became
theia leading physician of Death Fighter's

  

    
 

  

 
   

u

'.‘ ad that old red Satan did not kill you 7"
, “ Not he, sir, and he is a very respectable
old Indian gentleman I assure you, sir.

"I extracted a bullet from his leg and it
_ s got well quickly after giving him troublefor
- ' ears." ~
y “Powell, I really do not understand how
you-got back here with your scalp." ,
- ’ “My scalp is all right, sir, as on see: but
, .I'yyill give you the whole story, lonel Mer-

  

n . -

-‘- “Yousaw Lieutenant 1 Hammond though,
‘F'siri?’~ and the light manner of the Surgeon
‘Scout at. once changed. -

"Yes, and he told me 9.1.”. ' i ~
_ r " I am glad that he‘did, sir, for I willpot
"have to do so. and I am I anxious to let the
lipast go into the grave of forgetfulness, onl
.man my‘vhonOr. Colonel Merrill,,you‘woul
"notblame me did you know how those
badyrmgadme and thoseIlove.’ , ‘_
“their crimes have been avenged soiet
 », A V .

   
  
   
  
 
    
   

 

t is
assigning-v your, commission

‘ n. on can. 1' . ,

, " coin ' 1‘. rim rave annexatpme'mmsu

whilefiand then seek a home elsewliere,’ .r

' =mi

better “ho, Powell. and your. course

  
 

his. joy

vaear a robe worth its weight in gold, sir, .

men,

was most ..

 

I
Then, once more assuming his light man-

ner, he continued:

“I was in the Indian village when you
made the advance along the line, sir, and
the red-skins were considerably worked up,
though, colonel, unless taken by a complete
surprise at night, you would have to send
three thousand soldiers to capture that In-
dian stronghold.

“ There is a range to pass through, and
then a valley, which no one could cross
without being seen from the further range.

“Up in the latter, reached only by two
narrow passes, is a large valley through
which a river runs.

“It has numerous canyons in the cliff,
and is surrounded by a natural barrier.

“ There are all of eighteen hundred fighters
in the village, and even the squaws and

children could defend the passes with
stones.
“ They have have

plenty of cattle the
stolen, sheep, and on tivate corn an vege—
tables, while they are all well armed and
have thousands of ponies.

“The tribe is a large one, warlike, dan-
gerous and rich, and it would be better to be
at peace with them than war, for they are
capable of doing much damage.

“ Old Death Fighter, their great medicine-
man, is head chief, with War Eagle as the
field commander, and both are brave, cunv
ning, intelligent and able commanders."

“ You certainl have gained a complete
histor of them, owell.”

“ on forget that I told you that I was a
big chief; in fact, colonel, White Beaver,
the Magic Medicine-Man. as they have named
me, holds power second only to that of
Death Fighter and War Eagle."

“ How did you manage all this, Frank
Powell?” said the colonel, eagerly.

“ I will tell you, sir, the whole story from
Al he to Omega." ' ‘

nd so the story was told, just as the
reader knows it, from the savmg of Red
Bird’s life, up to the seeing the Mad Marau-
der dash by his camp on the return trail.

_—,——

CHAPTER LVII.
'rnn sscns'r MISSION.

COLONEL MERRILL was silent for several
minutes, after he had heard the story of the
Surgeon Scout. ‘

He sat in deep meditation, and at last said,
after he had conned it all over:

"‘ Well, Powell, you are the most remark-

able m'an, and phenomenal one for luck I.

ever knew. . x
” The Destiny that guides your ends,
seierlns to be thoroughly subject to your own
w l .
‘ ‘You left here two months ago today,
andsoon after killed that outlaw desperado,
Buck Bolton the gambler, then next came
Demon Dick, and quickly following your
fees of your triple duel.

“ Meeting Paxton you became friends, and

‘were thus able to, heat off the red-skins and

rescue Lieutenant Hammond, Rexford, the
girl miner and old Grizzly Jim.

1'11
“ You set them on the right trail to safety,

play alone hand, and arrive on, the. scene
'ust in time to wipe out the Indian chief

idnapper, rescue the Indian beauty Red
Bird, save her lover the War Eagle, practice
on the wounded braves. cut a bullet out of
old esth Fighter’s leg, kill in a knife duel
the , cine Chief Red Lightning, get made
a'big chief yourself, were made ncb with
red—skin presents, 0t two Warnings of dan-
ger, wiped out‘Ma ,~Dog and his two braves,

then. escaped beingumurde‘red b Deadly.
Hand the Demon arnuder,; an turn up
smiling here in the fort:

“ I say,rFrank Powell, you area wonder,“

and you have my warmest congratulations,
". Now whatis your next movei’f ‘ ,
The colonel gazed at ;th Surgeon Scout
‘wigiéasmile. ' - ‘ '
=. - had given a», ,
tutehand» was new anxious to
whatghe meant to 0, next.
AvFrom what he new of

 
  
   

 

 
       
 

   
      

“*ngv’mmshwwbmt 

- villa e.

idians having learned from them that the

. down, or is it a secreti’i asked Colonel Mei-w

. save. a‘ flaming

hasty. revise? of his, adrenr
‘ know just
, ,_ y, ,

I Frank Powell ‘he'
I was Very certain that as belied made no men-
tion thus not the mission. he had gone, on, k _
' ‘ ' nature. and appears toloveto
, e. I, F a

 

begaajsurgeenréwen

I must inform you just why I went up into
the Indian country.”

“ Your (icing so and taking such desperate
chances, Powell, was a mystery to me.”

“ As it was, sir, it turned out all right.

“I did not go there with any desire to see
the red‘skins and make their intimate ac-
quaintance, for I was not sure just how that
could be done.

“ Accident, or luck, helped me, and I saw
them.”

{‘1 should think so," dryly said the colo-
ne .

“ Now, I told you of having seen the Mad
Marauder dash‘by my camp, after leaving
the Indian village ?"

II  )I

“That man has, for a long time, colonel,
been a terror on this border.”

“ He most certainlv has.”

“I believed the idea of the Indians being
afraid of him, was all pretense, but new I am
convinced to the contrary for they do fear
him as much as soldiers do the devil.

“ He is as cruelly their foe as he is of the
whites, and so I am better acquainted with
him and his motives." 1.

“ 1 must tell you of Lieutenant Hammond's:
adventure with him on his way here from.
Bed Rock City.” -

“ Ah! the lieutenant saw him. then, sir?”

“ Yes, as did Rexford and Grizzly Jim,”
and the colonel told the story.

“Well, sir, that proves he is most merci—
less to all, his killin those two men, one of
Kgm you say that ammond thought knew

i” ,

" Yes, he felt confident that he did.” i

“ My reason for m last' trip, colonel, was g
to run down the Ma Marauder." ,

‘ ‘ Hal can this be possible i” and the colonel
showed his sur rise.

” Yes, sir, or I was u in the Indian
country, I had accomplish my errand of re—
venge, and the thought came'to me to carry
out the intention that had often occurred to
me, to hunt that man down, and so I started
upon the trail to bring up in the Indian

“ was not ust fitted outas I wished to , , 1:,
be to go after t e Mad Marauder, but I con- ‘ i ,1
eluded I would take the chances. 1 ‘ r

" Having become friendly with the. In-

flw .

Mad emon we really their foe, I decided
to return to the art and fit out expressl for
a man-hunt, a hunt that would run own
that fiend, or get me wiped out, for I am
more than willing to take the chances.”

11; But you have some motive in this. Pew-u
e n A - .
“Yes, sir, I have a motive in carrying out

this mission, which I have vowed to accom-
plish," was the ' earnest response of the Sur— ,
geon Scout. ‘

 

 
             
     
      
        
   

‘ cusrrfi‘n‘tvux.
I _ warm amvsn's nasonvn.

“WILL you make known to me your mo», , '
tive,,Doctor Powell, in hunting this man

   
   
    
   
    
    
     
        
     
   
     
      
   
   
       
    
 

l. . r
“No, sir, it is not a secretnow, and I will. _
tell you. . . , -
"In the first ,place, he has been a terror
for years. ‘ His name is used to frighten had
children in the settlements, and the settlers _ :; 
are just as much afraid of him as are the ehii- ‘ ' ‘ ‘
ren' I I ‘ l l \ J' h“
, “In the mines he ' is‘Freatly fearedtaad , i ‘
the soldiers and Indians a so dread him- I r .
"Who .or what he is no one ,seems to
know“ and yet he has struck' his ' d , , ,
blows, upon ' the settlements; inwtho' mining» ' -
camps, against the red skins,, and.cven.hero;f
at t e fort/he‘has been scent!) cometaiis;
, very gates» z, ' =

“He dresses in skins like in Wilda.an

, red scarf be wearsebout.
head, and carries two large reyolvera an
knifethat-is-likea broadsword. ’ ' '1 ‘
‘-‘".He"ridssfwithout sadd * 1‘
his horse a the fleetest ‘an-ima -
,by long! odds, immanenme "

 “‘ Then he, holds up emigrant train an?
elers, lone: gold-hunters, trappersprgcootsg,
sn show: no www.10th ’i ' a ll?!-

 
 

 

 

  

  
 
     

  

  

   
     
  

   
 
 
 
   
 

  

  

‘ji'I‘he‘se

m

White Beaver’s Still EIunt.

 

2'7"

 

 

..  «www.mw

“ But you have another motive?"
3 “I have, sir.”
“ I hope you will tell me.”
i “I will, sir."

“ Mind you, this is no idle curiosity, Pow-
ell, on my part; but you have accomplished
so much that, having set your heart upon
running down this inhuman wild rider, I
believe you will at least make the attempt,
and I wish to know all that there is in your
favor and against you.

“Of course you will take a good force
with you ?"’

“ On the contrary, colonel, I shall go
alone.”

The colonel shook his head.

“You see, sir, I can go on a better hunt
alone than with others, and I am going to
find that man.

“ gut to explain my other motive, sir.”

H es.”

“ Some years ago I had a dear friend who
came into this part of the country as a gold-
hunter.

“He was sure of finding a fortune, and
having been a rospector in California, and
a frontiersman in Texas, he was chosen cap-
tain of the outfit, there being eight others
besides himself.

“ They had their pack-horses loaded
heavily with all they would need, were all
splendidly armed and prepared for a year's
stay, if necessary.

“ All of them brave fellows, they little
dreaded the Indians, and pushed hol ly into
their oountr .”

“ A very oolhardy thin to do." 3

“Yes. sir, especia 1y at! at time; but they
all had the gold-fever, one of their number
had been a prisoner to the Indians, and he
had heard the red -skins talk of gold in lar re
quantities in the mountains near their v i.

 

 

o.
g“ So they pushed on and were never heard

of afterward." I
“ I remember the circumstance now.”

' " They were, I felt sure, massacred by In-

' dians, and I felt revengeful toward the red-

skins for killing my friend.

“ But this I know now was not the case,
foi the Indians did not harm them.”
“ Is this so?”

.  “It is, sir." _

4  “ Then can they be in the mountains yet

 hunting for old ?"

“ No, sir, t ey are dead, 1 am sure.

' “ The Indians did intend to kill them, for
old Death Fighter led a band to the moun-
tains to massacre them; but they were not
found, their trail was lost where they had
crossed a stream, or gone into it from its
clifl banks, and they were not seen after-
ward. .

“ The Indians camped in the mountains

, a for days trying to find some trace of them,

i  but in vain.”

 ” That is remarkable." .

‘ ~ ~ ” It is, sir, when their mysterious disap-
pearance and hiding of their trail is con-
sidered.” ”

“ What do you think became of them?
" Well, colonel, old Death Fighter told me

a strange story of what they saw when they

were hunting for the party. .

“ A storm came up at night, and the thun-
der and lightning were terrible to hear and

 

 

see. I I
“In the midst'ot' it the Indians in their
camp heard a demoniacal yell and they be-
held on the point of a clifl' ahorse and rider.
“The animal was snow-white. the rider
dressed in skins. and a circle of fire was
ut them.
ab?‘ Soon they disappeared, and later the
Mad Marauder, for be it was, dashed through
their camps/all aflame, they averred." , .
“ That was conjurednp by their fears."
“Well, no, sir, for a man with red and
blue fire, powder and matches, could ap ear
’tohe on'flre,,while phosphorus rubh on
horse andfrlder would give themqa wild
» Ii ht." ‘ , A
._ v , 3“ You then think that7the fiery ordeal was
‘- tenu fora'urose” .
‘ “$1 do?‘sir,.sl:npl’y to frighten their)-
39,” . . i‘ . .
' 'n‘

.. may be so.”
,2‘ 9‘1  with t

 

 
   
 

 

v I W
'13}. , dash throggh their camp?

' that are as fleet as deer, can-

he Indians who saw both,
or! of sold-humem and ‘the Fire
’theycalied therone‘ they. beheld on

 

“ They said, sir, that the gold-hunters
had with them it man of giant size, and he
rode a very large black mare that had a
snow~white colt trotting by her side.

“Now, this Mad Marauder is a man, al-
most a giant in Size, and he has been seen
to ride a. very large, black animal, but never
going at such terrific speed when doing so,
as when mounted upon a snow—white horse.”

“ Aha!"

“Those gold-hunters disappeared nearly
eight years ago, and the very mountain
range where they were last seen is the spot
where this Mad Marauder has his home.

“Putting all of these together, I believe,
colonel, that the Mad Marauder may be the
giant of the gold-hunter party who rode
the large, black mare with the white colt,
and theioes of his comrades in some mysteri—
ous way may have crazed him and made
him the demon that he is."

“By the gods of war, Powell, but I be
lieve you are on the right trail about this af—
ter all, and if he is crazed, he is to be pitied,
not condemned, poor fellow, for no one
knows what he has suffered.”

“ So I say, sir, and it is now my intention
to rest for a few days, then fit out as I wish,
3nddg3 upon his trail to capture him alive or

en .

‘CHAPTER LIX.
THE START ON A DEADLY TRAIL.

“I am perfectly willing, Doctor Powell,
for you to start on this deadly trail, for such
it will be, but not alone,” said the colonel.

“ I said, sir, I would take him dead or
alive, and that may seem harsh, as he ma
be mad, crazed by what he has seen and en -
fared; but then he is one who had better be
dead if mad, and his deeds of blood must not
be allowed to continue, fer he will keep
them up for years perhaps.

“,You cannot find an Indian who will fire
upon him, and as for the settlers and miners,
they believe he has a charmed life and fear
to shoot at him. .

“ The soldiers even have a superstitious
dread of him, and the scouts shun him now.

“ My idea is to find his trail, track him to
his haunt, and, if possible, take him alive.

“ If that cannot be done, I will have to
kill him, and must takevery good care that
he does not kill me.” .

" Well, Powell, as I said, I am willing for
you to go, but not alone."

“ Yes, sir, I must go alone or not at all.

“ You know, colonel, that he has never
been known to fire upon a soldier. ”

“That is so."

“ I therefore desire, sir, to carry alon my
full-dress uniform, and wear it constant y as
a protection.

“ He cannot mistake that. and if he reall

‘has any reason for not killingasoldier, t
n

will protect me, should he lie ambush for
me.

t ‘i‘10nce I can see him, I will sticktohis
ra .

“ Both Rattler and Runaway have a phe-
nomenal speed, though they cannot run with
that white horse of his, yet I maybe so
lucky as to catch him on his black. which.
if , he rode as a gold-hunter, is getting old
now. '

“I. have two fine Indian onies with me
imb a moun-
tain and descend one like a goat, and I will
carry my acks on them, just as I came in,
and I WI 1 be well mounted then, sir, and
prepared to give chase or run aWay. '

“ There is not much of the run away from
danger in your make-up, Doctor Powell.”

.“ should be wretched if , there was, sir.

“ 1 wish to go prepared with an outfit for
all kinds of work and weather, extra wea‘
pens, and provisions enough to last me for
months, if have to stay so long."

“And when do you wish to go?" .

' “Within a week I shall start, air, and I
will go first back to the Indian village, forI
wish to carry War Eagle 9. fine horse. saddle
and bridle, and a belt of arms, with other
presents. ' "

 
 
   
   
 

lk‘ighter, Red Birdhis daughter, One Arm
1
Colonel Merrill, that Icon keen." the/hatchet
buried ‘arastha trl MEI

 
  
 

together in

. - ‘from tie’ ass into the valle .. . ..
i “ h’d-esire also to carry' some gifts to Death 7 p ' y

ler and a few other Indiana. tor! believe,»
through when
 ,o swoon; ‘

 

    
   
    
   
  
  
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
   
   
   
  
  
    
  
  
   
  
   
  
  
   
   
  
   
   
 
    
  
  
 

peace or war, as they are dangerous foes
now.”

" They would he, indeed, and I will also
send the two chiefs and the Red Bird some
gifts if you deem it wise."

“It would have a splendid cilect, I am
sure, sir, and I shall be glad to carry what
you send, for I shall take extra pack-horses.
for what I will bestow as gifts."

“ All right, we’ll make up a fine lot 01’.
presents of various kinds that will be useful
and ornamental, and load tiieiii on pack-
animals which will he tine presents for the"
chiefs.”

The matter of presents, and their effects-
on the Indians, was then talked over for
some time. and when all was decided upon,
the colonel again said:

“But, Powell, I do not feel that I am
doiilig right to allow you to go alone on this;
trni ."

“ Oh, yes, colonel, for I can accomplish so
much more alone.

“I do not know how the Indians would
take my taking other pale-faces to their
village, and should I leave them in hiding,
they would doubtless know it and mistrust.
me.

“No, colonel, I must go alone, and I will
let the red-skins know of my intention to:
hunt down their dreaded foe t e Fire Spirit.

“ If I am successful, then it will make me
a power in their tribe, and give me far-
greater influence in urging‘them to give up
the war-path and become our allies."

“ You argue convincingly, and yet I shall
expect you to «go to your death and never-
hope to see you again. ,

" In fact I shal feel the greatest anxiety
for your fate."

" Don’t do it, colonel, for I’ll pull thron b.
all right, never fear," and Surgeon Powe
arose and took his leave of the colonel,
promising to dine with him that day, and
that they should overlook the comissary and. .
quarterinaster’s departments, and the sutier's ,
getting up the gifts for the'
Indians. '

Afters rest of a week, in which he had 3
been lionized b all in the fort, Surgeon
Powell took his cave of all, bound upon his. ,
most deadly mission. ,

He had his own packs on the two Indian
lponies, his two splendid horses, and besidec- , , '

elf a dozen fine animals well laden with "
‘fts to tickle the red-skins’ fancy and make-
iin solid with his red brothers. .

Amid the good wishes of all he rode sway, ,
with the string of homes behind him, and, -
soon disappeared, as many believed nevertot;
be seen again. ‘ A‘ ’

 

CHAPTER LX.
son A snoonn rroo soon. '

Tun Surgeon Scout had ridden away from-y
the fort in full uniform, to the surprise, of" ,
many who knew that he had resigned from
the army. .

But the colonel knew his motive, and ex?
plaincd it tothose most interested in know;

   
  

    
     
 

in . . .

gl‘hat he had been amen the Indians wast" »
known, as well as that he ntended to return
to their village, after which he would go on , ..
a still hunt for the Mad Marauder.

The first day out the Surgeon Scout rode
slowly anddid not make a long journey of"
it, for he wished to break his horses in by}
degrees. ' .

He camped about twenty miles from the:
fort, and onnd it no sinecure ofiice to have:
to unsaddle and stake out his dozen horses. .

*Buthe soon had them feeding, and then;
be an to look to his own comfort. « "

be next day he made some fort
and it was on the morning of the fth do”
that he passed through the gap where he had
so nearl run iniqthe ambush of Mad Dog
and his raves. , . ,

Finding he would have to color the ,vi
lags by night if he held ‘on, when the
shadows grew lon er, be decided to halt in:
the oil htuthongh e was but a few in

 
 
        
       
         
             
   
    

miles;il'.‘.

      
     
      
   
   

   
   
   

   
   

  
  

. He had staked his horses out, and walked
alongthe ridge on which he had camped. to
'get' a view ot .the- wall shad passed

th W3 sigh,le and

    
  
 

    
    

others 

WWW

 . led to give sorrow to
' .‘Eagle and her people.

28

White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

 

 

ried it along he did not know, but he did ‘
so, and held it in his hand as he drew near
the cliff and came to a sudden halt. 1
He knew that the main trail to the village
wound just beneath the cliff, and if he saw
any red-skins passing along it, he would.
hail them and continue on into the valley!

“ Come, she will go with him now to her
people, and he will not tell them that her
heart was wicked.”

CIIAPTEE LXI.
SINGING run DEATH sonos.
Tun lied Bird had slipped away from

chief to the guard tepee where these braves
are prisoners, and as it is for his white brother
to say what shall be done with them, he will
do so at once.”
In silence the War Eagle went with the
Surgeon Scout to the large guard tepee,
, where Sentinels were guarding the twelve

with them, but to go at night was takiugtoo  her tepee, mounted upon her pretty pony, 1 braves of Mad Dog’s band who had plotted

big chances.
But he halted as he neared the cliff like
‘- one who had suddenly confronted some great
danger.

What he saw was the sun almost upon the ‘
horizon of the range beyond the valley, and .j
yet the beauty of the sunset had not brought ,

im to the sudden halt, but the sight of a3
form be well knew. i

That form stood some hundred feet from 1
'the edge of the cliff, and as he looked there
came to his ears the weird deathsong of an
Indian about to die.

The wild chant rose higher and higher,
the form started forward at first slowly, then
more quickly directly for the cliff, and then
bounding forward White Beaver whirled his
rawhide lariat around his head, launched
the coil with true aim and great force and
the noose settled down, caught about the
slender waist, and back from the brink of
death dragged Red Bird, the Little Girl Sol-
.dier of the Sioux.

The sudden pull threw her down, and be-
ford she could rise, or understood what had
checked her mad attempt to leap to her
death, the tall form of the Surgeon Scout
stood above her.

“ The White Beaver!” she fairly shrieked,
.as she beheld him. I

“ Yes, and just in time is the White Bea-
ver to save the Red Bird from taking her
town'life.

' “ Is this the brave Little Girl Soldier the
White Beaver so trusted?

, “Would she go out of bright sunshine in-
to blackest gloom?

“ Would she die by her own set and have
her old father 0 in sorrow. to his grave,
the young War agle carr a deep wound in
his heart, and the White eaver'regret that
he ever saw her, that his little sister was glad
to get away from him?

“Would she have her people hate the

’White Beaver for coming among them, and
seek to kill him because he had stolen the
heart of the‘Red Bird?
7 “ No, no, the Little Girl Soldier must
not make sorrow come to. the hearts of her
people, must not cause the White Beaver to
feel regret that she crossed his trail. , 1

“She must have. the same brave heart, she

_  when the Killer’s knife wnsrheld above
er.

’ “ She must have the White Beaver for her

brother, and the WarEagle for her lover.

“The White Beaver has spoken, n‘nd he
feels that the Red Bird Will hear his words 

and head them. ' 1

“He feels that the Red Bird will singe

v merrily again, for he has brought her many
presents, he has come to see her and her

eople, and she will be happy with the White

' aver’s brother, . the noble young chief
War Eagle. ' '

‘_f,Has the Red Bird closed her ears to the
words (if her brother?’ ‘ I

The girl had stood before him with head
bowed, her bosom heaving and as thou, h

‘:she felt shame at her act of intended se f-
destruction. A

She listened to all that he said, and realiz-
ingg’thst he would be only a brother to her,
1] er a lover, reason came back to her,
and she seemed to re ret that she had wish-

er father, to the War

She felt also that she would havedeeply
wounded the White Beaver by her not.

She looked up into his face now‘frankly
and said: . ,

“ The Red Birdhas heard;

“The White Beaver has shown her her
heart in its wickedness.
C‘,‘ She will be’ the. sister, of the White

ver. . a . .
 “Come, she will 0 with him to‘the vil-
gage. where he is we come. ,  ‘
“ The Red Bird camelhere to die; for her
gnaw” sad and there was no sunshine for
r. ’
‘ “But the sunshine has come back now,
10? she'has listened to the words of the
'thite Beaver. ‘ V ‘ 

 

death.
She had kept her sorrow to herself, that

War Eagle to go on believing that she would
be his wife.

Upon the morrow, the chief was to claim
her as his bride.
Fighter a large number of horses, he had
made presents to Red Bird, and had ready
his finest costume, for he was, once more, a
Well man, his wounds having healed.

A moment later and the Red Bird would
have gone over the cliff, but the strange des-
tiny that guided the White Beaver's steps
thither, had brought him there in time to
save her. .

Goin back to his camp with him she had
aided him saddle his horses, and getting her
pony as they went down the hill trail, she
rode with him on the way to the village.

She gave the signal call to warn the
guards of her identity, and they filed through
the canyon into the valley.

In a short while after the white chief rode
up to the tepee of War Eagle, while the Red
Bird went over to her own lodge to report to
her father the return of the White Beaver.

A strange feeling appeared to have come
over her, since her rescue from suicide, and
she wished to live and show the man she had
so fondly loved that she could regard him as
her brother, that she would obey his will
without regret.

The War Eagle showed his joy at the
sight of his (pale-face friend by a shout of
welcome, an the horse, sadd o and bridle
with the other gifts brought for him were
soon in his possession. ,

He was as pleased as a boy with, new toys,
and the articles brought for One Arm and
others were laid aside for them. ,

Then, mounted upon his new horse, with
the saddle and bridle on, with his belt of
arms buckled about his waist, and his other
gifts carried along, War Eagle went over
with \Vhite Beaver to the lodge of Death
Fightier, ‘

Red Bird was there with him, and the two
bade them Welcome as brothers, the pipe
was smoked, and then the gifts were dis-
tributed. '

The colonel’s gifts to the old chief and the
War Eagle delighted them greatly. while
Red Bird’s heart was made glad with the
numerous presents she had received, of gay
cloth, ribbons. strings of beads, jewelry and
other things that were new and beautiful to
her, for the ladies of the fort had vied with
each other in giving her just what their
various ideas were of what a Sioux young
lady about to become a bride should have.

The warm blankets, clothing and pro-
visions sent the 'old chief he prized above all
things, and a more delighted trio Frank
Powell had never seen than were Death
Fighter. War Eagle and Little Girl Soldier
that night.

the return of the White Beaver

Seeing?
that he a kept his word, and not forgotten

them, War Eagle said, after they had left
the lodge of the old chief to retire [or the
Ill llt:

g‘" My brother will remember that the
traitor chief Mad Dog went into ambush to
kill him?" I g

“ The White Beaver remembers."

“ They were killed by the White Beaver,
and the other braves of the band'are prisoners
in the village, awaiting. the word of my
brother to put them to eath, for they are
coward Sioux, and should die.” .

Doctor Powell started, for he saw that the‘
twelve braves of Mad Dog’s band would be,
at a word from him. put to death, having

been condemnedb Indian justice to die.

'_ their ,

After a moment e said:
‘f They were braves ,who obeyed
wicked chief. A, ,
\“ The White Beaver does not believe that
their hearts are bad, and they did not turn
theirx’ifles upon him. -
‘,“ hosewh'rédid some dead.
31‘

He had given Deathl

Eagle go ~  the white

land had gone to the cliff to leap to her against the life of the white chief.

The braves arose from their robes atihe
‘ call of their chief, and beholding the White

3 she loved the white chief, and allowed the , Beaver, felt that their time had come to die.

3 “ Let my braves know that the White
l Beaver is here. and at his word they must
i die,” said War Eagle, sternly.

The firelight fell full in the faces of the
braves, as they stood before the man who
held their lives in his hands. '

Ilc stepped forward, his knife in hand,
but they did not flinch.

Approaching the first in line, he severed
the bonds from his arms and feet, and said:

“The White Beaver wishes his red bro-
thers to live, and become great warriors.

“ They are free to go their way.”

The bonds of all were severed, and the
warriors stood like men dazed.

Had White Beaver driven the knife into
their hearts, they would not have been sur-
prised; but to be set free amazed them, for
he did not act from revenge.

VV’ar Eagle himself seemed surprised, and
the Indian guards looked on with astonish-
mcnt.

With a grasp of the hand of each brave
White Beaver turned away, and as he walked
off with War Eagle the latter said:

“1in white brother has a good heart.

“ My young warriors will never forget
him.” -

The next morning when Frank Powell
awoke he found that he had added new fame
to his name. '

His coming was known to all, and had si-
lenced the doubting Thomases of the village
who had said he would never return.

His presents to the chiefs, to the Red Bird
and others had been accepted as though
' each brave, squaw and pappoosc had been re-
membered. te-

But his act toward the braves whose lives
hung at his mercy had won him still warmer
regard from all.

That day the War Eagle bore Little Girl
Soldier from her father’s lodge to his own,
and there was the wildest rejoicing in the
village over the happy event.

But the next day the sounds of joy changed
to wails of woe, when it became known that
the White Beaver was to 0 out alone and
capture or kill the dreadedg Fire Spirit.

He was urged against going by Death
Fighter: War Eagle-and Red Bird; but his
:resolvc could not be shaken, and when at
‘ last be mounted his horse, and with his two
pack-ponies, and Runaway following, rode
i away on his perilous mission, the braves of
the village escorted him as far as the canyon
singing with wild refrain his, death-song,
30)- :hey felt that he was going to certain

eat 1. . ’

 

CHAPTER LXII.
TRACKING THE DEADLY naxn. ,

i UNDETERRED by the warnings and en-
, treaties of his brother ofl‘lcers and all at the
,fort, and the death-songs of the Indians,
’ Doctor Powell rode away from the red-skin
! village upon the mission that had long been
5 in his mind to undertake.
' His two Indian ponies Were supplied with ,

all that he would need for a long stay, and ‘>
to make him comfortable in camp and out of
it. v
His two riding horses were well rested, as
were the ponies, and, as Watchful as dogs,
were his strong’allies in his undertaking.

He went'on the trail he had taken when
leaving the village before,‘ passed by the
grave of Mad Dog and his two braves, and
i made his first camp just where he’ had seen
the Mad Marauder dash «him the valley.

' He held a hope that he would see him
fl"flin. . ' 5
fit was not dark when he reached the camp,
and suddenly, to his delight he beheld}.
fresh trail. , ' ' , ' ~

It was the trail of a single horse. ' ‘ 7,

An inspection revealed the fact that the; g
hoofs [Wore large and ironishod, and the" .3
tracks had been'ma‘de when the animal was» «
‘at full speed. _ , ‘ , ' I ’ ‘

 

 

.‘j—r

la...

WW»; 1. Lawn- 

White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

29‘

 

 

They were about a day old, evidently
made that mornlng early.

The tracks led up toward the mountains,
in the direction from whence the Mad
Marauder had come the night he had seen
him before.

" I will take that trail at dawn,” muttered
the Surgeon Scout, and he retired to his
blankets soon after he had had his supper.

He was up in time to get started with the
first glimmer of light, and he pushed on
along the trail ata fair pace for several hours,
when be halted for breakfast.

He had just finished his meal and was
about to go on his way, when suddenly there
dashed into view over a rise, coming toward
him, none other than the Mad Marauder.

He sprung for his rifle which was against
a tree, when with a wild yell, as the Mad
Marauder beheld him in full uniform he
wheeled his white horse and dashed off like
the wind.

With a bound the Surgeon Scout had
reached the side of Runaway, his tleetest
horse, thrown himself across his back and
was in chase.

Once over the rise and there was a long
stretch of level land and good running.

The white horse was over half a mile
away and fairly flying along.

A chase of ten minutes revealed the fact
that Runaway, fleet as he was, could not
keep near the animal ridden by the Mad
Marauder.

Unwilling to punish his horse, and feeling
that he had the trail to follow, the Surgeon
Scout turned and rode back to his camp,
while the Mad Marauder seeing him in pur-
suit rode on the faster.

“ It is strange that a man who is merciless
to all others, and knows no fear, flies at
sight of a man in uniform,” muttered the
Surgeon Scout.

Returning to his camp he addled Rattler,
and leaving Runaway and Iris pack onies
to follow, continued on along the trai . now
fresh and plainly visible, for the Mad Marau-
der had ridden down alon his former trail
and then back over it, leav ng three tracks.

It was nearing night when he came into a
very wild part of the mountains, seamed by
deep canyons. ,

It was here that the Indian band had gone
after the gold-hunters and had come upon
the Fire Spirit, as they. called the Mad Ma-
rauder.

“ This looks about like a haunt for such a
creature.

” The three trails all go this way, so Iwill
continue on.”

Coming at last to a narrow canyon Frank
Powell discovered many tracks, both old
and new, leading in and out of it, and that
they led in many directions both going to
and from it. -

His keen eyes also detected that there were
other tracks than those of the white horse.

“ I am drawing near the lair of the tiger
now, so I will hunt for a camping-place and
strike out on foot to-morrow, perhaps guard
this can you.”

With this he rode to another canyon
where grass and water Were plentiful, and
soon had his horses staked out. _

yTaking his rifle and extra ammunition he
went on foot back to the canyon, carrying
along with him a bag of provisions.

Finding a good place he quietly sat down
to wait, with all the patience an Indian
would show. ,

Night fell, and as no one appeared, he
went back to his horses, changed their graz-
ing-place after watering them, had his sup-
per and taking his roll of blankets, returned
to his post. I - .

He spread his bed behind a rock, at the
foot of a tree, made his larlat fast, and then
In down to sleep.

eknew that the sli htcst sound would
awaken him, and the ad Marauder could

not pass out of the canyon without coming

within reach of his lariat.
ay was just dawning when he was
aroused by the clatter of hoofs. and he be-
lfifld the Mad Marauder coming toward
m.

CHAPTER LXIII.
run Damon GOLD-Human.

THE Surgeon Scout was upon his feet in
an instant, his rifle placed ready at hand,

 

his lariat coiled to launch upon the Mad
Marauder when he came near enough. ,

The white horse was coming ata rapid I.
gallop, dimly seen in the early dawn, and in -
the shadow of the tree the Surgeon Scout'
would not be seen.

Nearer and nearer came the white horse, l
the Mad Marauder upon his back, without '
saddle or bridle, and carrying in his right _1
hand his terrible knife which he had so often
used against his fellow-beings.

Around and around his head whirled the j.
long lariat of the Surgeon Scout, to he sud- ‘
denly launched with skill and strength. I

The white horse saw the dark coilinthc I
air and swerved, but not quickly enough for n
his master to avoid the fatal noose, which
settled over the broad shoulders

1n fright. the white horse wheeled and
darted back up the canyon. there was heard ,
a sharp twang as the lariat tightened, and :
dragged suddenly from his horse, the Mad
Marauder fell With a heavy thud upon the ‘
ground.

In an ,instant Frank Powell had leaped I
over the rock, dashed down into the Us“, 
pistol in band, and bent over the huge form.

It lay motionless, save for the twitching of
the muscles, for the fall had been a stunning
one.

Then, too, the e 'es of the Surgeon Scout
fell upon the long nife of the Mad Maraud-
er, with which. rasped in his hand, he had
so fallen as to (1 ve the blade several inches
into his right side.

At once Frank Powell turned the man up- ,
on his back, withdrew the ugly knife, and
with his lariat securely bound his hands and
feet.

Then he stanchcd the flowing blood from
the wounded side and ran back to his camp
for his case of instruments and medicines.

When he returned the now disarmed and
helpless Marauder was showing signs of re-
turning consciousness, and bathing his face
with water from his canteen, the Surgeon
Scout saw the“ large, fierce eyes open and fir.
themselves full upon his‘face.

He saw the face grow more pallid, and
heard the hoarsely uttered words:

“Who are you?"

” Surgeon Powell of the United States
Army.” ‘

“ 'here are your men ‘P”

“ I am alone."

“ i‘ilone here in my domain?”

{3 70s.”

“ Why are you here?”

“ I came to track on down.”

“ You have done t.”

“ Yes, so now can afford to be what you
never were. merciful.

“ You fell upon your knife and drove it in-
to your side."

." God grant the wound be fatal',” uttered
with fervent feeling.

“ Why?”

“ It. is better to die so than at the end of a
rope.”

“ True, but let me look at your wound.”

“ No, it is useless, for I feel that there is
an internal hemorrhage that will soon ebb
my life away."

” Who are you?"

“ What matters it to you?”

“Iwill tell you that you are one of nine
gold-hunters who came here after gold.

“ Where is my friend Vance Reynolds?”

“ Ahlyou knew him i" .

“ He was in best friend.”

“ He is dea ."

“And the others?”

“ Are dead."

“ I low did they die?”

" Probe this wound. as you are a doctor,
and tell me if I have any chance to live.”

“ Not one in a thousand.”

“Then I will tell you how they died. It
was I who killed your friend Reynolds.”

“ Ahl and the others?”

“ I killed them all.” ' r

“My God! you are a human vampire,
man."

“ I came here with them to search for gold.
We covered zip our tracks so that we could
not be track , burned our bridges after us,
so to speak, and wen't to work.

“ We had all kinds of plans to frighten the
Indians into letting us alone—red and blue
fire, rockets and everythingelse of a wicked
nature.

 

” we struck it rich, very rich, for we found ,

gold enough to make us all well off, and

‘ pooled it together.

"But, I wanted it all. What all had
would make me a very rich man, and so I
was tempted.

“One by one, I killed them, and then,
when the deed was done, I sought to get
still more gold.

“ I worked and worked, and all whom I
saw come this way I tried to kiil.

“Idetermined to make men fear me. so -
raided the mining-camps and settlements,
attacked trains, gold-hunters and red-skins,

, and spared no one save soldiers, for once I

was a soldier myself, but left the service
lured by gold. ‘

“I became gold-nuuldeued aanblood-mudw
dened, and—~well, you know what I have
done, and yonarc the only One that did not
fear me.

“ You have come here, just as I was think-
ing I would go away with my fortune, my
loved gold, and live in luxury far from these
scenes.

"I have someof the horses of our part
to carry the gold, and in a few more days
would have been gone.

“ But, you have given me my death
wound, and I will be avenged on you, for
I will keep my secret; on can never find
my gold,” and with a Wild burst of laughter,
the gold-maddcncd man repeated again:

“ No! nol Dying I am avenged, for you
shall never have my gold.”

Plucky as be was. Frank Powell was
horrified at the mad hate and revenge of the
dying man.

But, he saw an instant change come over
the face, alook of intense sufierin , and a
groan broke from between the ole teeth.

Quickly Frank Powell unbound the hands;
but too late, for he had but done so when he
heard the low uttered words:

“Curse you, too late, for I have not the
strength now to kill you."

A moment after the Surgeon Scout folded
the hands upon the broad breast, for the
mad gold-hunter was dead.

CHAPTER LXIV.
BACK m Tatum-H.

Tim Surgeon Scout stood for along time
gazing down upon the giant form and savage
ac

e of the man whom
a human fiend.

But he was a. philosopher, and at last, with
a sigh. threw his blanket over the form and
Fvent back to his camp and cooked his break-
a .

eve of gold had made

st.

“Then he brought his horses up, and
taking a pick and shovel from his pack,
sought a spot not far away and dug a grave.

Into this the body was placed, it was filled
in and heavy stones piled on top as a menu-
ment, and to keep off the wolves.

This work done, be mounted his horse,
and with the others following, rode on u
the canyon in search of the den of the ma -‘
man.

He readily followed the trails, and several
miles up, under the shadow of a lofty cliff,
he came to a pretty valle .

There was a rock as in there, a corral
formed of rocks, and staked out and feeding
near were half a dozen horses, one a very
large black more. and not far away the fleet
lwhite steed of the madman, and which was.
oose.

The Surgeon Scout staked his own horses

out, and getting near the white, threw a ,k

lariat over his head.

The animal took it more kindly than he
had expected he would, and was soon most
obedient to his new master.

He was a splendid beast, and perfect in
form, though very large, and the Surgeon
Scout felt that he had capturedaprize in
him‘ and the black mare at least. I

The, cabin had only a bed of skins in it, a
table of legs, a bench, and some cooking
utensils, while from all he discovered about
him, Frank Powell felt convinced that the
madman had lived like a wild beast, eating
flesh and fish alone.

Not far from the cabin were the raves of
the gold-madman's victims, but not log else
was found of interest to the Surgeon Scout.

In vain he searched for the goldenttrel-
sure, for it was not to be found. _‘ '

Camping that night in the valley, he

 

‘30

White Beaver’s Still Hunt.

 

 

searched the next day and the next for the
rnadman’s gold.

But it was not to be found, and after
three days’ fruitless search the Surgeon
Scout decided to depart from the scene.

He carried the horses of the Mad Marauder
with him, riding the splendid white himself,

, though at first the animal fretted at the bit

- and the saddle.

Just one week since his leaving the Indian
village, White Beaver rode into the valley
mounted upon the snow-white horse of the
Fire Spirit, and with the other horses follow-
,ing‘him.

he horses, save the black mare and the
{white horse, were given to War Eagle, and,
after a stay of several days in the village,
the Surgeon Scout started upon his return to
{the fort, having the pledge of the old chief,
Death Fighter, and the young leader of the
warriors, that they would bury the hatchet
with their white foes.

As his expedition had terminated so
quickly, the supplies he had brought with

‘ him to lost him months, except enough to

last him to the fort. were given to old
Death Fighter, and with the real friendship
of his red brothers, White Beaver started for
Fort M———— to report his success to Colonel
Merrill, and spread the good news that the
reruel career of the Deadly Hand Demon had
ended.

Again also was the Surgeon Scout made
the recipient of many presents from his In-
dian friends, and the ponies were well laden,
for gifts were also sent by the chiefs and
Red Bird to Colonel Merrill and others who
had remembered them.

With no dread this time of there being
Vices in ambush for him, Frank Powell
, started upon his trail, and the third day,
after easy riding, came in sight of the fort.

. He was not ong in being recognized by
the sentinel, with his two horses and pack-
?mnies, and the news, of his return spread-

« 11;; about the fort it was at once decided

i that some accident had caused himto come
back. or he had given up his mission.

,‘ “No, he is not the man to surrender,”
said the colonel, when he heard of it, and
immediately after it was re or‘ted to him

> that the Surgeon- Scout hm, six horses, a
large white and black, which as they were he-
hind the others had not at first been seen.

When he drew nearer there was a burst of
, cheering, for many scouts and soldiers recog-
, .nized the large white horse of, the Mad

Marauder, and this told them thatnhe Sur-

fgeon Scout had won the game of life or
oath played with the merciless man¢killer

.of the mountains. , . .
As he rode) into the stockade he was .re-

, ceived with deafening cheers, which was re-'

‘ posted when, in answer to a question of the
. ‘ofiiccr of the day he answered: I

 “Yes, I ran him to earth, Captain Nor-
,throp. There are hisrhorses.”

‘ anPrERLXV.
V wnr'rn nnnvnn’s Dais'rmx.
i. COLONEL MERRILL listened to all that the
urgeon Scout had totell him of his hunt

for the Mad Marauder, and received with
pleasure the gifts sent to him.

' ", You have won your game against what I'

believed ,ito’ be'certm'n. eath, Powell, and.
_ on descrvethe’ greatest credit. ,

, ” I regret exceedingly, however, that you
could not find the gold that man hid away,
for it must be considerable; , , r ’

x“ You must tr it againsome time, getting
some of yonr In lane lies tohelp you. i ,

’ ,“But best of all, you have cemented
peaceful alliance between the‘Indis’ns an I

urselves, and I am sure’if I stated the facts
gto’sthe Secretary of War you Would at once
be reappointed into‘the army.” »

"No, thank you, colonel, my resignation
asfinal, and I drift withthe tide. ' ,' .
;“ I shall go down to Bed Rock City and

practice in the minesgfor awhile, perhaps,
»’ ing an interest in some claimaand may

g the Indians at certain timesto
gt’lgiir pledges. -
Ramada a retreat and have number search

I pep it.th

that goldtbut itlsdo not find: it then-,1 z
‘ giro itup. and-leave its for some lucky:

idioms) Sal!
iingfu

tum“ ‘ . “,3 ,.

. fortune, and Will get'more.

camp a Weaker so at, the 

 

:npono when, thesaurus: infect; _ i

“ A lucky find it will be; but then you say
you will go to Bed Rock City ‘2”

” Yes, sir, there is considerable money in
practicing there, and when I have put aside
a good sized purse, I will go East and settle
somewhere, for I shall follow my destiny,
lead where it will, sir, and my fate beckons
me in that direction.

" The black mare, colonel, which belonged
to the Marauder, I wish you to accept, for
she is still a fine animal, but the white I
shall keep, and I will have the satisfaction
of knowing that I have the fleetest horse I
ever rode, and he follows me like a dog,
rather liking the change, I think, from his
former vicious master. ” ,

It was just one week after his return that
Surgeon Frank Powell bade farewell to the
fort, and with his two pack-ponies, and three
horses, Rattler, Runaway and Rover, as he
had called the white horse, he started alone
upon the trail for Bed Rock City.

Thepe, was however, another companion
that he had, a superb Siberian bloodhound
and grayhound mixed, given him by Colonel
Merrill, and which at once became acomrade
with him and his horses.

“No more sleepless nights for me, with

you on guard, Sentinel," he said to the dog
as tIhey camped their first night out on the
trai . .
Arriving at Bed Rock the Surgeon Scout
was greeted by Paul Paxton, Little Nugget
and others with delight, especially as he
said he had, come there to hang out his shin-
gle as a doctor. .

He bought out a miner who had a good
cabin centrally located. and an interest in a
claim, and at once settled down to work.

When it became known that he had met
and, slain the dread Mad Marauder, and had
his famous white horse with him. the miners
were loud in their praise of him, and regard-
ed him with devoted admiration.

Frank Powell kept the story of the friend-
ly alliance with the Indians 9. secret, as he
knew there were men who at once would
invade their territory in search of gold; and
he also had nothing to say about the un-
found treasure of the madman. Or the motive
which the terrible slayer had in killing those
who went near his haunts.

As he had planned, he was not very long
in getting a good. practice, principally in

unshot and knife wounds, and from'acci-

eats the miners met with at work.

Now and then he had an attack of sick-
ness to pull through. for some poor fellow,
but disease there was not able to claim vic-
tims in the ratio that.“ the knife and revol-
ver did. ' ‘

It was not very long after his arrival
that Doctor Powell began to make adia-
eovery. ’ ’

This was to the effect that the manager

of the property for the Widow Beauty—for _

such the miners. had earned Little Nugget—
had fallendesperately in love with his retty
employer," while on her part she, was eeply
interested in the handsome flung man who
devoted himself so thoroug y to, her inter-
ests. ‘ z . i

“I am glad to ‘see this come out‘ so,”
mused White Beaver. ,

“ The woman is true as steel, refined,
educated and will make him a good wife,
and she deserves some happiness in her life
during her latter years. , '

“ Paul Paxton is a splendid? fellow, and
his cleverness has discovered what, she never
would haVe been able to find out, that'her

gambler husband held a claim of some ,

pecuniary kind upon half the miners in Bed
Rock City. , v‘ “ i
“ Hehas already secured for her/ a large
“ Then they canflea've thisihateful place,
marr and settle ,down in: a civilised coin-
mumty,‘ as I myself hope to do some day.”
Months rolled by and at lastthe news
spread around that, the-Widow Beauty was
to leave Bed Rock City forever. ' -
- She had amassed a' fortune,

on she ihsd found one. Paul Paxton
was to dollow,‘ having closed out the claims
in Bed‘R’ock’.’ and theywere to be married:

withof  pretty
and

Widow allgbeeh latent
linking a sent an the

box, . enamel-n

.the bride away. ,.

through. the, _
Q goodmanagement of' Paul Paxton, and she
,wa‘gvfioing to finds home elsewhere. ‘

, A eta ‘eline had“ been established. to Bed:
Rock Qty a few; months, hetero, andthe

ing she departed amid the wild farewells of
hundreds of admirers.

Several months after Paul Paxton received
a letter telling him to come.

She had found a home in Wisconsin, and
they would be married upon his arrival.

There was a message in the letter for-
Frank Powell which read:

“ Tell Doctor Powell that a good physician
is much needed here in this rapidly growing
town, so he must come.

"Tell him that as he deprived me of a
husband—the kindest act of his life—and I
have no father or brother, Ishall expect him
to give me away to you.

“Don’t let him fail.”

When this was read to the Surgeon Scout
he said: .

“ I suppose it is my destiny, Paxton, and
it has been my intention to leave this wild
life.

“Go with me to my Indian friends {on a
visit, then to the fort, and upon our return
we- will start together.”

“ I will gladly go with you to the Indian
village and the fort, if you will accompany
me, Powell, so it’s a bargain," was the an-
swer. r

Several days after the two started upon the
trail to the Indian villaire, then made their
visit of a few/ days a? the fort. Colonel
Merrill was presented with the famous white
horse as a parting present from his valued
friend, the Surgeon Scout.

Just three weeks later. in'a pretty home
ina beautiful and prosperous young city of
Western Wisconsin, on the banks of the
mighty Father of Rivers. Paul Paxton and
Mrs. Ethel Bolton—nee Ethel Arden, were
married, and it was Frank Powell who gave

To-day, still known as ‘White Beaver. the
Magic Medicine Chief, he is famed in his
profession, distinguished as a public-spirit-
ed citizen, occupying offices of high trust,
and in his own beautiful residence a hospi—
table host.

None are more welcome than his old pards
of the wilderness, who shared with him the

excitement of the trail, the bivouae of the

fort riders, and that ; close communion of
peril and privation which makes friendships
that only end with life. .

Long live the gallant White Beaver!

THE END.

Nax'r‘Dmn LIBRARY, Noumea 821. ,

run near: nears ms Myron: '

A Story ot‘the Most curious Case dam Police
' > ‘ Records, viz: '

. The, Tramp Shadows non; 

Unraveling the UmbrellaClne.  I,

 BY HAROLD PAYNE. ‘

Superintendent Byrnes’s great special, Wain-r,
takes the trail to probe the Long island Newtown
'mystery—the murder of the ‘ ‘
Mysterious Mn, June: !‘
Burr at once plunges into‘a perfect mess ‘of ‘dooep
tion, intrigue‘and betrayal. > He is. » _ ‘ I
. named, Hoodwmk’edmpbuodr‘  v f X ‘
and almost to theych end is lured on} false clues
warms trails that would have ‘ f x , « r l v
Deceiver! Lucifer fllrnielf'! i
But the great detective hapgslon with an tenacity '
of a bull-dog. and potato a piece of-worlr at the 
momentthatu ’V i, ,1 _ ‘ 31%:
' Cotter-o my; withislony'l I I.
"and damsel-y a solvedtfllq diabolical ma .
flxths crime on unplepdid yams man   '
I and ‘ , r . , I . ’ r, ’

(nut nufihne new“; r X _ ,
adds one morevletory; to lifelong  of.  I

 

“Movements.  2L ' more 9“ .

 

BEADLE’S*DIME*EBRARY.

Published Every Wednesday. Each Issue Complete and Sold at the Uniform Price of Ten Cents. No Double Numbers.

 

 

BUFFALO BILL’ NOVELS.
1
By Colonel Prentiss Ingraliam.

Buffalo Bill‘s Death-Knell.
. Buffalo Bill’s Winning Hand.
" Bugalo Eli’s geaddshot.
Bu a o ‘s ran .
Buffalo Bill's Spy Shadower.
Buflalo Bill's Sweepstake.
B igalo {1's 1‘lllozen; or, Silk Ribbon Sam.
Bu :1 o i s ascot.
Buffalo Bill‘s Double.
Buffalo Bill's Big Four.
'743 Buffalo Bill‘s Flush Hand.
' llulfalo Bill‘s Blind: or. The Masked Driver.
' Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men.
Bugalo Biil‘l’s lBeaglgs; 013 Silk Lasso Sam.
“Bu aloB ‘5 od' uar . ‘
Buffalo Bill on the, War- nth. '
‘ Buffalo Bill’s Scout Shac owers.
Buffalo Bill Baffled; or. The Deserter Desperado.
Buffalo Bill's Buckskin Brotherhood.
Buffalo Bill’s Blind Trail; or. Mustang Madge.
Buffalo Bill‘s Swoop; or. The Kill}: 01’ the Mines.
Buffalo Bill's Chief of Cowboys; or. Buck Taylor
Buffalo Bill‘s Bonanza; or. Si ver Circle Knights.
362 Buflalo Bill‘s Grip; or. Oath Bound to Custer.
.329 Buflalo Bill‘s Pier ge: or. The League of Three.
189 »\ ild Billis Gold Trail; or. The Desperate Dozen.
175 Wild Bill‘s Trump Card: or. The Indian Heiress.
168 Wild Bill. the Pistol Dead Shot.

By Bu ll'alo Bill.

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 Pard; 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.
8‘3 Gold Bullet Sport: or. Kni hts of the Overland.
59 Death-Trailer. the Chief o Scouts.

By Leon Lewis, Ned Buntllne, etc.

’773 Buffalo Bill‘s Ban; or. Cody to the Rescue.

6‘32 Buflalo 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 Buffalo Bill s Strange Pard: or, Dashing Dandy.
92 Buflalo Bill, the Buckskin King.

BY WILLIAM H. MANNING.

808 TheCrook-Detective’s Pull.
‘790 Plunger Pete, the Race Track Detective.

174 Steve Starr, the Dock Detective.

764 The New York Sharp‘s Shadower.

738 Detective Claxton, the Record Breaker.

'714 Gabe Gail, the Gambolier from Great Hump,
70% Spokane Saul, the Samaritan Sus ct.

692 Dead Shot Paul. the Deep-Range x lorer.

1855 Strawberry Sam. the Man with the irthmark.
646 Dark John. the Grim Guard.

638 Murdock. the Dread Detective.

6‘23 Dan erous Dave, the Never-Beaten Detective.
611 Alkai Abe the Game Chicken from Texas.

596 Rustler Rnhe: the Round-Up Detective.

585 Dan Dixon‘s Double. .

575 Steady Hand. the Napoleon of Detectives.
56:} Wyoming Zeke, the Hotspur of Hone; suckle.
.551 Garry Kean. the Man with Backbone.

539 Old Doubledark, the Wily Detective.

531 Saddle-Chief Kit. the Prairie Centaur.

1521 Paradise Sam. the Nor’-West Pilot.

513 Tean Tartar, the Man With Nine Lives.

506 Uncle Honest. the Peacemaker of Hornets‘ Nest.
49% Central Pacific Pa' 1. 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 Yellowbird. the, Toll Hustler of the Hills.
449 Bluff Burke. King of the Rockies.

44-3 Wild West Walt. the Mountain Veteran.

4‘37 Deep Duke; or, The Man of Two Lives.

427 The Rivals of Montana Mill.
415 Hot Heart, the Detective sfp
405 Old-Bald . the Brigadier o

v.

Buck Basin.

395 Will Die Turpin, tne Leadvillo Lion.

297 Colorado Rube. the Strongr Arm of Hots 111‘.
279 The Gold Dragoon, or. California Bloo hound.

BY HAROLD PAYNE.

806 The Grand Street Gold-Dust Sharpers. .
798 Detective Burr’s Luna ic Witness; or, The River-
side Drlve Death-Mystery.

792 The Wall Street Sharper’s Snap.
784 Thad Burt’s Death Drop.
74:2 Detective Burr Among the New York Thugs.
734 Detective Burr‘s Foil; or. A Woman's Strategy.
7:28 Detective Burr. the Headquarters Special.
713 Detective Burr’s Spirit Chase.

l 706 Detective Burt‘s seven Clues.
698 Thad Burr. the Invincible: or, The “L” Clue.
690 The Matchless Detective:
680 XX, the Fatal Clew: or. Burr's Master Case.

BY LIEUT. A. K. SIMS.

801 The King Pin of the Leadville Lions.

786 Chicago Charlie’s Diamond Haul.

776 Chicago Charlie. the Columbian Detective.

758 The Wizarl Kin Detective.

723 Teamster Tom. ghe Boomer’Detectivs.

709 Lodestone Lem. the Cham ion of Chestnut Burr.
695 Singer Sam. the Pilgrim etective.

688 River Bustiers: or. the Detective from ’Way 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.
528 Huckleberry, the Foot-Hills Detective.

 

BY JOSEPH E. BADGER. JR.

796 The Frisco Detectlve's Thug-Tangle.
789 Sam Cary. the River Sport.
780 The Dead Sport’s Double.
771 Prince John. Detective S )ccinl.
703 Dandy Don, the Denver Detective.
7.34 ’1 he Man from Texas; Dangerfield, the
Doctor Detective.
744 Sweepstakes Sam, the Silver Sport.
7‘20 The Secret Six; or, Old Halcyon.
712 The Man of Silk.
705 Bantam Bob. the Beauty from Butte.
693 Kent Kusson, the Preacher Sport.
683 Bob Breeze, the Rounder Detective.
675 Steel Sorry, the Sport from Sunrise.
668 Solemn Saul's Luck Stl‘tllk.
661 The Get-There Sharp.
651 Silvertip Steve, the Sky Scraper from Siskiyou.
615 Gopher Gabe, the Unseen Detective.
636 Dandy Darling, Detective,
627 Mosshuck Mose, the Mountaineer.
617 The Grip-Sack Sharp’s Even up.
597 Big Bandy. the Brigadier of Brimstone Butte.
588 Sandy Sands, the Sharp from Snap City.
576 Silver-Tongued Sid: or. Grip Sack Sharp’s Sweep.
561 The Grip-Sack Sharp: or. The Seraphs of Sodom.
555 Grip-Sack Sid. the Sample Sport.
517 The Buried Detective; or. Soul‘s Six Sensations.
541 Major Magnet, the Man of Nerve.
535 Dandy Dutch. the Decorator from Dead-Lift.
527 Dandy Andy, the Diamond Detective.
514 Gabe Gunn. the Grizzlfifrom Ginseng.
501 Solemn Saul. the Sad an from San Saba.
495 Rattlepate Rob; or. The Roundheud's Reprisal.
488 The Thorou hbred Sport.
474 Daddy Den -Eye, the Desnot of Dow Drop.
466 Old Rough and Ready. the Sage of Sundown.
458 Dutch Dan. the Pilgrim from Spitzenberg.
450 The. Rustler Detective.
443 A Cool Hand; or. Pistol Johnny’s Picnic.
438 Oklahoma Nick.
4% Laughing Leo; or. Sam‘s Dandy Pard.
426 The Ghost Detective: or. The Secret Service Spy.
416 Monte Jim. the Black Sheep of Bismarck.
409 Rob Roy Ranch: or, The Imps of Pan Handle.
40:: The Nameless Sport.
395 Deadly Aim. the Duke of Derringers.
387 Dark burg. the Ishmael of the Hills.
879 Howling.r J onathan, the Terror from Headwaters.
372 Captain Crisp. the Man with a Record.
867 A Royal Flush: or, Dan Brown‘s Big Game.
800 Jumping Jerry, the Gamecock from Sundown.
355 Stormy Steve. the Mad Athlete.
351 Nor‘ West Nick. the Border Detective.
845 Masked Mark. the Mounted Detective.
889 Spread Eagle Sam. the Hercules Hide Hunter.
881 Chis Charley. the Gold Nug‘ et Sport.
824 Old orked Lightninr. the Sol tary.
817 Frank Lighti’oot. the Miner Detective.
Elm-Faro Saul. the Handsome Hercules.
292 Moke Homer, the Boss Roustabout.
286 Pistol Johnny; or. One Man in a Thousand.
283 Sleek Sam. the Devil of the Mines.
257 Death Tra Digginizs: 01'. A Man ’Way Back.
249 Elephant om. of Duranzo.
241 Spitfire Saul. King of the Rustlers.
233 The Old Boy of Tombstone.
201 Pirate of the Placers: or. Joa uin's Death Hunt.
197 Revolver Rob: or. The Belle 0 Nugget Camp.
180 Old ‘49: or. The Amazon of Arizona.
170 Sweet William. the Trapper Detective.
165 Joaquin. the Terrible _
154 Joaquin, the Saddle King. v
141 E uinox Tom. the Bully of Red Rock.
127 So Scott. the Masked Miner.
119 Alabama Joe: or. The Yazoo Man-Hunters.
105 Dan Brown of Denvev‘: or. The Detective.
88 Big George; or. The Five Outlaw Brothers.
71 Captain Cool Blade: or. Mississippi Man Shark.
67 The Boy Jockey; or, Honesty vs. Crookedness.
64 Double-Sight. the Death Shot.
50 Jack Rabbit, the Prairie Sport.
47 Pacific Pete, the Prince of the Revolver.
45 Old Bull s-Eve. the Lightning Shot.
40 Long-Haired Pards: or. The. Tarters of the Plains.
30 Gospel George; or. Fiery Fred. the Outlaw.
28 Three-Fingered J lack. the Road-Agent.

or.

BY ‘VILLIAM R. EYS’I‘ER.
783 The King-Pin Tramp.

I 767 The Sport of Silver'Bend.

718 Uncle Bedrock‘s Big Bounce.
707 The Rival Rovers.
68? Double Cinch Dan. the Sport With a Charm.
677 Mr. Jackson. the Gent from Jaybird.
659 Gilt-Edge Johnnv: or. Roldan and His Rovers.
650 Lucky Lester’s one. Hand.
634 Old Handcart‘s Big Dump.
622 The All Around S orts.
003 Desert Alf. the l on With the Cougar.
590 Gentle Jack, the High Roller from Humbug.
578 Seven Shot Steve. the Sport with a Smile.
568 The Dude Detective.
558 Hurrah Harry, the High Horse from Halcyon.
549 Belshazzar Brick, the Bailiff of Blue Blazes.
533 Oregon. the Sport Witha Scar. ‘
525 Fresh Frank. the Derringer Daisy.
503 The Dude from Denver.
478 Pinnacle Pete; or. The Fool fr Way Back.
459 Meier Sunshine, the Man of Th ee Lives.
4% flu r Trigger Tom of Red Bend.
40-2 Snapshot Sam; or. The Angels’ Flat Racket.
896 The Piper Detective; or. The Gilt Edge Gang.
875 Royal George, the Three in One.
356 Thr ~e Handsome Sports: or, The Combination.
344 Double Shot Dave of the Left Band.
338 Derringer Dick. the Man with the Drop.
00 A Sport in Spectacles; or. Bad Time at Bunoo.
268 Magic-Mike. ‘he Man of Frills.

229 Captain Cutsleeve; or. The Little Sport.

214 The Two Cool Sports; or. Gertie of the Gulch.
192 The Lightning Sport.

182 Hands Up; or. The Knights of the Canyon.

160 Soft Hand. Sharp: or. The Man with the Sand.
145 Pistol Purds; or, The Silent Sport from Cinnabar

 

‘ ALBERT W. AIKEN’S NOVELS.

Dick Talbot Series.

741 Dick Talbot’s Close Call.
737 Dick Talbot in A mche Land.
733 Dick Talbot. the lunch King.
729 Dick Talbot's Clean-Out,
72.“) Dick Talbot in No Man’s Camp.
384 Dick Talbot in the Rockies: or. Injun Dick.
3351 Dick T.tlhot: m. The Brand or Crimson Cross.
349 Dick. the Gentleman Road-Agent.
107 Dick Talbot. of Cinnabar.
93 Dick Talbot. King of the Road.
41 Dick Talbot in Utah: or. Gold Dan.
38 Dick Talbot’s lrou (hip; or. The Velvet Hand.
36 Dick Talbot: or. The Death-Shot of Shasta.
35 Dick Talbot at the Mines: or, Kentuck. the Sport.
34 Dick Tnlbot‘s Foe; or. Rocky Mountain Rob.
33 Dick Talbot at White Pine; or. Overland Kit.

Alken’s Fresh of Frisco Serles.

660 The Fresh in Montana; or, Blake's Full Hand.
652 The Fresh ‘s Rustle at Painted City.
647 The Fresh at Santa Fe; or. The Stranger Shn rp.
556 Fresh. the Sport: or. The Hip: Racket at Slide Out.
537 Fresh Against the Field: or. Blake. the Lion.
529 The Fresh of Frisco in New York.
497 The Fresh in Texas; or. The Escobollo Millions.
461 The Fresh of Frisco on the Rio (jraude.
173 The Fresh in Arizona; or. California John.
130 The Fresh in llIexico; or. Captain Volcano.
97 The Fresh in Big Walnut Camp; or. Bronze Jack
77 The Fresh of Frisco.

Aiken’n Joe Plienlx Series.

799 Joe Phenix’s Great Blue Diamond Case; or, The
New York Sport at Long Branch.

793 Joe Phenix's Decoy: or, The Man of Three.

760 Joe Pheuix‘s Lone Hand.

749 Joe Phenix‘s Big Bulge,

745 Joe l’henix‘s Mad Case.

708 Joe Pbe'nix‘s Siren; or. The Woman Hawkshaw.

700 Joe Phenix‘s Unknown; or. Crushing the Crooks

681 Joe Phenix‘s‘ S eclnls; or. The Actress Detective

637 Joe Pbenix in ‘razy Camp.

682 Joe Phenix‘s Master Search.

628 Joe Phenix’s Combine ; or,the Dandy Conspirator

620 Joe Phenix’s Silent Six.

601 Joe Phonix‘s Shadow: or.the Detective! Monitor

419 Joe Phenix., the Kim: of Detectives.

891 Joe Phonix‘s Still Hunt.

181 Joe Phenix‘s Great Man Hunt. .

112 Joe Phenix, Private Detective; or, The League.
79 Joe Phenix. the Police Spy.

Aiken’n Miscellaneous Novels.

775 King Dandy. the Silver Sport.
758 Gideon‘s Griplat Babylon Bar.
717 Captain Pat cGowen, the Greencoat Detective.
674 Uncle Sun Up, the Born Detective.
670 The Lightwei ht Detective.
065 The Frisco D ective; or, The Golden Gate Find.
618 Keen Billy, the Sport.
607 Old Benzine the “ Hard Case " Detective.
594 Fire Face, the Silver King‘s Foe.
586 The. Silver Sharp Detective.
577 Tom, of Califrrnia; or, Detective‘s Shadow Act.
570 The Actress Detective: or. The Invisible Hand.
562 Lone Hand. the Shadow.
520 The Lone Hand on the Caddo.
490 The Lone Hand in Texas.
475 Chin Chin. the Chinese Detective.
The Actor Detective.
440 The High Hor c of the Pacific.
425 The Lone Hand; or. The Red River Recreants.
408 Doc Grip. the Vendetta of Death.
381 The Gypsy Gentleman: or. Nick Fox. Detective
376 Black Boards: 01. Tile Rio Grande lllnh Horse
370 The Duskv Deco ctive: or. Pursued to the End.
863 Crowningshwld. the Detective
1120 The Geno-cl Sno tter: or The N. Y. Night Hawk.
25:? The Wall Street l‘lnod; or. The Telegraph Girl.
203 The Double Detective: or.’l'he Midnight Mystery.
196 La. Marmosot. the Le tective Queen.
101 The Man from New York.
91 The Winning Oar: or. The lnnkeeper’s Daughter.
84 Hunted Down: or. The. League 0 T ree.
81 The Human Tiger: or. A Heart of Fire.
75 GentlemauGeorgc: or. Parlor. Prison and Street.
7'.‘ The Phantom Hand: or. The 5th Avenue Heiress.
63 The Winged Whale: or. The Red Rupert oi Gulf.
59 The Man from Texas: or. The Arkansas Outlaw.
55 The Indian Mazeppn: or. Madman of th Plains.
49 The Wolf Demon: or. The Kannwha . n.
42 The California Delectl ve: or, The Who ies of N.Y.
31 The New York Sharp: or. The Flash of Lightning.
27 The Spotter Detective: or. Girls of New York.

LATEST AND NEW ISSUES.

809 Dan Dunn. the Soft-Hand Sport; or The Gam-
bler Broker‘s ShortSto . Bv Jos. E. Badger. Jr.
810 Fire—Eye. the Thuz‘s ' error: or, Cockney Bob‘s
Big Bluff. By Wm. G. Patten.
811 The Man in Red; or The Island Rovers. By
Lieut. Ha Denies Perry U. S. .
812‘ Buffalo Bil ‘s Death-Knel ; or. The Red Hand
Riders of the Rockies. By Col. P. Ingraham.
813 The Sham Spotter's Shrewd Scheme: or. be.
tective Burr‘s Din‘mcnd Drop. Bv H. Payne.
814 The New Yorker Amons Texas ports: or. Do-
tective Tomlinson's Still Hunt. By A. W. Aiken.
815 The Soft Hand’s Clutch: or. The Night-Hawk
Chief’s Right Hand Man: By Joe. E. Badger. Jr.
816 Buffalo Bill's Red Trail: or. The Road-Rider
Renegade‘s Run-Down. By Col. P. Ingraham.
817 Plush Velvet. the Prince of tlpotters: or. Bounc-
ing Bowery Lawyer Sharks. .y Cu t H. Holmes
818 Gentleman Dave. the Dead Game port; or. The
Card ueen of Silver Seam. By Wm. R. Eyster.
819 The Rival Monte Cristos; or, he Frenchman a
Play for High Stakes. By Col. P. Ingraham.
A new issue every Wednesday.
lleldl‘e’s Dime Library is fort agile 131 all
lewedea ers. ten cents per copy. 0r sen y m on
receipt of twelve cents each. ADLE & ADAMS.
Publishers, 98 William street, New York.

 

BUFFALO BILL NOVELS IN BEADLE’S DIME LIBRARY. -

 

 

822 Buffalo Bill’s Best Bower: or The Nemesis of the
Wild West. By Col. Prentiss lngraliain.

820 White Beaver‘s Still Hunt; 01‘ The Miner Ma-
rauder‘s Death-Track. By Buffalo Bill.

816 Buffalo Bill‘s Red Trail: or. The Road-Rider
Renegades Run-Down. By Col. P. Ingzaham.

812 Buffalo Bill‘s DeathKnell: or. The Red Band
Rider‘s of the Rockies. By Col. P. Ingrahuni.

807 Wild Bill. the Wild West Duelist: or. The Girl
Mascot of Moonlight Mine. By Buffalo Bill.

800 Wild Bill, the Dead-Center Shot: or. Rio Grande
Ralph, the Cowboy Chief. By Buffalo Bill.

794 Buffalo Bill‘s Winning Hand; or. The Masked
Woman of the Colorado Canyon. By Ingroham.

787 Buffalo Bill’s Dead Shot; or, The SD elelon Scout
of the Colorado. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

781 Buffalo Bill‘s Brand: or. The Brimstone Brother-

 

hood. By Col. Prentiss Ingrahain.

 

 

BUFFALO BILL AS HERO AND AUTHOR!

m fiuffalo Bill‘s 8py-Shsd<iawe£; 1011;. I'l‘heaglssked
en at W anyon. ‘o. . ii am.
we again s Ban; or, Cally to the Rgrscue. By
n w
769 Butfalfi‘eBilg' Swee stake: or. The Wipe-out at
t Chance. l. Prentiss Ingraham.
766 Buffab Bill's Dozen; or. Silk Ribbon Sam. By
Col. Prentiss Ingrahsm.
761 Buffle Bill’s Mascot: or. The Death Valley
Victim No. 13. By Col. Prentiss lngraliem.
757 Buffalo Bill's Double; or. The Desperado Detec-
tive. By 001. Prentiss Ingrnhsm. -
750 Buffalo Bill’s Big Four: or, Custer's Shadow.
. By Col. Prentiss ingrahsm.
7‘48 Buflalo Bill’s Flush Hand; or. Texas Jack's
Bravos. Br Col. Prentiss Ingrahsm.
van Buffalo Bill’s Blind; or. The Masked Driver of
Des ‘s Canyon. By Col. Prentiss In ham;
785 Buffalo Bill and His Merry Men: or. he Robin
; Hood Rivals. Col. Prentiss Ingrabnm. .
:78! Buffalo Bill‘s Miles; or, Silk lasso Sam. By.
’ Col. Prentiss lugs-shun.

 

727 Buffalo Bill‘s Bod Guard; or. The Still Hunt of
the Hills. By Co . Prentiss lngmham.

722 Bulfan Bill on the War Path; or. Silk Lasso
Sam. the Will-okthe-Wisp. By Col. P. Ingraham.

716 Buffalo Bill’s Scout Shadowers; or. Emerald Ed
of Devil’s Acre. By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

710 Buffalo Bill Baffled: or, The Deserter Desper-
ado's Defiance. By Col. P. lngraham.

697 Buffalo Bill‘s Buckskin Brotherhood; or, Open
ing Up a L ist Trail. By Col. P. Ingraham.

691 Buffalo Bi‘l‘s Blind Trail; or. The Daughter of
the Regiment. By Col. Prentiss Ingl‘ahnm.

682 Buffalo Bill‘s Secret Service Trail. By Major
Dangerfield Burr.

667 Buffalo Bill‘s Swoop; or, the King of the Mines.
By Col. Prentiss Ingraham.

658 The‘ Cowboy Clan. or. The Tigress of Texas.
By Colonel Prentiss Ingreham.

I ‘
/”,"‘\\\l’IA:B/'

\\

\

\
\

658 The Lasso King‘s League; or. The Tigers of
Texas. By Colonel Prentiss lngraham. , '

849 Buck Te lor. the Saddle King. Buffalo Bills
Chief of. outs. By Col. P. lngrahsni.

644 Buffalo Bill‘s Bonanm' 01'. 'l he Knights of the
Silver C . By Col. P. Inmham.

689 The Gold ing; or. Montebello, the Magnificent.
By Buffalo Bill.

629 Buffalo Bill‘s Dining Bole. or. Deredesth Dick,
King of the Cowboys By Leon Lewis

599 The Dead shot lime: or, My Penis of the Plains.
By Buffalo Bill.

517 Buffalo Bill's Tim Trail. By Ned Buntline.

414 Bed Renard, the Indian Detective: or. The
Words of Colorado. By Buffle Bill.

401 The One-Armed Pard. By Buffalo Bill. ' .

897 The Wizard Bro! hers; or. White Beaver s Trail.

. Buflslo Bill.
894 lte Beaver. the Exile of the Platte: or. A
Man’s Bed 'l'rsil. By Buffalo Bill

Wronsed .
862 Buffalo Bill's Grimor, Oath-bound to Custer.
on. '

By Col. Prentiss Insrah _

 

 

329 Buffalo Bill’s Pledge; or, The League of Three-
By Col. P. Ingraham.

319 Wild Bill, the “'hirliilid of the West. By Buf»
falo Bill.

304 Texas Jack. the Prairie llatiler: or. The Queen.
of the Wild Riders. By Buffalo Bill.

213 The Pilgrim Sharp: or. The SoldiPr‘r Sweetheart;
Bv Buffalo Bill. Government Scout and Guide.

189 Wild Bill‘s Gold Trail; or, The Desperate Dozen
By Col. P. Ingraham

175 Wild Bill's Trum Card; or, The Indian Heiress.
Bv Col. Premise nzmham.

168 Wild Bill,the stol Dead Shot: or, Dagger DOH‘S’
Double. By ol. Prentiss lngraham. .

158 Buffalo Bill, Chief of Scouts; or. The Doomed:
Dozen. 33y Dr. Frank Powell.

1'? Buffalo ill‘s Stranfisi Find or. Dashing Dandy.
The Hotspur of the ills. By Major D. Burr.

 

 

mm Imam SJI'IIE onvma m sarcasm:

92 Buffalo Bill, the Buckskin King: or the Amazon:
goals West. By Major D meld Burr.

88- id Bullet S 011‘ or, the V ights ofthe Over.
land. By Bu lilo ill. '

52 Death Trailer. the Chief of Smutri tr. Life and
Love in a Frontier Fort. By Buns 0 Bill.

LATEST AND NEW ISSUES.

8’” if" ii'i‘ni‘i‘i'fiaf'“ “'3‘ °6' i“? firfi‘lfiw"
u or s.. I o . . - -
820 Whlte Besver's Still Emit- nr, The Miner Mar
rsuder’s Death Track. BB. uffalo Bill. : i
821 'lgiet'jl‘mmp Shadowerlg; Eacirfiri’::heUnravding
l e mbrells Clue. P0 '-
822 Buffalo Bill’s Best Bower; or. TteNemeds'ot the
Wild West. By Col. 1’. Ingrehsm.
A nun mm «my Wednesday.

Donne’s Dllno Library i for sale by an
lewsdeelers. ten cents per cop . or fit by mum
recel of.twelve cents each. EAD d:
Pnb hex-s. 98'William street. New York.